Regional Operations Manager - Administrative Assistant 5 - Permanent - 2026-00958

Full Job Description

Title- Regional Operations Manager

Classification- Administrative Assistant 5

Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent

WDFW Program- Director’s Office – Region 1
Eastern Region 1 Counties Served- Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman
Duty Station- Spokane Valley, Washington – Spokane County

Hybrid/Telework- The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 2 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

Posting Timeframe- This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until February 24, 2026. The first review of applications will take place on February 13, 2026. Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Cougar Watching in the Snow – Photo Credit: Laura Rogers

Join WDFW and play a vital role in supporting the success of the Eastern Region.

As the Regional Operations Manager, you will oversee facilities and business operations, serve as a key advisor to the Regional Director, and provide a variety of multidisciplinary expertise.

In this role, you will supervise the Customer Service and Administrative Team, manage complex operating and facility budgets, and ensure the continuity of essential administrative functions, including regional safety, emergency preparedness, and disaster recovery.

This is an opportunity to represent the agency on committees and workgroups, drive high-profile policies and initiatives, and foster a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Regional Operations Manager will,

Oversee and Manage Regional Facility Business Operations:

• Be responsible for the overall management and operations of the regional headquarters facility and supporting operations at other regional properties.
• Represent the region at the enterprise level and have delegated authority to develop, oversee, and manage the operational, administrative, and facility budgets.
• Ensure that space utilization and modern work environment standards are met and coordinate access to office resources needed for regional employees to perform their essential functions.
• Serve as the project manager in the formulation, planning, allocation, and management of budget for regional facility contracts and improvement projects and coordinates contracted services for all aspects of facility maintenance and improvements, including permitting, construction, data, engineering, maintenance, and security.
• Oversee cash control procedures, reconciliation of petty cash and licensing accounts, and auditing.
• Serve as the expert on the implementation of the Department’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).
• Establish facility security measures, respond to incidents, conduct and/or facilitate investigations, and implement mitigation measures.
• Oversee facility security including building access and be the primary contact to respond to facility emergencies, security, and fire alarms 24/7.

Key Advisor to the Regional Director:

• Have delegated authority on all financial, administrative and business needs.
• Prepare regional budget to inform agency-wide decision making with consideration to the legislative budget.
• Provide leadership to build and support key agency policies and initiatives while promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce.
• Conduct research, analyze and interpret data, and provide regional perspective on complex issues to generate recommendations to improve cross-program and agency-wide processes, communication, and organizational change.
• Work with confidential information, critical logistic coordination, and time-sensitive calendaring.

Supervision, Leadership, and Performance Management:

• Supervise and provide leadership, coaching, and performance management to a team consisting of regional customer service specialists, administrative assistants, and office assistants.
• Oversee employee hiring, onboarding, and mentorship.
• Analyze, develop, and implement region-specific quality improvement processes to ensure seamless and efficient delivery of services.

Representation and Collaboration:

• Serve as the regional liaison to agency committees, workgroups, and multidisciplinary teams to implement agency-wide initiatives, address issues, and resolve conflicting interests.
• Present findings and recommendations to executive management.

Working Conditions:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is performed at the regional headquarters office.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.

Travel Requirements: Occasional travel required.

Customer Interactions: Work collaboratively with the Director’s Office, the Regional Program Managers and Enforcement Captain, and their respective staffs to ensure cross-program coordination and communication related to agency business practices.

Additionally, this position interacts with the public, stakeholders, local governments, and co-managers.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1 – All of the following:

Experience may be gained concurrently.

• High School diploma or equivalency.
• Seven (7) years of professional experience in public administration or business administration, or closely related field.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience, including hiring, training, evaluating performance, and addressing corrective actions.

Option 2 – All of the following:

Experience may be gained concurrently.

• Associate’s degree in public administration, business administration, or closely allied field.
• Five (5) years of administrative experience.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience, including hiring, training, evaluating performance, and addressing corrective actions.

Option 3 – All of the following:

Experience may be gained concurrently.

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or closely allied field.
• Three (3) years of administrative experience.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience, including hiring, training, evaluating performance, and addressing corrective actions.

Option 4 – All of the following:

Experience may be gained concurrently.

• Five (5) years of experience as an Administrative Assistant 3.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience, including hiring, training, evaluating performance, and addressing corrective actions.

Option 5 – All of the following:

Experience may be gained concurrently.

• Three (3) years of experience as an Administrative Assistant 4.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience, including hiring, training, evaluating performance, and addressing corrective actions.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Experience:

• Experience and/or familiarity with state government and state agency operations.
• Experience drafting, editing, and finalizing professional correspondence.
• Experience in budget and facilities management, and project management.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Team leadership for multidisciplinary project teams.
• Critical thinking, complex analysis, and problem-solving skills.

Your application must include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Additional Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work.

If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States.

For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.

Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.

All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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 of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to danielle.gustafson@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-00958.

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