Salary : $110,112.00 - $128,400.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 09/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionChief Appraiser, Assistant Division Manager, WMS3Recruitment #2026-9-5381
Full-time, Permanent, WMS3, Non-represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WAWork Hours and Telework flexibility may be available and consideredRelocation Compensation may be available and consideredSalary: $9,176.00 - $10,700.00 MonthlyTo allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $9,176.00 - $11,262.00Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/29/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Duties Responsibilities:The Chief Appraiser is responsible for providing advice and counsel to all department managers on transactions and issues relating to land use and real estate matters, including assistance in developing long term strategies and planning on asset diversification, enhancement of the commercial property portfolio, and maximization of transition land values. Work projects come in from a variety of Divisions and programs, including Product Sales and Leasing Division, Aquatics Division, and the Regions; work is determined in coordination with the Division Manager and agency priorities.
The Chief Appraiser plans, leads, organizes, and supervises the work performed by the department's Appraisal Unit. The Chief Appraiser assures appropriate and optimum use of the group's resources and enhances the effectiveness of staff through clear and timely directions, appraisals, and feedback. The Chief Appraiser assists staff development through mentoring, development of training plans, and encouraging staff to pursue appropriate professional development opportunities.
As the department's delegated Chief Appraiser, the position is responsible for the preparation and review of narrative USPAP-compliant appraisals for the department, including appraisals and reviews conducted by consultants and third-party appraisers as well as those conducted by Appraisal Unit staff. This position also develops procedures to ensure appraisals meet appropriate legal standards.
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;
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - State certification as a General Real Estate Appraiser.
- Three (3) years of experience as a professional appraiser.
- One (1) year of experience supervising professional staff and providing advice and guidance on land use and appraisal issues to project managers and top management within a local, state, federal, or corporate institution.
- Experience in resolving complex and potentially contentious appraisal issues.
- Proficient computer skills in the use of spreadsheets and word processing.
- Experience in conflict resolution.
- Experience in negotiation.
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
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:- Office setting, with 5 to 10% field work that at times requires walking on uneven terrain, driving on forest roads, and entering buildings.
- Occasional statewide travel is required.
- 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.
- Professional designations such as the MAI, SRA, AI-GRS (Appraisal Institute) and the ARA (American Society of Farm Managers and Real Estate Appraisers) are desirable.
- Experience appraising vacant land, appraising in rural areas, appraising or dealing with issues such as gravel or mineral values, aquatic lands, timber values, and experience appraising agricultural properties.
- Familiarity with functioning GPS units and ability to read maps to identify location in rural areas, and GIS usage ability.
- Ability to maintain a heavy workload and changing priorities, and strong organizational skills are also desirable. Strong written and verbal skills, including the demonstrated ability to write narrative reports, ability to work cooperatively as a team member while serving as a mentor and leader, and high ethical standards.
- Experience in developing and maintaining respectful relationships with people of differing backgrounds and perspectives.
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 InformationApplication 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 Susan Beall at /564-250-3868 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.
