Salary : $102,888.00 - $119,976.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 09/24/2026
Closing Date: 10/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionPayroll Manager, WMS2Recruitment #2026-9-3427
Full-time, Permanent, WMS2, Non-represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WAWork Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and consideredSalary: $8,574.00 - $9,998.00 MonthlyTo allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $8,574.00 - $10,526.00 MonthlyReview of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/1/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
The Payroll Manager is responsible for leadership and oversight of DNR agency-wide payroll and benefits administration functions, ensuring payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with applicable state and federal requirements. This position supervises a six-person payroll team, managing with clear expectations, assigning and prioritizing work, supporting professional development, and maintaining effective training.
This position oversees complex payroll transactions, including payroll processing periods, benefit payments, retirement-related activities, tax payments, overpayment recovery, and other payroll-related financial activity. Work duties include advising the Finance Manager, CFO, and agency leadership on emerging risks, required changes, and recommended courses of action.
Duties Responsibilities:- Coordinate communication and outreach to employees and supervisors on current news and recurring issues affecting their pay and the administration of the leave program and other benefits, such as leave buy-out options, benefit open enrollment and retirement options, tax rate changes, general salary schedule changes, and other statewide and agency business decisions.
- Review and approve financial transactions for the payroll run as well as payments and transfers related to administration of shared leave, garnishments, inter-agency employee transfers, benefit administration, retirement invoicing, tax and Industrial Insurance payments & reporting, salary overpayment recoupments, and deceased employee payments in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Office of Financial Management accountability guidelines for payroll as published in the State Administrative and Accounting Manual (SAAM).
- Review, evaluate, and/or design internal control systems supporting accountable handling and safeguarding of agency assets to include effective reconciliation activities, quality assurance reviews, independent review, accurate budgetary reporting, transparent and open relationships with agency Budget and Accounting offices, and documentation of standardized business processes.
- Advise the Finance Manager on business process impacts of agency policy changes and other business decisions.
- Evaluate legislation for impact to payroll business processes and fiscal impact to payroll and benefit expenditures. Monitor changes in the federal payroll oversight environment and advise agency management on appropriate response to change.
- Coordinate with Information Technology support and Payroll/Personnel Program to evaluate and mitigate system and business impact of disruptive events and ensure business continuity.
- Work with agency leadership on payroll systems, issues, and changes to implement in the agency. Provide options and recommendations.
- Direct or advise the design and implementation of business processes in direct support of customer payroll needs
- Supervise staff in the payroll unit including planning, leading, organizing, and controlling the work performed by the unit.
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.
- Eight (8) or more years of professional experience in payroll administration including cyclical processing of payroll and benefits; collection and remittance of employment taxes; administration of employee benefits; and interpretation and implementation of associated federal, state, and local laws, rules, policies and procedures.
AND Two (2) or more years of supervisory and leadership experience to include all aspects of workforce and performance development, effectively coaching and mentoring and providing direction and correction when required;
OR An equivalent combination of education, training, professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities. - Possesses advanced skills in developing and manipulating complex spreadsheets with multiple math functions, advanced filters, macros, and links to external sources of information.
- Skills in creating custom toolbars and chart types, pivot tables, importing data from other sources, filtering lists, and using data analysis tools.
- Skills in building a collaborative environment and establishing or maintaining consistency in business processes and technical-level decision-making.
Required Competencies: - Effective Communication Skills: Skilled in both oral and written communication. Must have strong communication skills adaptable to widely varied audiences and numerous venues. Must be able to express ideas and information through the spoken word and in writing, making effective use of visual elements, when necessary, to convey complex concepts in a manner appropriate to the skill and knowledge level of large and diverse audiences, often in an ad-hoc manner.
- Customer Services and Consultation Skills: Identifies customer needs and focuses efforts on meeting them. Responds to customer inquiries with set timelines. Verifies with customers that needs have been met.
- Problem Solving Skills: Facilitates the problem-solving process by identifying and communicating key issues, encouraging others to offer solutions, acknowledging and building on good ideas, and directing the group through productive discussions; logically integrates various ideas, intentions and information to form effective goals, objectives, timelines, action plans and solutions. Adapts processes to address problems with new and effective solutions.
- Ensures Accountability: Holds self and others accountable to meeting commitments. Demonstrates fiscal accountability by following finance regulations, principles, standards and guidelines when committing public funds and resources or processing financial transactions.
- Interpersonal Skills: Adapts to and works effectively with a variety of situations and people. Desire to consistently model trustworthiness, sensitivity to others and respect. Models effective group process behavior, such as listening, discussing, negotiating, encouraging and motivating. Maintains focus and intensity, even under adversity.
- Values Differences: Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Models and facilitates the development and integration of cultural, ethnic and gender sensitivity and humility. Actively seeks out different points of view and leverages the benefits of different perspectives.
- 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:- Work is performed indoors in an office environment in various workspace setups. The working environment is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, and scent-neutral environment. Must be willing and able to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple assignments and priority deadlines. Must be able to transition easily between tasks and multiple interruptions, despite noise and other distractions.
- Position is required to travel occasionally to provide effective training and outreach or to attend training or conferences.
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.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, business administration, finance, or other closely aligned field.
- Two (2) or more years of experience in WA State government payroll processing
- Experience training and developing training while in a leadership role or finance/accounting/business role
- Possesses a strategic mindset: Looks ahead to future possibilities and translates into strategies for success
- Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm
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 Leah Fenner at /360-902-1259 or email us at
Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
