Stewardship Director (EMS BAND 4) Lacey, WA.
Salary
$130,000.00 - $160,000.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type
Exempt
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2026-04973
Department
Parks and Recreation Commission
Opening Date
06/23/2026
Description
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Job Title: Stewardship Director (Exempt Band 04)
Location: Lacey, WA.
Compensation: The annual range of compensation is between $130,000 - $160,000 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 July 6th, 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.
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About the Opportunity
Washington State Parks & Recreation is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as its next Stewardship Director. As one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the country, Washington State Parks has a significant responsibility to protect and manage the system's resources for today's visitors and for generations to come. Stewardship is a critical lens for State Parks through which all work should be considered. It is a pillar of our mission, and a healthy, protected, and responsible park system is essential to providing a successful visitor experience.
The Stewardship Director is a member of the agencys executive team and leads the agency's work on natural and cultural resources, environmental compliance, climate change adaptation and sustainability, and GIS. The position advises the agencys Director, Executive Leadership Team, and Commission on stewardship related matters, furthering the agency's mission, vision, values, and goals.
Aa a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Stewardship Director also serves as a critical thinker on high level agency matters brought to the team, providing input and advice based on their professional experience and perspective.
The position works closely with the directors of Park Operations and Parks Development to ensure stewardship is fully integrated into day-to-day park operations, maintenance projects, capital planning, land acquisitions, and other critical work. The position also works with the agency's Office of Tribal Relations in managing the work of cultural resources, ensuring compliance with various federal and state cultural resource regulations while working with tribal entities in a respectful manner based in cultural humility. This position plays an important part in the agency's success both within Stewardship and throughout all the agency's work.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced, strategic, and effective leader - one who can demonstrate their ability to guide a team of committed technical experts towards a shared vision. Maintaining a long-term perspective in a landscape of competing stewardship needs is essential. We are looking for someone who establishes and maintains credibility, who will share their voice to inform and influence in a positive way. A leader who can build effective partnerships and gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity. A strong communicator who is knowledgeable of and embraces concepts critical to stewardship in a land management organization and ensuring the agency delivers on its commitments to the public, legislature, tribal and local government partners.
At State Parks, your work is mission-driven and deeply meaningful to care for Washingtons most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. State Parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives.
Duties
The Stewardship Director leads and supervises a team of professionals in multiple technical disciplines including natural and cultural resource stewardship, environmental compliance, climate adaptation and sustainability, and GIS. The position encourages and ensures that the divisions managers and staff are effectively coordinating their efforts with one another, with staff from other divisions and functional areas, other governmental agencies, and other individual and institutional stakeholders.
Natural Resources: The position directs, guides, monitors, and evaluates performance of the agencys Natural Resources Program, including assessing, planning, prioritizing, and developing policy and practices for treating the state park systems natural resources. This area includes evaluating recreational impacts on the agencys natural resources and collaborating with sister agencies on management approaches. This area also includes a comprehensive program of tree risk management, including ongoing assessment, evaluation and on-the-ground treatment of forest pathogens and potential structural failure of individual trees in developed landscapes, as well as forest health management. This area also involves extensive work with tribes to ensure agency compliance with the United States v. Washington culvert sub-proceeding.
Cultural Resources: The position directs, guides, monitors, and evaluates performance of the agencys archaeology, historic preservation, and collections staff, including assessing, planning, prioritizing, and developing policy and practices for managing the agencys cultural resources. This area includes managing capital funds related to historic property treatments and caring for a large array of artifacts. This area also involves consulting with tribes on agency activities, in compliance with various federal and state cultural resource regulations.
Environmental: The position directs, guides, monitors, and evaluates performance of the agencys Environmental Program, including assessing, planning, prioritizing, and developing policy and practices for agency compliance with environmental regulations. This area includes complex legal risk management decisions associated with agency State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) implementation.
Climate and Sustainability: The position directs, guides, monitors, and evaluates performance of the agencys Climate and Sustainability Program, including leading, guiding, and promoting climate change adaptation and sustainability initiatives statewide. This area includes developing the agencys biennial greenhouse gas reduction plan. This area works closely with agency staff statewide to implement the agencys climate change adaptation efforts, mainstream climate resilience efforts, and ensure the use of sustainable practices that protect the natural environment and reduce the agencys carbon footprint.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS): The position directs, guides, monitors, and evaluates performance of the agencys GIS program, including developing, acquiring, and deploying technology to meet the agencys spatial data needs. This area includes GIS application development, data development, maintenance, analysis, programming, cartography, instructional materials, technical support, and software license management for GIS users agencywide.
The position is ultimately responsible for the complete, inclusive, and timely delivery of the divisions services and products. This work includes leading, guiding, and directing preparation of multiple program budgets and work plans, monitoring budgets and implementing work plans, and evaluating and improving the performance of program managers/coordinators.
As a member of the Directors executive team, this position seeks and provides advice from other team members and coordinates the work of division staff with other agency divisions and programs. The position advises the Director on matters in the divisions purview and prepares recommendations for consideration and formal action by the Director and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission). These actions typically affect the entire state park system, agency-wide policy or practice, or significantly affect an individual park or resource asset.
Position, Availability and Travel Requirements:
This position is based out of Parks Headquarters in Lacey, WA. Work schedule is Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00pm; a compressed schedule or hybrid telework may be an option. This position requires the ability to travel to remote places throughout the state, which may include overnight travel.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Additional years of qualifying experience may substitute year for year for education.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Advanced or Expert Level Technical Expertise and Knowledge of Stewardship Management to include:
Natural Resource Management: Expert understanding of direct management practices for biological and environmental assets.
Cultural Resource Management: Deep familiarity with preserving, documenting, and managing heritage and historical assets.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Technical knowledge of spatial data mapping and analysis technologies.
Climate Adaptation & Mitigation: Structural awareness of policy mechanisms and technical practices to address climate vulnerabilities.
Environmental Regulations: Functional understanding of local, tribal, and federal compliance frameworks.
Executive Leadership & Supervision: Demonstrated experience overseeing a team of high-level, technical, and interdisciplinary programs or divisions. Experience working directly with and advising executive level leadership and governing bodies.
Advanced Oral and Written Communication Skills: Demonstrated experience making oral presentations to large groups, executive level groups, and governing bodies. Experience preparing verbal and written reports, memoranda, and decision documents for consideration and action by an organization director or governing board.
Strategic Planning: Demonstrated experience identifying organizational issues and opportunities and strategically develop plans, secure support of an organizations executive leadership or commission, and direct initiatives that effectively address them and bring them to a successful conclusion.
Budgetary Management, Contract & Financial Negotiation: Experience managing multiple high-level program budgets and aligning resources with work plans. Formulating, pricing, and structuring complex legal and financial agreements where no clear precedence exists.
Policy Interpretation & Implementation: Demonstrated experience identifying policy needs and developing, recommending, and implementing policy across divisions. Ability to translate complex legal, policy, and technical information into clear communications.
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.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
HOW TO APPLY:
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at www.careers.wa.gov.
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
Supplemental Information
About Parks:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission provides policy direction for one of the largest, most diverse, and beautiful state parks systems in the country. The state park system is comprised of 124 state parks and properties covering over 138,000 acres throughout the state. The park system includes marine parks, heritage sites, historic parks, interpretive centers, retreat centers, ocean beaches and hundreds of miles of trails. The agency is also responsible for the state's winter recreation program, boating safety and vessel pump out program and numerous contracted concession operations. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washingtons most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. Want to join a great organization? State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives, this is a mission like no other state agency. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.
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 phone (360) 902-8688.
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
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Q1. Which of the following best describes how you meet the education and/or experience requirements for this position?
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Q2. Briefly explain which of the listed competencies in the job posting, you would bring to this position?
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Q3. Which statement best describes your experience partnering with executive leadership (e.g., Director, Executive Leadership Team) to implement strategic stewardship direction across multiple programs?
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Q4. Which statement best describes your experience coordinating across divisions, agencies, or external partners?
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Q5. Please select each of the areas below that you have an advanced high-level mastery knowledge of their guiding principles and regulations.
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Q6. Which statement best describes your experience supervising highly technical staff and managing performance?
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Q7. Which statement best describes your experience ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., CCA, FEMA, SEPA, Natural Resource RCW)?
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Q8. Which statement best describes your experience managing politically sensitive or high-visibility issues?
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Q9. Please provide an example of a situation you managed that was politically sensitive or high visibility issue. What was the issue, who were the stakeholders involved, what was your role, and what was the outcome.
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Q10. Which statement best describes your level of knowledge and experience in policy development, interpretation and implementation?
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Q11. Which statement best describes your experience using data, systems, or performance metrics to guide decision-making?
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Q12. Which statement best describes your experience leading organizational change or continuous improvement efforts?
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Q13. Which statement best describes your experience managing budgets, forecasting, and contract negotiation?
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Q14. Are there any personal, logistical, or other factors that might prevent you from independently traveling across Washington state to attend meetings, events, or other work-related duties?
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