Westside Operations Manager- Special Use and Commercial Leasing, NRS4

Westside Operations Manager

• Special Use and Commercial Leasing, NRS4  Salary $64,776.00
• $87,048.00 Annually Location Thurston County
• Olympia, WA Job Type Full Time
• Permanent Job Number 2026-5-A324-04020 Department Dept.

of Natural Resources Opening Date 05/12/2026 Closing Date 5/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Salary Information The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS QUESTIONS Description Westside Operations Manager

• Special Use and Commercial Leasing, Natural Resource Specialist 4 (NRS4) Recruitment #2026-5-A324 Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)

Location:

Natural Resources Building

• Olympia, WA Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Salary:

$5,398.00

• $7,254.

00 Monthly Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 5/18/26. 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 our Product Sales and Leasing Division as the Westside Operations Manager

• Special Use and Commercial Leasing.

DNR manages 3 million acres of state-owned uplands for revenue to specific public beneficiaries, including the Common Schools, CEP&RI, and counties. Under the direction of the Product Sales and Leasing Assistant Division Manager, this position serves as the western Washington leasing specialist responsible for the coordination and administration of special use leases and associated trust assets on State trust lands throughout the four western Washington regions (1.575 million acres). The Westside Operations Manager has the most varied workload of the leasing program specialists. Leases for housing, special population groups, commercial recreation, and correctional facilities are some of the many authorized uses. This position is responsible for providing programmatic guidance and streamlining business practices as well as the development of special use leasing policy and procedure, and implementation of those policies and procedures on State trust lands. This position also works under the direction of the Commercial Real Estate program manager and supports the Commercial Real Estate program and management of its portfolio across the entire state. Supportive activities include, but are not limited to, assistance with lease management, lease compliance, and completion of due diligence on leasing transactions such as lease amendments, rental adjustments, and extensions.

Duties Responsibilities:

Special Use Lease Administration

• Designated expert for all aspects of lease administration for special use leases in Western Washington.

Independently performs all aspects of lease administration and compliance, including negotiating new and expiring contracts, inspections, rent adjustments, payments, and insurance. Determines fair market rental values either independently or in consultation with the department's Chief Appraiser. Consults with the Office of Attorney General, Department, and other agency specialists as necessary. Resolves any leasing disputes in a prompt and professional manner. Regularly informs and updates Westside Region management on the status of the leases in their geographic area and ensures their concerns are addressed. Serves as the information source for questions and identifies concerns relating to the acquisition, disposition, transfer, or exchange of Western Washington Trust Lands under lease. Evaluates state lands to establish best use, management improvements, and to initiate development actions and priorities. Commercial Lease Support

• Responsible for providing support to the Commercial Real Estate program.

Performs all aspects of lease administration and compliance under the direction of the Commercial Real Estate Program Manager. Assists with maintaining and updating the CRE property list and status of leases. Drafts and completes lease assignments, lease amendments, and rent adjustments. Assists with resolving any leasing disputes in a prompt and professional manner. Provides support for new lease negotiation and manages due diligence process and lease procedures pursuant to DNR CRE policy and procedures. Special Use Program Development Identifies the need for Special Use Leasing program guidance and training, and works with the Assistant Division Manager and Commercial Real Estate Program Manager to develop a plan for providing guidance, training and implementation. Develops and updates programmatic policies and procedures. Develops Special Use leasing document templates. Performs other duties as assigned for Special Use Leasing development. Coordinates with Division and Region staff to develop operating and capital budget proposals and assists in monitoring Region and Division expenditures.

Qualifications Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree involving major study in business, real property, or other natural resource-related field, AND (5) five years of professional leasing or land management experience; OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent. Experience in negotiating legal contracts. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, or similar database management, and the ability to learn new software programs as needed.

Required Competencies:

Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establishing and maintaining productive working relationships. Proficient in responding to shifting deadlines/priorities. Implementation of program improvements and resource allocation. Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices. Perform assigned duties in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention requirements, and ensure requests for public records are followed.

DNR Core Competencies:

Personal Accountability Value Others Compassionate Communication Inspire Others Commitment to

Excellence Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

This position is both in the office and the field. The assigned duty station is the Natural Resource Building (NRB) in Olympia; however, this position works independently and sometimes in remote locations in the field and region work centers. Frequent travel is required in remote areas and driving on county roads and interstate highways under a variety of weather conditions. Work hours vary based on field appointments, travel after hours, evening meetings, and unanticipated travel. This position is required to travel for lease administration, training, and meetings. Position requires approximately 30% in the field, often traveling alone to leased sites throughout western Washington. 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:

Experience drafting policies and procedures. Experience conducting financial analysis for identifying fair market values on leases. Working knowledge of DNR leasing programs, functions, and business needs. Experience using GIS to prepare, view, and print maps. Working knowledge of DNR's NaturE system or LAMs. Experience developing and managing a budget, preferably a state agency program budget. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. We are invested in acquiring the best and most innovative candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. It is important you consider and clearly communicate within your application materials how your education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience transfer to this position and the qualifications. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Don't hesitate to apply!

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 DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Apply online:

 at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the button above). Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.

Resume:

 that details your experience and qualifications.

References:

 References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.

Important:

 Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.). Complete all supplemental questions. Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications. Questions? Please contact Kari Fagerness at kari.fagerness@gmail.com/360-915-4664 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384. About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington's lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our Vision

• Our actions ensure a future where Washington's lands, waters, and communities thrive. Our Mission
•  Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Our Core Values:

Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees. Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve. Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state's most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision. Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success. DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include: Commitment to organizational health and wellness Work/life balance DNR 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 more Leadership that empowers and supports employees Professional development opportunities Educational and career development aid Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments A comprehensive benefits package 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.

Additional Information:

This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days. DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov. Veterans wishing to claim Veteran's preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as social security numbers. We thank you and are grateful for your service!