Employer Washington State Department of Natural Resources Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills Forestry Innovation StrategistPartial Telework flexibility may be available and considered.Salary: $8,993.00 - $10,488.00 MonthlyTo allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $8,993.00 - $11,041.00 MonthlyReview of applications is ongoing.We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/7/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within the Commissioner’s Office as a Forestry Innovation Strategist.The Forestry Innovation Strategist serves at the pleasure of the Commissioner, reports to the Chief of Staff, and will provide strategic-level management and analysis of issues related to forestry and is primarily responsible for assisting in the development, management, and implementation of forward-looking strategies that advance the Commissioner’s vision around ecological forestry and other innovative forestry practices. This position will also provide responsive and comprehensive management of other high-profile, high-priority projects as assigned by the Commissioner or Chief of Staff. The position consults and coordinates with DNR agency staff, other members of the executive management team, legislators and legislative staff, external partners, and other governmental agencies to gather and synthesize highly complex information. The Forestry Innovation Strategist will represent the agency and the Commissioner with external partners, elected officials, Tribes, state and local agencies, and the public.The Forestry Innovation Strategist operates at the intersection of policy, science, operations, and partnerships and is instrumental to the development and implementation of the Commissioner’s forestry vision. The position works across DNR divisions and with Tribes, federal and local governments, industry, conservation organizations, labor, and rural communities to develop strategies that innovate and diversify forest management practices.Responsibilities: Lead the design and execution of strategic initiatives that operationalize the Commissioner’s forestry priorities.Translate high-level policy goals into actionable programs, pilots, and performance metrics.Identify emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in forestry, forest products, and land management, and assess their applicability to Washington’s landscapes and trust responsibilities.Inform policy development by providing analysis and recommendations grounded in science, operational realities, and external partner input.Identify and pursue funding opportunities (state, federal, philanthropic) to support innovative forestry initiatives.Support legislative and executive briefings, including preparation of memos, testimony, and strategic materials.Collaborate on agency legislation and assist with legislation analysis.Facilitate inclusive engagement with rural communities, trust beneficiaries, Tribes, environmental organizations, forestry workers, and industry partners.Clearly communicate (both in written and oral form) complex forestry and climate topics to diverse audiences, including policymakers and the public.Represent the Commissioner on committees, workgroups, and forums focused on forestry innovation. Required Qualifications: A master’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, environmental studies, public policy, or a related field;OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.A minimum of 7 years’ experience working on ecological forestry, conservation, or natural resource policy.Demonstrated experience working on complex natural resource and forestry issues that align with the Commissioner’s vision, including ecosystem services markets and other innovative funding mechanisms.Demonstrated experience driving transformational change while still successfully managing internal and external relationships, including industry partners, government officials, agency staff, and the public in the pursuit of broad public policy goals.Strong understanding of, and experience applying, racial equity and environmental justice practices in your work.A strong background in the legislative process, politics, state government, and legislative timelines and protocols.Demonstrated success in innovation, pilot programs, or organizational change within public or mission-driven organizations.Active listening skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts and receive and convey ideas and information.Demonstrated ability to write for prioritized audiences effectively and to communicate persuasively at all levels of the organization and externally.Ability to manage multiple short-term and long-term projects simultaneously.Ability to work as part of a team as well as coordinate, facilitate, and manage the work of ad hoc teams formed from cross-agency resources. Job Field: Forestry Policy/Administrative Job Type: Full Time Location Detail: Olympia, WA - Natural Resources Building - 1111 Washington St. SE Salary: $107,916.00 - $125,856.00 Annually Job Benefits: DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:Commitment to organizational health and wellnessWork/life balanceDNR 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 moreLeadership that empowers and supports employeesProfessional development opportunitiesEducational and career development aidPublic Service Loan Forgiveness EligibilityOpportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignmentsA comprehensive benefits 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 Deadline: Wed, 01/07/2026 - 12:00pm Link to Full Job Posting: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/5184390/forestry-innovat…
