Ecosystem Services Division Manager – WMS Band 3 – Permanent – 2026-01896

Title – Ecosystem Services Division Manager
Classification – WMS Band 3 
Job Status – Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program – Habitat Program – Ecosystem Services Division
Duty Station – Olympia, Washington – Thurston County 
Remote Employment – This position may include telework options up to 2 days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor.
Posting Timeframe – This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until March 25, 2026.  The first review of applications will take place March 16, 2026.  Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time. 

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

As the Ecosystem Services Division Manager, you will lead statewide conservation strategy and advance WDFW’s jobshiringnearme.org Initiative, Strategic Plan, and Habitat Program priorities to protect, restore, and enhance Washington’s fish, wildlife, and habitats.

Through strategic leadership, you will provide executive oversight of land use planning, conservation policy, forest health and forest practices, toxic contaminant policy, and large-scale shrubsteppe restoration initiatives. 

Represent the WDFW in engagements with legislators, tribes, state and federal partners, and statewide policy boards to influence policy discussions and guide collaborative solutions on Washington’s most significant natural resource issues.

What to Expect-
In this role, the Ecosystem Services Division Manager provides strategic leadership for managing and sustaining Washington’s habitats. Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Representing the agency in state and federal habitat management forums and stakeholder groups as designated by the Program Director or Deputy Director of Divisions.
• Providing agency representation in the Department of Natural Resources Adaptive Management Program’s Timber Fish and Wildlife (TFW) Policy Committee and coordinating with WDFW’s Forest Practices Board representative to ensure agency alignment within the Adaptive Management Program.
• Directing Division operations in budget, personnel, facilities, staff and external communications, legislative affairs, regulations, and contracts.
• Leading, organizing, and accounting for the work performed by the Ecosystem Services Division.
• Assuring appropriate and optimum use of resources and enhancing the effectiveness of employees through timely appraisal and professional development opportunities.
• Supporting effective communications throughout the Division, Program, and agency.
• Maintaining the highest standards of personal/professional and ethical conduct, supporting the state’s goal for a diverse workforce, and adhering to and promoting WDFW’s ASPIRE values (Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy.
• Directing efforts to ensure communities across Washington recognize and support the contributions of the Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) Program to the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats.
• Providing management expertise and policy guidance on Ecosystem Services Division issues.
• Resolving operational issues that elevate above Section/Sub-Program Manager level of responsibility.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is typically performed in an office setting and at meetings. Occasional field work ~ 5% of time, which may include working in inclement weather conditions. 

Schedule: Typical business hours (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), may require work outside of typical business hours including evenings, weekends, or holidays, to support program needs. 

Travel Requirements: Some travel throughout the state which may include periods of overnight travel.

Qualifications:

Option 1:

All the following (may be gained concurrently):

• Seven (7) years of professional experience in habitat conservation or ecosystem management, including applying science-based approaches to the planning, protection, restoration, and management of diverse fish and wildlife habitats.
• Two (2) years of supervisory or management experience.

Option 2:

• Bachelor’s Degree in habitat-focused disciplines such as Ecology, jobshiringnearme.org Biology, Wildlife or Fisheries Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.

          AND all the following (may be gained concurrently):

• Five (5) years of professional experience in habitat conservation or ecosystem management, including applying science-based approaches to the planning, protection, restoration, and management of diverse fish and wildlife habitats.
• Two (2) years of supervisory or management experience.

Option 3:

• Masters’ Degree or higher in habitat-focused disciplines such as Ecology, jobshiringnearme.org Biology, Wildlife or Fisheries Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.

           AND all the following (may be gained concurrently):

• Three (3) years of professional experience in habitat conservation or ecosystem management, including applying science-based approaches to the planning, protection, restoration, and management of diverse fish and wildlife habitats.
• Two (2) years of supervisory or management experience.

In Addition, All Applicants Must Demonstrate the Following:

Experience:

• Experience in developing, analyzing, and implementing policies that guide natural resource or habitat management programs.
• Experience developing, managing, and overseeing budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and fiscal accountability.
• Proven leadership skills that demonstrate WDFW’s ASPIRE values (Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy).

Competencies:

• Performance based management.
• Exercise strategic planning and visioning.
• Work effectively with the public and individuals representing diverse interests and professional disciplines.
• Negotiate and resolve complex and conflicting issues within short timeframes.
• Prioritize and make decisions on diverse issues.
• Organize, motivate, and provide leadership and vision for staff.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Five (5) or more years of experience supervising professional staff.
• Advanced knowledge of principles of marine, fresh water, and terrestrial ecology and natural resource management.
• Knowledge of ecosystem management principles.
• Knowledge of multiple state and federal conservation laws.
• Demonstrated effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven ability to clearly communicate with management, the Legislature, regulatory bodies, and employees.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage.  To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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 of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-01896. 

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