Forestry Innovation Strategist
Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered.
Salary: $8,993.00 - $10,488.00 Monthly
To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $8,993.00 - $11,041.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing.

We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/7/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Responsibilities: 

• Lead the design and execution of strategic initiatives that operationalize the Commissioner’s forestry priorities.
• Translate high-level policy goals into actionable programs, pilots, and performance metrics.
• Identify emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in forestry, forest products, and land management, and assess their applicability to Washington’s landscapes and trust responsibilities.
• Inform policy development by providing analysis and recommendations grounded in science, operational realities, and external partner input.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities (state, federal, philanthropic) to support innovative forestry initiatives.
• Support legislative and executive briefings, including preparation of memos, testimony, and strategic materials.
• Collaborate on agency legislation and assist with legislation analysis.
• Facilitate inclusive engagement with rural communities, trust beneficiaries, Tribes, environmental organizations, forestry workers, and industry partners.
• Clearly communicate (both in written and oral form) complex forestry and climate topics to diverse audiences, including policymakers and the public.
• Represent the Commissioner on committees, workgroups, and forums focused on forestry innovation.

Required Qualifications: 

• A master’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, environmental studies, public policy, or a related field;
  OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• A minimum of 7 years’ experience working on ecological forestry, conservation, or natural resource policy.
• Demonstrated experience working on complex natural resource and forestry issues that align with the Commissioner’s vision, including ecosystem services markets and other innovative funding mechanisms.
• Demonstrated experience driving transformational change while still successfully managing internal and external relationships, including industry partners, government officials, agency staff, and the public in the pursuit of broad public policy goals.
• Strong understanding of, and experience applying, racial equity and environmental justice practices in your work.
• A strong background in the legislative process, politics, state government, and legislative timelines and protocols.
• Demonstrated success in innovation, pilot programs, or organizational change within public or mission-driven organizations.
• Active listening skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts and receive and convey ideas and information.
• Demonstrated ability to write for prioritized audiences effectively and to communicate persuasively at all levels of the organization and externally.
• Ability to manage multiple short-term and long-term projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as coordinate, facilitate, and manage the work of ad hoc teams formed from cross-agency resources.