Salary : $102,888.00 - $119,976.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 09/17/2026
Closing Date: 9/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Assistant Division Manager - Asset Management, WMS2Recruitment #2026-9-6601
Full-time, Permanent, WMS2, Non-represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $8,574.00 - $9,998.00 Monthly
To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $8,574.00 - $10,526.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/24/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

We are looking for an experienced supervisor to be the Aquatics Assistant Division Manager for Asset Management, leading an amazing team of professional staff who manage, protect, and restore aquatic lands across Washington State.

The Assistant Division Manager serves as a leader in both Asset Management and the Aquatic Resources Division in developing and maintaining an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming work environment for all. The position also works directly with individual citizens, private industry, Tribes, other governments, and partners to ensure resources are managed to preserve ecological and economic viability, including cleanup, pollution prevention, habitat conservation and protection, restoration, and assessment of the proper use of state-owned aquatic lands.

If you are fascinated by and enjoy the following, you may be an ideal candidate:

• The DNR mission
• Encouraging and supporting diversity, innovation, collaboration, and creativity within your team and in partnership with DNR staff across the state
• Mastering unusual, often technical topics such as sediment quality standards, SEPA, legal descriptions, scientific research, and environmental protection statutes and rules
• Helping your staff, colleagues, and senior managers solve complex public policy, environmental, and real property management problems
• Fostering water-dependent uses, encouraging direct public use and access, and managing natural resources in a sustainable manner by developing and supporting implementation of habitat stewardship measures
• Supporting further development of programs that use boats, ROVs, drones, and other innovative approaches to managing Aquatic Reserves and other aquatic lands
• Supporting a successful, growing Derelict Vessel Removal team that operates statewide
• Managing Non-routine work; even experienced staff learn something new nearly every day
• Providing excellent customer service both internally and externally

Duties

Responsibilities:
This position acts as a principal assistant to the Aquatic Resources Division Manager. This position is responsible for management of the Asset Management Section, which includes: Derelict Vessel Removal Program, Restoration and Derelict Structure Removal Program, Sediment Quality Program (including Port Management), and Aquatic Reserves Program.
Specific objectives of the ADM are to:

• Build and lead a team that encourages and supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in concert with innovation, collaboration, and creativity.
• Maintain and foster an inclusive and welcoming culture in the Aquatic Resources Division.
• Develop respectful relationships characterized by clear communication with our partners, lessees/grantees, and applicants.
• Provide oversight of derelict vessel removals and guide further enhancement of the program.
• Provide oversight of the development and implementation of aquatic restoration and removal of derelict structures.
• Provide oversight of the creation and management of aquatic reserves.
• Provide oversight of sediment quality management.
• Protect, restore and enhance aquatic ecosystems through management actions.
• Provide expert guidance and oversight to facilitate consistent and lawful application of programs managed by the ADM.
• Ensure business practices lead to an increase in efficiency, accountability and responsiveness.

These issues require a high level of critical thinking and political awareness. Coordinating with division experts, executive management, external interest holders, legislators, and legislative staff is critical as these groups are often concerned with fundamental changes of statewide significance. Generally, these issues and any changes that result have legal, political, and financial implications for all of these groups.

This position directly supports all of DNR's Strategic priorities, in particular, Make DNR a Great Place to Work and Serve Washington's Lands and Communities and Protect our Lands and Waters and the Aquatic Resources Division Strategic Framework.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• A Bachelor's Degree in natural resource management, forestry, geography, marine science, other science, engineering, land use or environmental planning, public policy, or other relevant field; AND five (5) years of related professional and/or project management work experience, including supervisory experience, in one of the aforementioned specialties;
  OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience reading, interpreting, and implementing statutes and regulations, drafting legislation, reviewing and analyzing legislation, and preparation of legislative testimony.
• Experience negotiating contentious issues in a respectful, responsive, and informed manner.
• Experience using Microsoft suite such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Required Competencies:

• Knowledge of natural resources laws and practices.
• Skills managing staff time and expenditures to meet budgets.
• Knowledge of contracts, business and/or property management.
• Customer service oriented.
• Collaboration skills in resolving issues in an active, respectful, cooperative and professional manner.
• Skills in managing complex issues in a politically sensitive manner.
• Skills in managing relationships and team-building.
• Communicates using both verbal and written forms to guide teams and support organizational goals.
• Anticipates potential obstacles, adjusts plans proactively, and communicates priorities to maintain workflow efficiency.
• 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 retention, and ensure requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Position's assigned duty station is the Natural Resources Building in Olympia. The large majority of work is performed in an office or meeting setting with some field work. Field visits involve transport by motor vehicle or small boat and include working on or around flowing water (rivers) and marine waters.
• Periodic travel for meetings, field visits, and other business related to statewide planning initiatives is required, with very occasional evening meetings or overnight stays.
• A current, valid driver's license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). 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:
These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• Master's or higher degree in natural resource management, real estate, forestry, geography, marine science, other science, engineering, land use or environmental planning, public policy, business or other relevant field.
• At least three years of supervisory experience.
• Experience managing staff time and expenditures to meet budgets.
• Experience with real estate management, including commercial real estate practices, appraisal, and lease/contract management and development.
• Experience negotiating with governments including Tribes and local, regional, state, and federal agencies.
• Experience in giving testimony to legislative bodies and public presentations.
• Experience working with natural resource management/environmental protection issues.
• Knowledge of state legislative and political processes.
• Knowledge of the marine, estuarine, and riparian ecologies of the Pacific Northwest.

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at
Supplemental Information
Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact

• Online Application: Apply at (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you're the best candidate for the job.
• Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
• Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
• Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive these communications.

Questions? Please contact Thomas Gorman at /360-902-1081 or email us at

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.