Director

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will also have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or related field and at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in the management of natural resources for a large, complex organization or any other combination of education and experience that will yield the desired competencies of the position.

• A successful track record for working with Boards of Directors or Commissions.

• Experience managing diverse fisheries through an integrated strategy, responding to multiple factors degrading those resources.

• Outstanding communications skills (written and oral), including the ability to foster positive relations with constituents.

• Demonstrated ability to work closely with the scientific community in building a defensible scientific basis for resource management.

• Experience managing and recovering wildlife populations.

• Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws and regulations.

• Expertise in administrative procedures for financial accountability to assure effective utilization of appropriated funds.

• Demonstrated budget development skills.

• Experience in expanding and sustaining opportunities for traditional and new use of public lands.

• Working knowledge of the legislative process based on substantial experience in a legislative setting.

Description:

The WDFW is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating the state’s fish and wildlife resources. We do this by applying an underlying conservation ethic to our work while providing commercial and recreational opportunities that result in economic benefits to local communities and the citizens of Washington State.

The WDFW responds to these dual priorities. As the state’s human population continues to grow, fish and wildlife species are increasingly at risk; WDFW is monitoring over 150 fish and wildlife state species of concern and implementing actions needed for recovery and restoration of these fragile species. WDFW also provides support to local economies. Events such as seasonal wildlife-viewing festivals draw thousands of visitors to rural communities, providing economic activity that supports small business and employs residents.

Department policy is currently guided by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, composed of nine citizen members appointed by the Governor. While the Commission has several responsibilities, its primary role is to establish policy and direction for fish and wildlife species and their habitats in Washington and to monitor the Department’s implementation of its goals, policies and objectives.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission selects and hires the Director. Department operations are led by the Director. The Director’s Office provides strategic direction and operational oversight for WDFW employees throughout the state, working to turn policies adopted by the state Legislature and the Fish and Wildlife Commission into action.

The Director manages a Department with more than 1,500 employees, a biennial budget of more than $350 million and has responsibility for more than 900,000 acres of wildlife habitat. The Director will ensure that the Department’s programs and services safeguard the long-term health of the fish and wildlife under the Department’s stewardship and serve as one of the state’s leading voices for the central importance of habitat in sustaining fish and wildlife populations. The Director will provide leadership in building effective relationships with the citizens of Washington and a broad array of stakeholders. The Director will take responsibility for ensuring that the organization’s culture is geared to achieving its strategic priorities.

To be considered for this position, please email your resume and a letter of interest outlining your experience, skills and abilities as they relate to this position to ExecutiveCareers@dop.wa.gov

Contact: