Salary: $89,388.00 - $103,992.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number: 2025-
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 09/16/2025
Closing Date: 9/23/ :59 PM Pacific
Description Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of Public Lands and Chief of Staff, Exempt Recruitment #2025-9-7071
Full-time, Exempt, Non-represented position.
Location: Natural Resources Building - Olympia, WA. Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered. Relocation Compensation may be available and considered. Salary: $89,388.00 - $103,992.00 Annually To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $89,388.00 - $109,200.00 Annually Want to join something GREAT and make a difference? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity to contribute to work that ensures a future where Washington's lands, waters, and communities thrive. Our mission is to protect Washington State's natural resources for current and future generations, and we're looking for a talented, dynamic team member to carry out that mission and strengthen our strategies.
We are committed to making DNR a great place to work and serve Washington's lands and communities. At DNR, we believe there is not just one path to success. Whoever you are or wherever you come from in the world, there is a place for you here.
We are looking for someone who values public service and understands that we must continue to innovate to fulfill our duties as public stewards and solve our state's most pressing challenges. If you enjoy working in a collaborative environment that encourages you to think big and share your strengths, we invite you to apply!
The
Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of Public Lands and Chief of Staff is part of the Executive Assistant Team in the office of the Commissioner of Public Lands. This role reports to the Chief of Staff.
Duties Responsibilities: The Executive Assistant is responsible for providing comprehensive support to the Commissioner and Chief of Staff. This dynamic position requires a high degree of planning and problem-solving skills, the ability to anticipate needs and think critically, and a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
The Executive Assistant completes a broad variety of administrative tasks that facilitate the Commissioner/COS's ability effectively lead the organization, including managing extremely active calendars to ensure efficient time management, managing and preparing executive correspondence that is sometimes confidential, arranging complex and detailed travel plans and itineraries, responding to public records requests, and managing information flow in a timely manner to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
The Executive Assistant is also responsible for ensuring the Commissioner and Chief of Staff have all necessary materials needed to be prepared and successful for both internal and external meetings. The Executive Assistant serves as a point of contact between the Commissioner of Public Lands/COS and external partners, engaging on their behalf with many diverse groups and individuals.
Qualifications Required Qualifications: - Five years of administrative experience, with three years at the senior assistant level supporting an executive management position.
- Working knowledge of state government operations.
- Proficient in computer skills, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel).
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize work for self, balance workload, meet short deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work with sensitive information, public policy, and personnel issues while maintaining confidentiality.
- Ability to anticipate executive needs, work well in stressful situations, and respond appropriately to emergencies.
- Experience preparing high-level executive documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- Ability to comprehend and interpret complex discussions and independently compose clear, accurate, and concise notes.
- Excellent analytical and time-management skills.
- Ability to work nonstandard hours.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships within the division, other DNR divisions and regions, other government entities, and the public.
- Understand the organizational structure of DNR and the mission and functions of the department.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Use diplomacy.
- Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
- Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment: - This position is a hybrid, working in the Natural Resources Building, and may be allowed to telework.
- This position requires occasional in-state travel.
Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at 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!
Supplemental Information Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact
- Apply online: at (Click on the APPLY button above).
- Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
- Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
- References: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. 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 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 Diana Phibbs at or e-mail us at
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or .
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,
- 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 for more information.
Additional Information: DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit
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 before 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.
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 or email
Check us out on: | | | | |
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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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 .
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
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated
01
Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.
02
Please describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.
03
Do you have at least five years of administrative experience, with three at the senior assistant level supporting an executive management position?
04
Do you have experience preparing high-level executive documents, spreadsheets, and presentations?
05
How do you rate your proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel)?
- Beginner (little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn)
- Developing (working knowledge)
- Skilled (working knowledge, uses software frequently)
- Expert (exceptional knowledge, recognized as expert user)
06
Do you have working knowledge of state government operations?
07
Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States? DNR is not an E-Verify agency.
08
Where did you originally hear about this job posting?
- WA WorkSource office or WorkSourceWA.com
- Governmentjobs.com
- Monster
- Indeed
- LinkedIn
- Twitter
- College/university website/career fair
- Handshake
- Newspaper
- Direct Email Notification
- Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups (BRG)
- Professional/Personal Network
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- Zip Recruiter
- Diversity Jobs
- Facebook
- Other (please specify below)
09
If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.
Required Question
