State Uplands Deputy Supervisor, Exempt

State Uplands Deputy Supervisor

Recruitment #
Full-time, Exempt 5, Non-represented
Location: Natural Resources Building
- Olympia, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $11,933.00 – $14,650.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) protects Washington State’s heritage of natural resources by sustainably managing millions of acres of state lands in forests, under the sea and across agricultural plains. DNR has an annual operating budget of approximately $245 million and has over 1300 permanent employees with approximately 500 additional staff hired during the summer fire season.

Each year, state trust forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands generate more than $300 million for public schools, state institutions, county services and aquatic restoration. As stewards of these lands, DNR manages them to also provide the state with fish and wildlife habitat, clean and abundant water and public access to outdoor recreation.

The Deputy Supervisor for State Uplands provides executive leadership and oversees the day‑to‑day operations of the department’s programs that manage Washington’s upland assets. This position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and serves at the pleasure of the statewide elected Commissioner of Public Lands. Serving as the department’s senior leader for State Uplands, this role is both a steward of a strong existing vision and a catalyst for continued evolution.

The Deputy Supervisor is expected to sustain effective programs and practices while also identifying opportunities to modernize, innovate, and adapt to emerging challenges, changing public expectations, and evolving economic and environmental conditions. This position acts as key staff to the Board of Natural Resources, the land management policy‑making authority for the department. Responsibilities include providing strategic and tactical leadership and oversight of all State Uplands programs, which are managed by the Divisions and operationalized by the Regions.

The Deputy Supervisor’s primary purpose is to oversee the management and administration of approximately 3.1 million acres of state-owned uplands. The position is responsible for the administration, allocation, and oversight of a biennial budget of approximately $163 million and approximately 355 FTEs.

• Oversee and supervise the management of approximately 3.1 million acres of state owned uplands across a broad portfolio of program areas, including Asset Management, Forest Resources, Product Sales and Leasing, Engineering, and Recreation and Conservation.
• Advance the vision and mission of State Uplands by not only sustaining successful practices, but also exploring new approaches, policies, and tools that improve outcomes for trust beneficiaries, communities, and the public.
• Lead thoughtful innovation in upland management by identifying opportunities to diversify revenue strategies, modernize operational practices, and respond to emerging environmental, economic, and social priorities.
• Ensure sustainable natural resource management, transparency, and public processes are grounded in sound science and continuously improved across policies, procedures, and operational practices.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across the agency and with other state agencies, local governments, tribal governments, elected and appointed officials, businesses, and Washington residents.
• Review and analyze legislative proposals and actively participate in the development, communication, and representation of agency-sponsored legislation.

For this critical leadership role, DNR seeks a credible, unifying leader who is deeply committed to the long-term success of State Uplands and who brings both strategic vision and a practical, results‑oriented mindset. The ideal candidate will value the strong foundation already in place while also being energized by opportunities to innovate,…