Fish Program Deputy Director of Regions - WMS Band 3

Title – Fish Program Deputy Director of Regions

Classification - WMS Band 3

Job Status - Full-Time/Permanent WDFW Program – Fish Program Duty Station – Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Remote Employment – This position may include occasional telework, at the discretion of the supervisor.

Posting Timeframe - This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until April 2, 2026. First review of applications will take place March 5, 2026. Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption:
Chinook Salmon – Photo Credit: WDFW

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a collaborative, strategic, and experienced leader to serve as the Deputy Director of Regions for the Fish Program.

In this role, you will help guide one of the most complex fishery management programs in the nation and shape the future of fish and shellfish management across Washington State.

With the fishing industry serving as a cornerstone of Washington’s economy, contributing more than $2.5 billion annually and supporting over 28,000 jobs, this position plays a vital role in sustaining salmon, steelhead, marine fish, and shellfish resources.

In this critical leadership position, you will provide executive direction for statewide Fish Program regional operations and oversee implementation of federal and state statutes, court orders, Commission policies, and international and intergovernmental fisheries agreements.

As Deputy Director of Regions, you will guide senior leadership in each of WDFW's six regions, ensure alignment and consistency across regional and headquarters operations, and advance conservation and sustainable fisheries management through strong people leadership, operational accountability, and strategic partnerships with tribal, state, federal, and international partners.

Photo Caption:
Baker Lake Sockeye Fishing – Photo Credit:
Hermes Adrada

In this role, the Fish Program Deputy Director of Regions provides strategic leadership for managing and sustaining Washington’s fish and shellfish populations across WDFW's six regions. Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Representing the agency in international, national, tribal, and other management forums and stakeholder groups as delegated by the Agency Director or Program Director.
• Supervising six Fish Program Regional Managers (with 550 FTEs) in all aspects of Fish Program activities and initiatives.
• Directing operational functions in budget, personnel, facilities, staff and external communications, outreach strategies, legislative affairs, regulations, and contracts.
• Collaborating with communities, organizations, and stakeholders to develop and implement strategic initiatives to advance the conservation and management of the fish resources of Washington State.
• Developing, inspiring, and leading Fish Program initiatives to create an agile, performance‑oriented organization with satisfied, engaged, and motivated employees.
• Planning and directing the work performed by the Fish Program ensuring optimal and appropriate use of resources.
• Effectively facilitating and resolving cross‑regional operational issues within the Fish Program, in coordination with the Fish Program’s Deputy Director of Divisions.
• Representing the Program Director at Management Team meetings, on management and legislative committees, and at other functions assigned in their absence.

Work Setting, including hazards: Working environment is a busy office setting.

Schedule: Overtime exempt and may require work outside of typical business hours (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), including evenings, weekends, or holidays, to support program needs.

Travel Requirements: Some travel within Washington State and occasional out‑of‑state and overnight travel is needed to attend or participate in various forums and functions.

Customer Relations: Frequent contact with stakeholders, WDFW employees, external agencies, members of the public, etc. Responsible for legislative, contentious issue resolution and leaders of major stakeholder interaction.

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