Assistant Land Manager, Natural Resource Specialist

Assistant Land Manager, Natural Resource Specialist

Location: Southeast Region – Ellensburg, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $3,811.00 – $5,117.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Southeast Region as an Assistant Land Manager in our Agriculture Program. 

Become part of a team dedicated to preserving agricultural land in Washington and fostering sustainable management of landscapes and ecosystems while safeguarding resources for the future. This is an entry-level Natural Resource Specialist 1 position for DNR’s Agriculture Program that works closely with the region’s Land Managers to assist with tasks and duties associated with granting and maintaining agriculture leases in the Southeast Region.  The role involves working alongside Land Managers in the field and in the office to monitor and ensure compliance with lease standards.  A major aspect of the role is organizing and executing independent field inspections for leases, which includes collecting and entering data, regularly communicating with land managers about compliance matters, and overseeing all reporting requirements for independent fieldwork. The position also helps create, process, and review leases, write and review legal documents, generate reports, formulate rent adjustments, track payments, monitor data in the data management system, and communicate directly with lessees when needed.

Responsibilities:

• Lease Inspections: Perform standardized inspections utilizing forms, data collection methods, and digital records, including photographs and drone imagery as necessary. Gathers and manages data for both annual and non-annual inspections. Plans and executes extensive independent fieldwork along with all related reporting requirements. Regularly engages with land managers and supervisors to discuss any issues or non-compliance identified during lease inspections.
• Lease and Data System Management: Assists in finalizing renewal documents and reports, overseeing lease compliance, evaluating rent changes, and managing payment tracking. Provides support in processing lease agreements and related documents, including amendments and assignments, while reviewing them for clerical errors and consistency as required. Aids in assessing and monitoring the execution of lease Resource Management Plans to guarantee compliance with ecosystem standards. Coordinates with Land Managers to provide regional support for updates to the agricultural leasing program’s information management billing system, ensuring that data such as rental rates and lessee/license information is current, accurate, and relevant.

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.  It is important that you clearly communicate in your Application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications. 

• An associate’s degree involving major study in forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, geology, recreation, or a related natural science field AND (2) two years of professional experience in a related natural resource specialty area; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

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.

• Pursuing a degree involving a major in agriculture, natural resource management, and land management.
• Working knowledge of Trust Land management theory, principles, and related laws.