Description

Agriculture State Lands Assistant Region Manager, WMS2
Recruitment #2023-5-7040
Full-time, Permanent, WMS, Non-Represented position
Location: Southeast Region-Ellensburg or Pasco, WA
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $91,394.00 - $106,597.00 Annually

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
As the Assistant Region Manager of State Land Operations for agriculture and leasing, this position reports directly to the Region Manager, and is responsible for management of Agricultural Lands within the Department of Natural Resources' Southeast Region. The position administers the field implementation of DNR programs on trust lands in accordance with state laws and general department policies and principles. These programs implement agency policy for production of income and conservation of resources of Trust uplands within the region. This position is also responsible for setting standards and evaluating performance of the Agriculture and Leasing team to ensure successful accomplishment of agency and regional goals.

Ellensburg:
In the eastern shadow of the Cascade Mountains along Interstate 90, lies Ellensburg Washington, a college town that is just a hop, skip and a jump away from most everything. If you cannot find what you are looking for here, just drive about an hour or two in any direction to Yakima, Wenatchee, Seattle and the Puget Sound. Ellensburg has an arid, four-season climate, which averages only about nine inches of rain a year! The valley and surrounding mountains provide scenic trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. Kittitas County is home to the Yakima Canyon, the premier spot for trout fishing in the Northwest. The fall brings big game hunting to the hillsides of the valley. Downtown Ellensburg is one of the great historic shopping districts of the Pacific Northwest with a variety of clothing stores, bookstores, floral and gift shops to choose from. Ellensburg also offers many great restaurants, breweries, taverns and wineries with live music and dancing. Take in all the excitement of the World Famous Ellensburg Rodeo every Labor Day Weekend or the simplicity of the local Farmers Market from May until October. Ellensburg has a little bit of excitement for everyone.

Pasco:
Pasco, increasingly recognized as one of the best communities to live in Washington, has something for everyone to enjoy. The city is located in the beautiful Tri Cities, which consists of Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland Washington. Pasco offers an excellent backdrop for outdoor recreation, as they have over 300 days of sunshine a year. Situated at the confluence of the Columbia, Snake and Yakima Rivers, the Tri-cities offers fishing, boating, water skiing and a host of other water activities. Spend the last weekend of July at the river for the Hydroplane Races that bring adrenaline and speed to the Columbia. Take a walk through the vast amount of beautiful waterfront parks and take in the vibrant greenery. Known as the “Heart of Washington Wine Country,” this region houses over 200 wineries in a 50-mile radius. Spend the day sipping award winning wines and taking in breathtaking views of beautiful vineyards. This area has some of the most fertile agriculture ground in the world making it the perfect place to grow grapes, wheat, apples, corn and potatoes. Tee off on one of ten golf courses that offer variety and value for play that appeal to all skill levels. The area has a variety of restaurants that offer cuisine from all over the world. This region truly offers a vast amount of opportunities for everyone.

Duties

Responsibilities:
Plan, lead, organize and control work performed by the Region state lands agriculture organization. Assure appropriate and optimum use of the organization's resources and enhance the effectiveness of the employees through timely appraisal and professional development opportunities. Support effective communication throughout the organization. Maintain the highest standards of personal, professional and ethical conduct.

As one of the principle assistants to the Region Manager for state lands programs, the position is responsible for all agricultural land management activities on state lands within the region:

• Implement policy direction given from the Board of Natural Resources and executive management through the program managers in the divisions. Interpret and ensure compliance with state land procedures, rules and regulations as set forth in WAC and RCW. Set program priorities and allocation of resources.
• Work with direct reports to accomplish state land management deliverables such as asset management (land exchanges, rights of way, easements, leases, purchases and sales), agricultural activities, and special land leases, uses, development and management.
• Negotiate standards and expectations with program managers for state lands programs within the region based on allotted resources. Prepare budget requests for state lands programs as needed. Allocate resources to the state lands districts and region staff. Monitor, control, adjust and evaluate budgeted resources for program implementation.
• Initiate, implement, and amend planning for the state lands as necessary to accomplish program and agency objectives and guidelines.

This position directly supervises two positions and indirectly supervises 10 additional staff.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource Management, Business Management, Public Administration, or related field.
• Four (4) years' experience supervising professional level staff
• Knowledge of leasing (commercial, agricultural & real estate), and general agricultural management
  principles
• Knowledge of product marketing principles
• Knowledge of land management principles including rangeland, dry land and irrigated agriculture and orchard/vineyard
• Knowledge of water management related to agriculture in eastern Washington
• Leadership skills - ability to motivate and lead staff to implement innovative programs, and provide clear direction to meet agency goals
• Skills in assessing training needs
• Ability to direct and redirect staff as necessary to accomplish department goals
• Working knowledge of human resource management principles, labor agreements, personnel rules, and employment laws
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence
• Position Specific Key Behaviors:
  • Effective communications
  • Demonstrates high level of ethics and integrity
  • Effective relationship-building skills
  • Tact and diplomacy
  • Apply fundamental management principles
  • Think, plan and manage creatively, tactically and strategically
  • Understand, interpret and implement broad department mission, goals, and policy
  • Integrate and direct the output of managers and supervisors in a collaborative manner
  • Influence the future direction, needs and roles of the region, agency and state
  • Relate well on an interpersonal basis
  • Negotiate solutions to complex issues
  • Artfully use independent judgment
  • Review and oversee proprietary operations and projects
  • Maintain and develop connections to the local, district, and region-wide communities

Conditions of Employment:

• Position assigned duty station is the Southeast Region Office in Ellensburg. Work is performed in an office setting (75%). Travel to field locations is required, with some off road walking (25%). Incumbent must be able to work for long periods of time in a vehicle, on a computer and on the phone.
• Position requires travel for meetings, training and fire assignments. Travel costs are
  reimbursed in accordance to OFM and agency procedures.
• A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desired Qualifications:

• Substantial experience managing agricultural leases and easements for a government agency or corporate agricultural organization
• Substantial experience drafting legal contract language and negotiating contract provisions.
• Strong knowledge of agricultural economics and land management objectives

Supplemental Information

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity and inclusion. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Complete all supplemental questions.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

Questions? Please contact Larry Leach at larry.leach@dnr.wa.gov, 509-859-4791 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.