Federal Lands Special Project Manager, WMS

Federal Lands Special Project Manager, WMS1

Recruitment #2026-9-7640

Full-time, Non-Permanent, WMS1, Non-represented position

Anticipated employment is October 2026 - March 2027

Location:

Natural Resources Building
- Olympia, WA

Work Hours and Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $7,220.00 - $8,419.00 Monthly

To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $7,220.00 - $8,862.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/1/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join a high-performing team focused on making a difference on Washington’s forests and natural landscapes? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a Federal Lands Special Projects Manager to join its Forest Resilience Division’s Federal Lands Section in a non-permanent appointment.

The Federal Lands Section partners with federal lands managers across Washington, focused on forestland, watershed, and rangeland restoration work through a broad portfolio of project types under 3 distinct programs:
Field Operations, Engineering Services, and Environmental Planning. This position supports the three programs, providing critical senior-level expertise and capacity to existing long-term projects and emerging priority projects, primarily through the department’s Good Neighbor Authority agreement. Projects overseen by this position directly support goals and strategies outlined in the DNR’s 20 Year Forest Health Strategic Plan:
Eastern WA, 2025 Forest Action Plan, and the Western Washington Forest Health Strategic Plan.

• Independently and as part of the team, provide oversight and management of the section’s existing long-term project portfolio, including section and program policy and procedure development
• Provide project field assistance, including compliance, monitoring, and/or technical support
• Complete drafting, review, and compliance of federal and state agreements and contracts
• Conduct forward-facing, strategic development of emergent project types, including piloting new mechanisms
• Provide federal and state grant research, development, and management
• Coordinate with internal and external partners on current and future projects
• Provide division support for cross-programmatic function and outcomes

• A bachelor’s degree with a major emphasis in forestry, natural resource management, or other closely related field AND five (5) years of relevant professional experience in forest land management, natural resource planning, and/ or program development; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience performing the following functions: performance management, organization planning, budgeting, contract management, resource planning, and public/ partner relations.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of public administration, business administration, budgeting, economics, and management.
• Knowledge of principles, theories, and practices of natural resource management and skills to identify and mitigate current issues and conflicts in natural resource management.
• Knowledge and skills in timber and land management planning and practices.
• Knowledge and competency in contract development and administration.
• Knowledge and skills to manage multiple programs and projects.

• 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…