Assistant Division Manager for Budget and Business Operations, WMS2

State of Washington$102K — $119K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in business management, public administration, or related field;
  • 3+ years managing a budget of $1 million or more;
  • Experience supervising 2+ direct reports;
  • Strong understanding of budget development and oversight;
  • Knowledge of IT systems and project management.

Responsibilities

  • Manage financial and program performance;
  • Lead the Forest Practices Division Management Team in developing budget requests;
  • Supervise employees and participate in Division Management Team activities;
  • Track fiscal contracts for the Division;

Benefits

  • Flexible/Hybrid work options;
  • Potential relocation compensation;
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
  • Support for employee professional development.
Full Job Description
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: 08/27/2026
Closing Date: 9/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Assistant Division Manager for Budget and Business Operations, WMS2Recruitment #2026-8-6327
Full-time, Permanent, WMS2, Non-represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and consideredRelocation Compensation 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
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/3/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Duties

Responsibilities:
  • Financial and Program Performance Management
  • Coordinate and lead the Forest Practices Division Management Team in developing biennial operating and capital budget requests and allotments
  • Provides excellent employee supervision and serves on the Division Management Team
  • Oversees development and tracking of Division's fiscal contracts

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.
  • Bachelor's degree in business management, public administration, or other closely related field;
    AND three years of experience in the following:
    -Managing an annual budget of $1 million or more.
    -Supervising two or more direct reports.
    OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Comprehensive understanding and experience in budget development and oversight, organizational development, and employee performance management.
  • Experience developing and/or managing complex contracts.
  • Knowledge of information technology systems and project management.
  • Knowledge of human resource management principles, labor agreements, employment law, and the legislative process.

Required Competencies:
  • 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
  • Position Specific Competencies:
    • A high degree of resiliency.
    • Accustomed to functioning well under stress.
    • Strong partnering and relationship-building skills and aptitudes.
    • Accustomed to leading others through periods of uncertainty and change.
    • Strong accountability.
    • Highly productive.
    • Exemplary oral and written communication skills.
    • Strong organizational, time-management, and decision-making skills.
    • Strong problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to think strategically and act assertively while maintaining productive professional relationships.
    • Accustomed to analyzing and thinking critically and creatively to recommend or create solutions.
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • Office setting (Natural Resources Building in Olympia, WA). The building environment consists of a cubicle workstation with a computer in an open area that is subject to noise from nearby conversations, telephones, and ventilation.
  • Occasional travel to Regions and other locations for meetings and field tours (typically, less than 5% of time over a year).
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.
  • Experience developing and/or managing complex contracts.
  • An advanced degree in business management or public administration (or similar discipline).
  • Knowledge of Washington's forest practices Adaptive Management Program framework.
  • Knowledge of Washington State forest practices laws, rules, and Board Manual guidance.
  • Experience writing and/or managing grants and contracts.
  • Skills and experience with interagency cooperation and negotiation.
  • Knowledge of applicable statutes and rules and purchasing and contracting rules and procedures.
  • Experience working in a natural resources program organized with a centralized headquarters policy/budget organization and program implementation carried out through geographically-dispersed work units.
  • Fully competent using data organization and analysis tools (for example, Excel or Access).
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 Brandon Austin at /564-999-0293 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.

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