Job Description
Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Public Lands - Exempt
Recruitment #2022-02-5582
This is a Full-time, Exempt, Non-represented position.
Location: Natural Resources Building, Olympia
First review of applications on 2/16/2022. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring
decision at any time. It is in the applicant’s best interest to submit material as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Work for Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and the Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) to promote our efforts to lift up all Washingtonians. This includes making bold progress on
important issues like wildfire, protecting our lands and waters, boosting rural and urban economies,
and renewable energy development.
Our public lands provide incredible environmental and economic benefits and generate tens of
millions of dollars for schools, hospitals, and libraries. Under the leadership of Commissioner
Franz, the agency is expanding opportunities that protect our lands and benefit our communities.
We want you to help the Commissioner in her efforts to move the agency forward and maximize
the social, economic, and environmental value of public lands.
This role provides critical support to the Commissioner and Executive Leadership Team. The
Special Assistant reports to the Chief of Staff and is responsible for a wide range of duties.
The successful candidate will be a jack-of-all-trades who is well-organized, motivated, creative,
hardworking, and have a successful track record of supporting high-level leaders.
Duties include: managing the briefing memo process to ensure the Commissioner is prepared for
internal and external meetings; assisting in the preparation and execution of meetings; managing
the logistics of the Commissioner’s travel (in coordination with the Commissioner’s Executive
Assistant); staffing the Commissioner at external events; preparing materials for Executive
Leadership Team meetings; high-level administrative support functions; providing policy and
strategic advice to the Commissioner; and special projects, as assigned.
This role involves daily interaction with the Commissioner and senior agency leaders. Expect a
fast-paced work environment. Your ability to successfully navigate changing circumstances and
triage emergent needs is key. You must be a problem solver.
At DNR, you will join a tight-knit team and work on topics that are incredibly rewarding. You will be
empowered to be creative and think boldly, and you will always have the support and guidance of
your colleagues. We move fast, and want you to help us make the world a better place. Expect to
bring big, ambitious ideas to life. You will work in close proximity to a statewide elected official and
have the opportunity to travel throughout the state and experience our incredible communities.
Plus, awesome benefits.
DUTIES:
Who we are looking for:
Excellent time-management, organizational, and analytical skills.
Experience in a fast-paced environment with many deadlines.
Experience staffing an elected official or candidate.
Excellent verbal and written communicator.
Proficient computer skills, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel).
Experience in event planning and event management.
Ability to exercise discretion and handle confidential information.
Ability to work nonstandard hours and travel.
QUALIFICATIONS:
DNR Core Competencies:
Personal Accountability
Value Others
Compassionate Communication
Inspire Others
Commitment to Excellence
All employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to be fully
vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Vaccination status will be
verified at the time an offer of employment is made. An accommodation may be available for
individuals who have a sincerely held religious belief or a medical reason for not receiving
the COVID-19 vaccination, based on the essential functions of this position.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place
environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through
diversity, equity and inclusion. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington,
we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial,
agricultural and aquatic lands.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities
thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and
waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:
Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the
people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges
through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building
teams for success.
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those include:
Commitment to organizational health and wellness
Work/life balance
DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s
Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
Leadership that empowers and supports employees
Professional development opportunities
Educational and career development aid
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health
insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit
http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.
Application Requirements:
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov. You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the
position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the
References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
Complete all supplemental questions.
Additional Information:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities.
When approved to return, staff are expected to report to their assigned duty station for work
activities or may be approved for telework based on DNR's telework policy.
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to
sixty (60) days.
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or
other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.
We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an
alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by
email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation
are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-
800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.
DNR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.
Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress
Questions? Please contact Carlo Davis at Carol.Davis@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at
DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov
Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If
you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call
NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.