The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking an exceptional leader for one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the country.
Position Description
Director
Washington State Parks
Search Conducted by Reffett Associates
About the Opportunity
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking an exceptional leader for one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the country.
Experiencing the outdoors is more important than ever and Washing State Parks is committed to finding ways to introduce more Washingtonians, of every background, to the beauty of our parks and properties.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced, inspiring, and effective leader - one who can demonstrate their ability to guide a team of committed professionals towards a clear vision, and creating an environment that fosters inclusivity, respect, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.
The next director should be a visionary with a passion for finding ways to connect all Washingtonians to our parks and the various experiences they provide visitors. The Commission continues to put significant focus on equity and inclusivity for visitors, particularly for groups that traditionally access the system less than others. The next director should be a visionary with a passion for finding ways to connect all Washingtonians to our parks and the various experiences they provide visitors. `
For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.
Squilchuk State Park
About the Organization
Outdoor Recreation is a priority in Washington state. State Parks are visited more than 38 million times annually, generating $1.4 billion to the state economy. People are drawn to our parks because of the wide range of activities available. Whether it is camping, hiking, boating, horseback riding, skiing, or snowshoeing, Washington State Parks offers something for everyone. Our system covers more than 120,000 acres and includes 125 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers, and approximately 500 miles of long-distance trails. Visitors find our parks a healthy and affordable way to explore and enjoy nature, create memories, and connect with the state’s rich historical and cultural heritage through interpretive centers, events, and exhibits.
Potlach State Park
About Washington State
Washington State is incredibly diverse in geography, habitat, and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. From Alpine glaciers to rain forests and ocean shoreline to rich grasslands Washington offers an outdoor experience for everyone. In addition, the state is thriving as an international business destination and the Capitol, Olympia, is situated roughly halfway between the Seattle and Portland metropolitan areas and yet still within easy access of the outdoors.
In the last legislative session Washington State Parks received the largest operating and capital construction budgets in its history. The agency continues to receive solid financial support from both the Governor and the state legislature on funding, staffing and policy matters.
Pacific Beach State Park
The Location
Olympia, WA
(Washington State Parks’ main office is located in the Olympia the State capitol. Greater Olympia is made up of many different cities and residential areas and is within driving distance to Seattle, Tacoma and Portland.)
Location:
Website: Olympia, Washington
Olympia Population: 52,000 (2019)
Greater Olympia: 286,000 (2019)
Olympia Median Income: $60,000 (household 2019) $78,000 (family)
Cost of Living Index: 106.1% (U.S. avg. = 100)
Public Education: Olympia's main public school district is the Olympia School District. It enrolled 9,231 students in K-12 in the 2005–06 school year. The district has a total of 18 schools: 11 elementary schools, four middle schools and three high schools.
Private Education: Elementary schools include Olympia Waldorf School, Olympia Community School, St. Michael School, Holy Family, and Evergreen Christian. Middle schools include Olympia Waldorf School and NOVA.
Higher Education: Many institutions of higher education are in the area including Evergreen State College, South Puget Sound Community College, St. Martin’s University, and UW of Tacoma.
Overview:
With an economic engine anchored by state government, Olympia enjoys the benefits of a stable work force, engaged and educated community, and well-supported school system. The more than 40 public parks, easy access to waterfront and historic downtown support a strong ability for work/life balance of the region.
Major Businesses in the area:
State and local government are the largest employers in the region, but healthcare and hospitality are also major employers as well and private employers like Weyerhaeuser, AMR Corp, and Macy’s.
Notables:
Duties and Responsibilities
The Director reports to a seven-member Commission appointed by the Governor and serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Together, the Commission and Director create the vision, mission, and strategic plans for the agency. The Director is responsible for executing those plans by managing the political and external relations and leading a team of up to 1,000 employees. Responsibilities of the position include:
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
LOCATION:
The position is exempt from Civil Service rules and is located in Olympia.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
The salary for this position is up to $165,840, depending upon qualifications.
Information about Washington State employee benefits can be found here.
HOW TO APPLY:
To ensure consideration, or to ask any questions about the application process please contact Tom Young at:
Tom.young@reffettassociates.com
Note: You must attach in your application package the following:
This posting will remain open until filled. The hiring authority reserves the right to fill this position at any time after that date without notice.
ABOUT THE SCREENING AND INTERVIEW PROCESS:
Only those candidates who have submitted a complete application package and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of applications, the most desirable candidates will be contacted to participate in a virtual interview
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 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 with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. 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.