Stewardship Director (EMS BAND 4) Lacey, WA.

Posting number: 2026-04973

Department: Parks and Recreation Commission

Job classification: WMS BAND 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Parks and Beaches, Planning and Development, Management, Executive Management, Parks and Recreation, Land Use, Parks, Natural Resources, Community Development, Project Management, Organizational Development, Forestry, Program Management

Summary

About the Opportunity 

Washington State Parks & Recreation is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as its next Stewardship Director. As one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the country, Washington State Parks has a significant responsibility to protect and manage the system’s resources for today’s visitors and for generations to come. Stewardship is a critical lens for State Parks through which all work should be considered. It is a pillar of our mission, and a healthy, protected, and responsible park system is essential to providing a successful visitor experience.

The Stewardship Director is a member of the agency's executive team and leads the agency’s work on natural and cultural resources, environmental compliance, climate change adaptation and sustainability, and GIS. The position advises the agency's Director, Executive Leadership Team, and Commission on stewardship related matters, furthering the agency’s mission, vision, values, and goals.

Aa a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Stewardship Director also serves as a critical thinker on high level agency matters brought to the team, providing input and advice based on their professional experience and perspective. 

The position works closely with the directors of Park Operations and Parks Development to ensure stewardship is fully integrated into day-to-day park operations, maintenance projects, capital planning, land acquisitions, and other critical work. The position also works with the agency’s Office of Tribal Relations in managing the work of cultural resources, ensuring compliance with various federal and state cultural resource regulations while working with tribal entities in a respectful manner based in cultural humility. This position plays an important part in the agency’s success both within Stewardship and throughout all the agency’s work.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced, strategic, and effective leader - one who can demonstrate their ability to guide a team of committed technical experts towards a shared vision. Maintaining a long-term perspective in a landscape of competing stewardship needs is essential. We are looking for someone who establishes and maintains credibility, who will share their voice to inform and influence in a positive way. A leader who can build effective partnerships and gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity. A strong communicator who is knowledgeable of and embraces concepts critical to stewardship in a land management organization and ensuring the agency delivers on its commitments to the public, legislature, tribal and local government partners.

At State Parks, your work is mission-driven and deeply meaningful to care for Washington's most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. State Parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives.

Examples of duties

The Stewardship Director leads and supervises a team of professionals in multiple technical disciplines including natural and cultural resource stewardship, environmental compliance