JOB
Forest Practices Application Technical Strategist, Management Analyst 5 (MA5)
Recruitment #2026-6-A492
Full-time, Permanent Represented position (WFSE)
Location: South Puget Sound Region- Enumclaw, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $6,869.00 - $9,241.00 Monthly
The salary range listed includes a general wage increase of 2% for all state employees effective July 1, 2026.
An additional 5% King County duty station pay has also been added to the base salary listed on this announcement.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Want to join a great team and make a difference for Washington’s working forests and forested ecosystems? The Department of Natural Resources is seeking a
Forest Practices Application (FPA) Technical Strategist to support our Forest Practices Program.
The Forest Practices Program administers the forest practices rules that protect public safety, water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat on the 12 million acres of Washington's state-owned and private forestlands and assists Washington's family forest owners through its Small Forest Landowner Office, which provides technical and financial assistance to help small forest landowners manage their unique lands to meet their individual goals.
The FPA Technical Strategist reports directly to the Forest Practices Division Manager and serves as the agency's Subject Matter Expert (SME) and manager of the highly complex fpOnline system to ensure the agency fulfills its statutory obligations associated with the review and management of FPAs.
The FPA Technical Strategist works with both internal and external users to ensure the fpOnline software and associated workflows meet the agency’s legal requirements and end-user business needs. This position provides expertise and strategic recommendations to Division, Region, and agency leadership to support continuous process improvement, system enhancements, policy development, and/or resourcing to support fpOnline and associated systems and workflows. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Responsibilities:
As the FPA Technical Strategist, you’ll:
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Ensure the fpOnline software and associated workflows are meeting internal and external customer needs and maintain a prioritized list of gaps/future enhancements.
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Lead and facilitate cross-disciplinary work groups – including Forest Practices program staff in Division and Regions, central Information Technology Division (ITD), State Uplands, and external users – to determine future system, equipment, software, policies, procedures, and staffing requirements.
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Routinely present findings and recommendations to Division and agency leadership to support continuous improvement of the software and associated workflows.
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Develop biennial budget requests to support maintenance, operation, and future enhancements of the software solution and associated workflows and training needs.
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Serve as a consultant to executive management, develop procedures, answer applicable questions, and resolve customer complaints.
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Work with DNR’s Communications, EPPMO, and ITD teams to develop and execute a coordinated OCM strategy to support implementation of the fpOnline software system, associated workflows, and future enhancements.
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Review systems and staff work for compliance with the Board Manual, division, and agency guidance, regulations, and policy.
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Coach, mentor, train, and support Forest Practices program staff to navigate challenges during implementation of fpOnline and associated workflows, as well as future changes to forest practices rules and/or associated Board Manual guidance.
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Works with the Small Forest Landowner Office, Region forest practices staff, and external organizations to provide targeted communications and technical support to small forest landowners.
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Works with program staff and external stakeholders to proactively identify opportunities to streamline the statewide FPA process through fpOnline system enhancements, workflow improvements, and/or revisions to policy and guidance documents.
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Review and approve vendor-proposed solutions surrounding form build, flow, and required functionality while ensuring all applicable RCW, WAC, and DNR policies are met by the software solution and associated workflows.
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 [email protected].
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Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
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Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
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Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
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References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, including a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
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Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
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Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
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Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at [email protected] with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive these communications.
Questions? Please contact Brandon Austin at
[email protected] or email us at
[email protected].
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email
[email protected]. 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.
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.
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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.
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Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
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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
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Work/life balance
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DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
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Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
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Leadership that empowers and supports employees
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Professional development opportunities
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Educational and career development aid
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
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Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
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A comprehensive benefits package 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 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 Veterans’ preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA-signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. 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 with disabilities, 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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email
[email protected].
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