Forestry Innovation Strategist, Exempt

Forestry Innovation Strategist

Recruitment # Full‑time, Exempt, Non‑represented position.

Location:

Natural Resources Building – Olympia, WA. Partial telework flexibility may be available and considered. Salary: $8,993.00 – $10,488.00 Monthly. To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $8,993.00 – $11,041.00 Monthly. Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/7/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within the Commissioner’s Office as a Forestry Innovation Strategist.

The Forestry Innovation Strategist serves at the pleasure of the Commissioner, reports to the Chief of Staff, and will provide strategic‑level management and analysis of issues related to forestry. The role is primarily responsible for assisting in the development, management, and implementation of forward‑looking strategies that advance the Commissioner’s vision around ecological forestry and other innovative forestry practices. This position will also provide responsive and comprehensive management of other high‑profile, high‑priority projects as assigned by the Commissioner or Chief of Staff.

The position consults and coordinates with DNR agency staff, other members of the executive management team, legislators and legislative staff, external partners, and other governmental agencies to gather and synthesize highly complex information. The Forestry Innovation Strategist will represent the agency and the Commissioner with external partners, elected officials, Tribes, state and local agencies, and the public. Operating at the intersection of policy, science, operations, and partnerships, the role is instrumental to the development and implementation of the Commissioner’s forestry vision.

The position works across DNR divisions and with Tribes, federal and local governments, industry, conservation organizations, labor, and rural communities to develop strategies that innovate and diversify forest management practices.

• Lead the design and execution of strategic initiatives that operationalize the Commissioner’s forestry priorities.
• Translate high‑level policy goals into actionable programs, pilots, and performance metrics.
• Identify emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in forestry, forest products, and land management, and assess their applicability to Washington’s landscapes and trust responsibilities.
• Inform policy development by providing analysis and recommendations grounded in science, operational realities, and external partner input.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities (state, federal, philanthropic) to support innovative forestry initiatives.
• Support legislative and executive briefings, including preparation of memos, testimony, and strategic materials.
• Collaborate on agency legislation and assist with legislation analysis.
• Facilitate inclusive engagement with rural communities, trust beneficiaries, Tribes, environmental organizations, forestry workers, and industry partners.
• Clearly communicate (both in written and oral form) complex forestry and climate topics to diverse audiences, including policymakers and the public.
• Represent the Commissioner on committees, work groups, and forums focused on forestry innovation.

• A master’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, environmental studies, public policy, or a related field; or a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• A minimum of seven years’ experience working on ecological forestry, conservation, or natural resource policy.
• Demonstrated experience working on complex natural resource and forestry issues that align with the Commissioner’s vision, including ecosystem services markets and other innovative funding mechanisms.
• Demonstrated experience driving transformational change while successfully managing internal and external relationships, including industry partners, government officials, agency staff, and the public in pursuit of broad…