Aquatic Land Manager, Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 (PAS3)

Aquatic Land Manager, Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 (PAS3)
Recruitment #2026-9-5403
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Location: Tacoma, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered 
Salary: $5,641.00 - $7,592.00 Monthly 

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Aquatic Land Management often includes the questions “How?” and “Why?” as well as the phrase “It depends.” If you enjoy problem solving and balancing public benefits for all citizens of Washington, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity to fill one Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 (PAS3) /Aquatic Land Manager position within the Shoreline District, Aquatic Resources Division. Come help us manage state-owned aquatic lands (SOAL), so that people and orcas thrive, businesses and eelgrass meadows grow, and waterfront public access and salmon are preserved in perpetuity.  

This position is the subject matter expert for managing state-owned aquatic lands (SOAL) within Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, Portage Bay, Sammamish River, and Cedar River in King County. Shoreline is one of the three operational districts of the Aquatic Resources Division. The districts are responsible for issuing authorizations for use of SOAL, ensuring aquatic resources are being protected and that all state-owned aquatic lands are managed in a manner that contributes to fulfillment of the DNR mission and complies with statute and administrative rules (particularly RCW 79.100 through RCW 79.145 and WAC 332-30). The PAS3 position is closely aligned with the DNR’s mission in managing SOAL in conformance with constitutional and statutory requirements, particularly RCW 79.105 through RCW 79.145 and WAC 332-30.Responsibilities:
The Aquatic Land Manager plays a central role in supporting state-owned aquatic lands management, and we will entrust you with a diverse set of responsibilities, including the following:

• Negotiating and preparing aquatic land use authorizations (including leases, licenses, and easements).
• Ensuring compliance with contract terms, performing site inspections, and resolving unauthorized uses of SOAL.
• Developing and maintaining effective intergovernmental relationships.
• Providing information regarding department laws, policies, and guidance to the public and to other government entities pertaining to management of SOAL.
• Reviewing and commenting on project designs and regulatory permits.
• Incorporating appropriate environmental conservation measures into use authorizations by working closely with the district Habitat Stewardship Specialist.
• Evaluating land ownership. This may include completing historical record searches related to past authorizations and ownership of SOAL.

If you are captivated by the DNR’s mission, you may be the ideal candidate:

• Mastering unusual, often technical topics such as property legal descriptions, property rights, and environmental protection statutes and rules.
• Drafting strong contracts that meet the goals of the state – ensuring environmental protection, promoting public use and access, and minimizing risk – and meeting the goals of our customers (lessees/grantees/licensees).
• Working with individual citizens, private industry, Tribes, other governments, and partners.
• Providing excellent customer service both internally and externally.
• Works well independently.
• Enjoys being part of a team, working with and learning from his/her colleagues at all levels.
• Eager to become highly proficient in all aspects of the position and welcomes feedback and coaching.
• Enjoys work that is non-routine, frequently complex, and always detail-oriented: even experienced staff learn something new nearly every day.
• A natural curiosity – someone who appreciates the “how” and the “why”, and who embraces new challenges.

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 materials that your skills align with the position and qualifications. 

• Bachelor’s Degree in natural resource management, real estate, forestry, science, engineering, or other related field;
  AND two years of experience in natural resource management, real estate, forestry, science, engineering, land use or environmental planning, business or other related field;
  OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Knowledge of contracts, business, or property management.
• Knowledge of interpreting and implementing guidelines, regulations, and laws.
• Knowledge of working with natural resource management/environmental protection issues.
• Experience using typical office software (such as Microsoft Office Suite).

Required Competencies: 

• Competent in managing multiple complex tasks, setting workload priorities, and completing tasks on time.
• Accustomed to providing effective customer service.
• Written and verbal communication skills addressing diverse audiences.
• Competent in collaborating on internal and external issues in an active, respectful, cooperative, and professional manner.
• Skills in negotiating contentious issues in a respectful, responsive, and informed manner.
• 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:

• The work environment is approximately 90% at a workspace/office and 10% in the field. The Tacoma office is located on the 7th floor of the Commerce Building and is accessible by elevator. The office has three separate rooms with doors, each with two desks with monitors that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most fieldwork involves being on or near the water with the risk of falling in (use of personal flotation devices is mandatory in such locations). Most fieldwork involves driving.
• Travel may be required to locations within the District or Olympia. Most travel is by car. Most travel requires less than two concurrent nights away. Overnight travel is generally less than two nights a month.
• 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, they can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application materials.

• Experience with land use authorizations (leases, easements, licenses, etc.) and other legal instruments associated with land management.
• Experience working for or with other resource agencies, tribes, or local governments.
• Knowledge of environmental permitting/regulatory processes and rules.
• Experience working in commodity industries (e.g., shellfish, minerals, timber, or agriculture).
• Experience working on public access, recreation, or parks issues.
• Experience operating small motorboats.
  
  

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 DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

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.

• Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (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 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 these communications.

Questions?  Please contact Jessica Olmstead at Jessica.olmstead@dnr.wa.gov / (253) 740-0602 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 E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For 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!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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