Salary : $72,924.00 - $98,040.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-2-7120-01317
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 02/14/2025
Closing Date: 2/23/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionAquatic Reserves Program Manager, Environmental Planner 4 (EP4)Recruitment #2025-2-7120
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WAWork Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and consideredSalary: $6,077.00 - $8,170.00 MonthlyWant to join something GREAT and make a difference?The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity for a
Program Manager to lead the Aquatic Reserves Program. Through the Aquatic Reserves Program, DNR promotes the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of state-owned aquatic lands that are of special educational, scientific, or environmental interest. This position manages the Aquatic Reserves Program, providing leadership and oversight for program activities such as public outreach and education, scientific monitoring and research, reserve management, and establishment and/or expansion of aquatic reserves. This position is a unique opportunity to blend outreach, science, and conservation in the aquatic environment.
Duties Responsibilities:This position implements aquatic reserves management plans, administers the program, and implements the establishment or expansion of aquatic reserves. Assigned duties include:
- Direct DNR staff and other identified partners in the implementation of the research, management, and monitoring actions described in site-specific aquatic reserve management plans.
- Coordinate with external management partners for aquatic reserves and host regular meetings with Implementation Committees or other representative community groups for each reserve.
- Lead periodic updates of reserve management plans, updating goals and objectives for the reserves and incorporating updated information, best available science, and adaptive management planning.
- Develop and oversee a program budget that allows for monitoring, research, and restoration.
- Determine implementation priorities while considering funding and staffing resources.
- Perform general external communications, outreach, and education to the public, local, state, tribal, federal, and private entities informing them about the Aquatic Reserves Program and opportunities for participation in the Program.
- Work with government agencies, Tribes, citizens, non-government organizations (NGO), and others throughout the state regarding site nomination for aquatic reserves.
- Oversee the consideration and development of new aquatic reserves and carry out analysis and public notice under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
- Supervise three direct reports, including NR Scientist 3, NR Scientist 2, and Sci-Tech 3, and seven or more indirect reports, including a conservation corps team of five, NR Scientist 2 and NR Tech 3, and periodic temporary staff such as interns or Civic Spark Fellows.
Qualifications Required Qualifications: - A Bachelor's Degree in environmental science, natural resource management, real estate, forestry, geography, marine science, other science, engineering, land use or environmental planning, public policy, or other relevant field
AND 3 years of relevant experience
OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent. - Experience managing multiple complex tasks, setting workload priorities, and completing tasks on time.
- Experience conducting outreach with external entities such as government agencies, Tribal governments, non-government organizations (NGOs), and community groups.
- Experience with project and program management focused on natural resource management.
- Supervisory experience.
- Able to speak and write clearly and succinctly.
- Collaborates on complex and contentious issues in an active respectful, cooperative, and professional manner.
- Manages multiple complex tasks, sets workload priorities, and completes tasks on time.
- Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
- Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:- The majority of work is performed in an office or meeting setting with some fieldwork. Field visits involve transport by motor vehicle or boat and include working on or around stationary or flowing water (lakes and rivers) and marine waters. Foot travel over rough terrain is occasionally required. While in field settings, the position may come into occasional contact with motor fuels and lubricants, herbicides, or creosote.
- Eight aquatic reserves are located throughout Puget Sound and western Washington. Regular travel to the reserves will be required and occasionally may require overnight stays away from home, usually no more than one to three nights at a time.
Driving is a requirement of the position and often for long distances (up to 300 miles round trip). May require plane, ferry, and automotive transport to various field locations. - A valid unrestricted driver's license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
Desired Qualifications:- Experience interpreting and implementing guidelines, regulations, and laws associated with natural resource management, environmental protection, and/or cultural resource protection.
- Knowledge of Puget Sound (Pacific Northwest) riverine, estuarine, and marine nearshore ecosystem processes and habitats and ability to apply knowledge to resource management.
- Experience facilitating implementation and effectiveness monitoring of aquatic resource management strategies.
- Experience applying for and managing grants for natural resource/environmental protection, recreation, or historical preservation projects.
- Experience with contracts such as small public works, public works, and architecture & engineering contracts.
- Experience facilitating public meetings and giving public presentations.
- Experience in public outreach and education.
- Participation in or experience working with Americorps or other Corps programs.
- Experience with GIS software such as ArcGIS.
- Experience operating small motorboats.
Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don't hesitate to apply!
Supplemental Information Application Requirements:- Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
- Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
- Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
- References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers- you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
- Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
- Complete all supplemental questions.
- Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.
Questions? Please contact Hannah Blackstock at / (360) 790-1696 or e-mail us at
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington's lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision - Our actions ensure a future where Washington's lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission - Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:- Safety and Well-Being -Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
- Public Service -We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
- Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving - We solve our state's most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
- Leadership and Teamwork -We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:- Commitment to organizational health and wellness
- Work/life balance
- DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women's Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
- Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups,
- Leadership that empowers and supports employees
- Professional development opportunities
- Educational and career development aid
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
- Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
- A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit for more information.
Additional Information:This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran's preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Equal Opportunity Employer:The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email
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More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional LeaveLeave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.
02
Please describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.
03
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in environmental science, natural resource management, real estate, forestry, geography, marine science, other science, engineering, land use or environmental planning, public policy, or other relevant fieldAND 3 years of relevant experience;OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent?
04
Do you have experience managing multiple complex tasks, setting workload priorities, and completing tasks on time?
05
Do you have experience conducting outreach with external entities such as government agencies, Tribal governments, non-government organizations (NGOs), and community groups?
06
Do you have experience with project and program management focused on natural resource management?
07
Do you have supervisory experience?
08
Please describe your interest in this position and how it fits with your career goals and previous experience.
09
Do you have a valid unrestricted driver's license and at least two years of driving experience?
10
Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States?
11
Where did you originally hear about this job posting?
- www.dnr.wa.gov
- www.careers.wa.gov
- WA WorkSource office or WorkSourceWA.com
- Governmentjobs.com
- Monster
- Indeed
- LinkedIn
- Twitter
- College/university website/career fair
- Handshake
- Newspaper
- Direct Email Notification
- Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups (BRG)
- Professional/Personal Network
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- Zip Recruiter
- Diversity Jobs
- Facebook
- Other (please specify below)
12
If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.
Required Question
