Stewardship Director; EMS BAND 4 Lacey, WA.

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Job Title:

Stewardship Director (Exempt Band 04)

Location:

Lacey, WA

Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000 per year (expected hiring salary typically below the upper end of the range)

Closes:
This posting will remain open until filled. It is in the candidate’s best interest to apply before July 6th, 2026, when the first review of applicants will be completed. The hiring authority reserves the right to fill this position at any time after that date without notice.

Washington State Parks & Recreation is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as its next Stewardship Director. As one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the country, Washington State Parks has a significant responsibility to protect and manage the system’s resources for today’s visitors and for generations to come. Stewardship is a critical lens for State Parks through which all work should be considered.

It is a pillar of our mission, and a healthy, protected, and responsible park system is essential to providing a successful visitor experience.

The Stewardship Director is a member of the agency's executive team and leads the agency’s work on natural and cultural resources, environmental compliance, climate change adaptation and sustainability, and GIS. The position advises the agency's Director, Executive Leadership Team, and Commission on stewardship related matters, furthering the agency’s mission, vision, values, and goals.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Stewardship Director also serves as a critical thinker on high-level agency matters, providing input and advice based on professional experience and perspective. The position works closely with the directors of Park Operations and Parks Development to ensure stewardship is fully integrated into day-to-day park operations, maintenance projects, capital planning, land acquisitions, and other critical work.

The role also collaborates with the Office of Tribal Relations to manage cultural resources, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations while working with tribal entities respectfully, based on cultural humility. This position plays an important part in the agency’s success both within Stewardship and throughout all the agency’s work.

The ideal candidate is an experienced, strategic, and effective leader who can guide a team of committed technical experts toward a shared vision. Maintaining a long-term perspective in a landscape of competing stewardship needs is essential. We are looking for someone who establishes and maintains credibility, shares their voice to inform and influence positively, builds effective partnerships, and gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

At State Parks, your work is mission-driven and deeply meaningful to care for Washington's most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. State Parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives.

• Natural Resources
  :
  Direct, guide, monitor, and evaluate the agency’s Natural Resources Program, including assessing, planning, prioritizing, and developing policy and practices for treating the state park system's natural resources. This includes evaluating recreational impacts, collaborating with sister agencies, managing a comprehensive tree risk management program, and ensuring compliance with the United States v. Washington culvert sub-proceeding.

• Cultural Resources
  :
  Direct, guide, monitor, and evaluate the agency’s archaeology, historic preservation, and collections staff, including assessing, planning, prioritizing, and developing policy and practices for managing cultural resources. This includes managing capital funds for historic property treatments and consulting with tribes on agency activities while complying with federal and state regulations.

• Environmental
  :
  Direct, guide, monitor, and evaluate the agency’s Environmental Program, including assessing, planning, prioritizing, and developing policy and practices…