Southeast Region Business Operations Assistant Region Manager, Wms2

Southeast Region Business Operations Assistant Region Manager

Recruitment #2024-4-6319

Full-time, WMS2, Non-Represented position

Location: Southeast Region

• Ellensburg, WA

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Relocation Compensation may be available and considered

Salary: $95,050.00 - $110,861.00 Annually

To allow for growth and salary progression the full salary range is: $95,050.00 - $116,696.00 Annually

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 5/9/24. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Southeast Region. Do you enjoy helping people, complex problem-solving, and mentoring staff? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is looking for a Business Operations Assistant Region Manager for its Southeast Region which will provide opportunities to exercise those skills. The position is responsible for the support functions that are critical to the implementation of the many responsibilities of the Department. This includes the maintenance and operations of the region office and nine work centers, a fleet of more than 200 vehicles, supporting the IT needs of more than 150 permanent staff and 200 seasonal firefighters, and the administration of the region's finance, accounting, and payroll functions. This position works on the management team along with the region manager and the assistant region managers for fire, forest resiliency & regulation, state uplands, and agriculture & leasing. To be successful in this position you should enjoy problem-solving in collaboration with a variety of programs and peers, be great with motivating and leading staff, be able to research and understand policy, programs, and budgets in order to train and mentor new staff, and be creative with finding solutions to difficult challenges. You must be a strong communicator. You'll have the opportunity to work with a variety of internal and external partners and establish strong relationships with them. If you look forward to being a key employee to the success of the entire region's operations, this is a great opportunity for you.Responsibilities:

• Supervises the accounting, payroll, and accounts payable unit along with the information technology unit, facilities maintenance, fleet, and radio communications programs for the region which includes first and second-line reports.

• Provides expertise and support to the other assistant region managers in biennial budget development and budget tracking.

• Ensures consistency with statewide program implementation of facilities, fleet, radio, and finance programs and negotiates, on behalf of the region manager, the deliverables and expectations for the region's work.

• Interacts with other state and federal agency partners on fire business and general business cost share and collaborative agreements.

• Mentor and provide a positive work environment for staff where people feel respected and valued professionally.

• Support effective communication throughout the organization.

• Directs and develops protocols and systems for managing the region's business and fiscal operations, consistent with policy.  Proactively promote business improvements and problem-solving.

• Manages the fleet for the region including the acquisition and periodic replacement of over 250 vehicles, maintenance mechanic shop, and many small motor equipment.

• Lead and coordinate the 6-year facility master plan for the region which includes the region office and work centers throughout the region.  Working with the other assistant region managers, determine the long-term needs for facilities.

• Oversee the capital improvements, repairs, maintenance, and new construction of facilities in the Southeast Region.

• Management's representative for the safety improvement plan and safety committee representative.

• Serves as Incident Business Advisor on fires to ensure compliance with agency standards and policy along with interagency agreements and federal programs.

Required Qualifications: 

• A bachelor's or master's degree in business, public administration, natural resource management, or a closely related field. AND Five years of experience managing business functions for a dispersed field organization; managing personnel, directing and developing staff, budgeting and managing financial resources, experience directing the activities of a diverse, professional staff.

OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.

Must possess strong leadership abilities, be able to work independently, and have strong technical skills to work with other managers. As a member of region management, must have strong teamwork skills. Must have a strong technical and strategic command of budget, agency operations (both strategic and tactical), personnel management, and advanced business management. Successful performance in the position requires both formal education and/or considerable working knowledge and experience including the following:

• Knowledge of personnel management principles.

• Knowledge of agency policies, practices, procedures, and tasks.

• Communicate clearly and effectively, in writing and orally.

• Knowledge and experience in budget preparation and administration.

• Staff development and training.

• Ability to collaborate with managers and supervisors to meet program needs within business operations requirements.

• Understand complex planning and policy issues, and plan for future needs within the region and the agency.

• Interact effectively with diverse agency representatives and public members.

• Use independent judgment; critical thinking; and solve problems.

• Function within a teamwork approach.

• Work on or develop self-directed teams.

• Principles of information technology methods and systems.

• Public information methods.

• Accounting and financial management.

• Organize, coach, mentor, and train a diverse workforce.

• Position Core Competencies:

• Ethics and integrity.

• Commitment to Workforce Diversity.

• Relationship Building.

• Effective Communications.

• Tact and Diplomacy.

• Interpersonal influence.

• Performance and Team Leadership.

• Accountability, Initiative, and Decisiveness

• DNR Core Competencies:

• Personal Accountability

• Value Others

• Compassionate Communication

• Inspire Others

• Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• This position is in an office setting at the Southeast Region office located in Ellensburg, WA
• Occasional travel to attend meetings, trainings, and incident command posts for wildland fires. Sometimes overnight travel is necessary.

Desired Qualifications:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in business, public administration, natural resource management, or a closely related field.

• Experience managing business functions for a dispersed field organization; experience managing personnel, technology, accounting, budgeting and financial resources, fleet and equipment management; experience directing the activities of a diverse, professional staff.

• A successful record of improving business or operational systems.

• Ability to think strategically and envision future scenarios.

• Facilities management, including leasing and maintenance.

• Fleet management, including maintenance, repair, and replacement.

• Principles of radio communications systems, including repeaters, microwaves, mobile and base stations.

• Experience in mediation, facilitation, and negotiations.

Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position

• If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don't hesitate to apply! Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).

• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.

• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.

• References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers- you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.

• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).

• Complete all supplemental questions.

• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Questions?  Please contact Larry Leach at Larry.leach@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

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.

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 which 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 benefits 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.

Additional Information:

This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

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 it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources 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, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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.

Check us out on: DNR's website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress