Conservation Grants Manager

Conservation Grants Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)
Recruitment #2024-5-A376
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Anticipated Non-permanent June 2024 – June 2025
Location: Natural Resources Building – Olympia, WA
Location flexibility may be available and considered
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,723.00 – $6,349.00 Monthly

(See official listing for full details.)

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a Conservation Grants Manager to support DNR Conservation staff statewide to secure funding and deliver on grant commitments. This position is a member of the Recreation and Conservation Division and coordinates statewide grant application, tracking, billing, and reconciliation to protect and restore native ecosystems for DNR-managed natural areas as designated by the Natural Heritage Program and Natural Areas Program. The grants manager will also work directly with the Conservation Acquisitions Program to secure grants and appropriations for transacting about $40 million in conservation easement or land acquisitions at any given time.

Responsibilities:

• Monthly tracking of grant expenditures for each active grant.
• Consistently communicating with grant funders, including the Recreation and Conservation Office, about deadlines, requirements, and progress reports, including DNR’s grant policy committee.
• Providing expert guidance to division and region staff about funding sources and grant requirements, including natural heritage conservation activities, restoration, and acquisition.
• Coordinating the timeline and submission expectations of grant application deadlines with regional staff and DNR’s division team.
• Providing timely feedback on grant applications to ensure DNR conservation grant applications are consistently strong statewide.
• Researching alternative funding sources to advise program leadership on new funding mechanisms.
• Track operating and capital conservation program budgets to ensure expenditures and fund balances align with projects, grants, and overall program funding.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in any field, preferably related to finance, environmental, recreation, or natural resources field;
  OR equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience researching and interpreting complex information, including laws, regulations, and policies, preferably related to grant programs.
• Fluency in Microsoft Word and Excel or similar software.
• Must be proficient in self-management to effectively conduct work and achieve results.
• Experience working collaboratively in diverse teams; customer service experience preferred.
• Demonstrated 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.