Are you ready to lead one of the largest, most trusted metropolitan natural resource agencies in the country? The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks offers a once-in-a-career opportunity as we hire a new Department Director in a region defined by its spectacular natural environment. Come lead a talented workforce of 2,000 professionals in a region where mountain forests are connected to Puget Sound by rivers and streams with dynamic cities and rural communities in between.
About the Role:
In this leadership role, you will reinforce our Department’s reputation as a trusted environmental steward in the nation’s 13th largest county, serving residents in Seattle and 38 other cities along with thriving unincorporated communities. As a member of the King County Executive’s Cabinet, you will advance Executive Constantine’s environmental priorities, which includes producing climate solutions, protecting water quality, restoring habitat, conserving open space, and improving access to parks and trails.
We prioritize high-performing executives who are passionate about protecting and restoring the natural environment. This position manages a large, complex organization, including senior-level managers. We value candidates with a track record of tangible results and a strategic mindset who will accelerate our climate initiatives with a foundation of upholding King County’s commitment to equity and social justice. If you are a dynamic leader with a commitment to environmental stewardship, political acumen, and the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics, we encourage you to apply for this role.
This is a hybrid position that performs work remotely and onsite.
About the Department:
The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks supports sustainable and livable communities and a clean and healthy natural environment. Our mission is to foster environmental stewardship and strengthen communities by providing regional parks, protecting the region's water, air, land, and natural habitats, and reducing, safely disposing of, and creating resources from wastewater and solid waste. The Director’s Office – which includes about 40 employees including a Deputy Director, provides direction and support for its four divisions: Parks and Recreation, Solid Waste, Wastewater Treatment, and Water and Land Resources.
Under Executive Constantine's direction, launched the Land Conservation Initiative to protect the last, best 65,000 acres of urban greenspace, forests, farmland, trails, river corridors, and natural areas within a single generation.
Led the implementation of the Clean Water Healthy Habitat initiative achieving better outcomes for people, salmon, and orcas, while reducing flood risks and restoring river habitats.
Leading the new Re+ initiative to transform the region’s waste system to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Made the region’s wastewater treatment system safer, more reliable, and more resilient.
Expanded our parks and trail system to more than 205 parks, 175 miles of regional trails, and 250 miles of backcountry trails while prioritizing equitable access.
About King County: King County, located in the Central Puget Sound region, features vibrant and diverse communities exceptional outdoor activities, thriving arts and culture, an integrated transit system, the University of Washington, and a strong job market.
As the only local government in the United States named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., King County is one of the most racially and culturally diverse regions in the country. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the artistic and social traditions of many cultures.
We continue to build on an enduring legacy of shared values of equity and social justice, employee engagement, innovative thinking, and continuous improvement. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda aimed at advancing regional change and is developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all our residents, regardless of their race or income.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards.
Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
What You’ll Be Doing:
Provide visionary guidance for the Department, shaping its strategic direction.
Serve as a trusted advisor to the King County Executive as a Cabinet member.
Uphold and implement principles of equity and social justice across all facets of the Department's operations, reflecting our shared values and practices.
Foster collaboration with leaders within the Department and County administration.
Act as a staunch advocate for the County, Department, and Divisions’ vision, mission, values and culture.
Lead problem-solving efforts and actively seek out innovative solutions.
Cultivate a positive and inclusive work environment that inspires productivity and staff well-being.
Oversee the department's biennial budget, ensuring responsible financial management.
Define and communicate a strategic vision for employees and initiatives under this position's purview.
Cultivate and sustain strategic partnerships with private, public, and non-profit organizations to further our mission and objectives.
Work Location: This is hybrid position, with onsite work requirements as informed by business needs. This position reports onsite on the first day of employment for orientation and approximately 1-2 days per week at various King County worksites, subject to change based on business needs. Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to meet workplace reporting requirements.
The primary onsite location is King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104). This location offers excellent accessibility through multiple mass transit options ensuring convenient and sustainable commuting. This work arrangement promotes work-life-balance and reduces carbon footprint under the department’s vision of Green Where We Work.
Relocation: Reasonable and necessary moving expenses up to a maximum of $15,000 may be available if the successful candidate is relocating from outside of Washington.
Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Shawna Ousse-Parton at sousse@kingcounty.gov or 206.263.3536.
Application and Selection Process:
We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
To be considered for this opportunity, please complete the brief application, and attach your resume and cover letter.
We will review application materials based on clarity, completeness, and alignment with the required experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for this position. Please ensure that your application includes details of your leadership experience in overseeing large and complex organizations. Emphasize the scale and illustrate how both the organization and your contributions reflect a dedication to the conservation of natural resources.
The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more virtual interviews. Finalists will be invited to tour facilities and participate in onsite interviews in January 2024. Any employment offer will be contingent upon the results of a criminal background check and reference check. The successful candidate will be appointed by the County Executive and is subject to confirmation by the County Council.
Benefits:
King County offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. This position receives the following benefits and has access to the following programs:
Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members.
Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents.
Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
Generous vacation and paid sick leave
Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
Flexible Spending Account
Wellness programs
Onsite activity centers
Employee Giving Program
Employee assistance programs
Training and career development programs
As an FLSA-exempt employee, the person in this position may be granted up to 10 days (80 hours) of paid executive leave each calendar year at the discretion of the director.
Environmental Commitment: A proven passion for environmental protection with experience that reflects a commitment to preserving our natural resources.
Executive Management: Substantial experience in successfully leading large and complex organizations, including the management of senior-level managers.
Inclusive Leadership Style: Demonstrated ability to effectively lead staff, with an inclusive leadership style that empowers other to succeed.
Change Management Expertise: A history of effectively leading and managing organizational change to adapt to evolving needs and circumstances.
Equity and Social Justice: A deep commitment to and experience in upholding and implementing principles of equity and social justice, with a proven ability to integrate these principles into all facets of an agency’s operations.
Financial Stewardship: Proficiency in overseeing large and complex budgets and ensuring responsible financial management within an organization.
Policy Development and Implementation: Experience in formulating and executing policy agendas through legislative or regulatory processes, government programs, or voter-approved measures.
Political Savvy: The ability to work across government agencies, dealing with sensitive issues with tact and grace.
Competencies That Will Make You Successful in This Role:
Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
Courage: Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
Strategic Mindset: Seeing ahead to the future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.
Drives Vision and Purpose: Painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.
Builds Effective Teams: Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
About King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks
The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks supports sustainable and livable communities and a clean and healthy natural environment. Our mission is to foster environmental stewardship and strengthen communities by providing regional parks, protecting the region's water, air, land, and natural habitats, and reducing, safely disposing of, and creating resources from wastewater and solid waste. The Director’s Office – which includes about 40 employees including a Deputy Director, provides direction and support for its four divisions: Parks and Recreation, Solid Waste, Wastewater Treatment, and Water and Land Resources.
For more information about the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, please visit us at our website: http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp.