Enterprise Risk Manager- Lacey, WA (WMS 03)

Enterprise Risk Manager- Lacey, WA (WMS 03)

Salary

$106,524.00 - $133,152.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-06416

Department

Parks and Recreation Commission

Opening Date

08/06/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

_____

Job Title: Enterprise Risk Program Manager (WMS 03)

Location: Lacey, WA

Compensation: The annual range of compensation is between $106,524 - $133,152 depending upon qualifications, although the expected hiring salary will typically be less than the top of the range, to allow for growth and development movement.

Closes: This posting will remain open until filled. It is in the candidates best interest to apply before August 20th, 2026, when the first review of applicants will be completed. The hiring authority reserves the right to fill this position at any time after that date without notice.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is currently seeking an experienced Enterprise Risk Manager. In this role, you will direct agency-wide efforts to identify, assess, and reduce risk in accordance with statute. The Enterprise Risk Manager also provides consultation and recommendations to executive leadership, managers, and other staff about issues relating to risk. This position is responsible for collaborating with executive leadership, managers, attorneys, staff, other agencies, private organizations, and the public to perform the role of this position.

The Enterprise Risk Manager is also responsible for leading agency efforts in resolving tort claims and lawsuits, by working with the Department of Enterprise Services Risk Office and the Attorney Generals Office. This position is the agencys designated lead for identifying, coordinating, and implementing agency-wide process efficiencies. This position is responsible for working with leadership and division staff to achieve continuous improvement in work processes to reduce risk and loss.

We are seeking someone who prioritizes collaborative relationship-building, is passionate about making a meaningful impact, is systems focused, and sees the value in turning risk into opportunity. The Business Support Services Division serves internal and external customers through agency core functions that maintain compliance, promote transparency, improve efficiency, and provide business solutions for State Parks. You'll be joining a collaborative team of professionals who value partnership, innovation, and serving with excellence.

Are you an experienced Risk Program Manager who would like to lead this challenging but interesting work in an organization full of passionate, committed professionals? Consider coming to work for Washington State Parks.

Telework: This position is available for hybrid telework or flexible schedule, though frequent on-site attendance is required to meet business needs. The default assigned work location of all Parks positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions - is within the State of Washington.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Responsible for successful service delivery and adherence to state law, policies, and procedures. Oversee the establishment of program guidelines and internal procedures, ensuring agency policies and WACs are current and relevant.
• Lead process efficiency efforts to reduce risk across the agency. Provides leadership with strategies and plans to achieve results. Promotes lean philosophy and acts as an advisor and consultant on process efficiency efforts that improve work processes and reduce agency risk.
• Develop risk management program, policies, procedures, and guidelines following the risk management principles in RCW 43.19.760 and Governors Executive Order 16-06. Ensure compliance with state risk management policy. Provide risk management consultation and professional guidance and training to executive, region, program and other staff in the areas of risk recognition, evaluation measures, loss control activities, litigation strategies, and resolution of all tort claims made against Parks. Travel for investigative, coordination, or training activities as needed.
• Annually, leads agency wide efforts to identify, assess, and develop mitigation strategies on the agency's Risk Register. Responsible for providing DES Office of Risk Management the updated Risk Register and consulting with them on risk issues.
• Select and purchase commercial insurance policies for exposures not covered by states self-insurance liability program. This includes exposures for marine vessels (property, liability), aviation (casualty, liability), buildings, furnishings, IT equipment and fine arts (property), employee theft and fraud (fidelity bond).
• Manage financial recovery from insurance carriers/individuals when agency assets (facilities, vehicles, or equipment) have been damaged. Develop and implement methods to review certificates of insurance to verify that insurance of contractors, vendors, lessees, and others meet agency contract specifications.
• Review and analyze tort claims filed against the agency and monitor claim activity, including the defense and settlement of lawsuits, the adequacy of settlement reserves, the findings of investigations, exposures of liability, and to determine any information in agency records that may be applicable to the defense or settlement of a claim or lawsuit. Coordinate litigation discovery responses between Parks staff and the AGO. Propose and implement corrective actions. Develops loss prevention report and serve as the agencys loss prevention appointee under RCW 43.19.782.
• Serve as the agency liaison with the Attorney Generals Office and the DES Office of Risk Management to develop negotiation and litigation strategies. Provide oversight of tort claims and resolution of tort claims and resulting lawsuits. Actively participates in case evaluations and negotiates settlements on behalf of the agency for tort liability claims and lawsuits. Monitor expenditures from the states self-insurance liability account on behalf of the agency.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree* in business, public administration, or related field.
• 3 years' professional experience in risk management and risk mitigation activities.
• Valid unrestricted with exception of corrective lenses drivers license and the ability to travel statewide as needed for investigative or training activities.

(Additional professional level experience in risk management and risk mitigation may substitute year for year for education).

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Enterprise Risk Management - Provides strategic direction, executive consultation, and guidance to establish agency-wide risk frameworks, policies, and mitigation registers.
• Legal & Regulatory Compliance - Assures strict adherence to state laws, statutory requirements (RCW), executive orders, and administrative codes (WAC) governing risk and liability.
• Process Efficiency & Risk Reduction - Integrates lean philosophy and strategic planning to consult on and optimize organizational workflows to minimize risk exposure.
• Loss Control & Mitigation Strategy - Designs and deploys operational control mechanisms, safeguarding agency assets and financial systems from severe or frequent losses.
• Financial Risk Financing & Insurance - Evaluates, selects, and manages commercial insurance policies and alternative financing structures to fund claims cost-effectively.
• Contractual Risk Transfer - Analyzes, structures, and enforces contract specifications, certificates of insurance, and indemnity provisions to safely shift liability.
• Litigation & Claim Management - Investigates tort claims, coordinates defense strategies with legal counsel, monitors settlement reserves, and represents the agency in legal proceedings.
• Strategic Communication & Advisory - Delivers professional training, consultative guidance, and data-driven recommendations to executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Interagency Collaboration & Liaison - Builds and manages critical working relationships with external state offices, legal departments, and oversight agencies to resolve disputes.
• Commitment to learning and growth: Experience considering and incorporating new information and different perspective; and practicing self-awareness by reflecting on personal strengths, growth areas, and biases.
• Takes action to meet the needs of others: Experience adapting communication and approaches to different communities and individuals, welcoming and valuing different identities and perspectives and experience increasing access, opportunities, and positive outcomes for others.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris doctorate or master's degree in business or public administration, or related field.
• Professional designation as a Risk Manager.
• Certified in Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Knowledge of state tort law and judicial practices, including participating in the settlement of claims against public entities in Washington.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Monday- Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm, hybrid remote or flextime as agreed by the supervisor. This position requires occasional travel as needed to accomplish assignments.

This position will have access to legal and law enforcement programs which require a criminal background check of the selected candidate prior to hire.

HOW TO APPLY

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:

• Letter of Interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
• Current resume.

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
• For more information on Veterans Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click here.

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers to the application questions. Answers will be verified, and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

Supplemental Information

WHO WE ARE:

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse and most beautiful park systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 125 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. And the agency is staffed with nearly 1000 employees (during peak season - summers), who are some of the most passionate employees youll find anywhere - from law enforcement park rangers, park managers, and field staff who take care of our parks (construction, maintenance, customer service, to planners, engineers, managers, administrative professionals and central support staff. We love caring for Washingtons most treasured lands, waters, and historic places; connecting all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage; and providing memorable recreational and educational experiences. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

Diversity Policy Statement

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

For information about this recruitment or Parks hiring process, please contact Wendy Vandel at Wendy.vandel@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8688.

For information about the technical aspects of the position, please contact Natasha James at Natasha.james@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8530.

All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

Job Alerts to receive a list of new job postings at Parks

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Do you have a bachelor's degree in business, public administration, or a related field (*additional professional level experience in risk management and risk mitigation may substitute year for year for education) AND three (3) years of professional experience in risk management and risk mitigation?

• Yes
• I am substituting relevant years of professional level experience in Risk Management for a total of 6 years of combined education/experience.
• No

02

If you indicated "Yes", to question number one (1), please provide additional information to support your answer. The following information is needed: Highest level of education and degree received, education field of study, number of years of professional experience and brief summary of duties. *An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.

03

Do you have a Juris doctorate or masters degree involving major study in business, public administration, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

04

Please describe how you meet the required position competencies. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.

05

Do you possess the required valid and unrestricted driver license?

• Yes
• No

06

Rate your experience delivering professional training, consultative guidance, and data-driven recommendations to staff, managers, and executive leadership.

• None of the above.
• I have assembled basic risk data points into clear status update emails.
• I have basic experience co-presenting risk information to staff.
• I have delivered interactive risk management training modules to cross-functional staff groups.
• I have advised division directors on risk exposures using comprehensive, data-driven forecasting models.
• I have presented critical, high-stakes risk posture recommendations directly to executive board members.

07

Rate your experience investigating tort claims, coordinating defense strategies, monitoring reserves, and representing agencies in legal proceedings.

• I have no experience processing tort claims or interacting with litigation defense.
• I have logged inbound claim paperwork and route documents to assigned risk technicians.
• I have investigated active tort allegations by interviewing witnesses and gathering field evidence.
• I have coordinated defense strategies with external counsel and set appropriate financial reserves.
• I act as the official agency representative during formal trials and depositions.

08

Please describe a challenging risk investigation that you lead. What was the issue and how was it resolved? If you do not have any of this type of experience, type N/A.

09

Which of the following best describes your experience building and managing working relationships with external state offices, legal departments, and oversight agencies.?

• I have no experience acting as a formal liaison to outside agencies.
• I have routed standard administrative inquiries to designated contacts at external partner offices.
• I have maintained active, collaborative communication lines with legal departments and oversight bodies.
• I share critical risk data and coordinate complex joint programs across multiple agencies.
• I have negotiated directly with federal oversight bodies to resolve high-stakes interagency disputes.

10

Rate your experience ensuring adherence to state laws, statutory requirements (RCW), executive orders, and administrative codes (WACs).

• I have no experience working with formal legal and regulatory compliance structures.
• I follow established compliance guidelines and checklists during my daily routine work.
• I interpret complex statutory language like RCWs to adjust internal operational manuals.
• I have served as the final authority enforcing compliance across all agency risk practices.

11

Rate your experience integrating lean philosophy and strategic planning to optimize workflows and minimize organizational risk exposure.

• I have no experience applying process improvement methodologies to reduce risk.
• I have participated in lean events and follow standard operating procedures to avoid errors.
• I have mapped complex organizational workflows to identify vulnerabilities and operational bottlenecks.
• I have re-engineer high-risk workflows to blend maximum operational efficiency with built-in controls.
• I have lead agency-wide strategic planning initiatives rooted deeply in systemic risk reduction.

12

Rate your experience designing and deploying operational control mechanisms to safeguard organizational assets and financial systems.

• I have no practical experience with loss control or operational asset mitigation.
• I adhere to established internal controls and report any potential hazards immediately.
• I have investigated localized financial variances and isolate specific trends causing recurring losses.
• I have built and deployed specialized control mechanisms to isolate high-frequency operational risks.
• I have designed and architected enterprise asset protection strategies to insulate against loss control or operational asset mitigation.

13

Do you currently hold any of the following certifications? (check all that apply)

• RIMS - Certified Risk Management Professional.
• PMI-RMP Project Management Institute Risk Management Professional.
• CRM- Certified Risk Manager.
• Construction Health and Safety Technicians (CHST)
• LEAN- Black Belt
• None of the above.

14

Do you have experience providing risk management in a natural resource-based organization or company, with preference towards logging industry, agriculture, aquaculture, or similar industries?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov