IT Policy & Planning Senior/Specialist

Salary : $94,524.00 - $127,176.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-4-6149-02703
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 04/15/2025
Closing Date: 5/15/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
IT Policy & Planning Senior/SpecialistRecruitment #2025-4-6149
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and consideredSalary: $7,877.00 - $10,598.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 4/22/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Information Technology Division. This position serves as the Agency's highest-level technical specialist for Information Technology (IT) Planning, WaTech Policy Compliance, and process management. Responsible for developing, maintaining, and implementing DNR's activities related to technology policies and procedures in alignment with the WaTech state-wide information technology (IT) policy/standards and state law. This position supports the organization by assisting in activities to develop IT contracts, vendor management, change management, and leading ITD and agency efforts with IT Portfolio and Investments, IT Policy and Process Management. The functions performed by this position enable the organization to invest, develop, and implement IT solutions that support the business units of the Agency. This position works closely with the Chief Information Security Officer and the IT Security Architect to develop/update the agency's IT Security Policy, Plan, Procedures, and Processes. Assists and/or coordinates agency IT audit-related activities, as needed. This position is the agency's highest-level technical specialist in IT planning, policy, and policy compliance in the Information Technology Division, which is responsible for providing agency-wide IT services. This position is functionally attached to the Budget, Policy, and Business Services Team, providing support to the IT Management Team. This position reports to the IT Vendor Manager.
Duties

Responsibilities:
Continually strengthen IT Governance by identifying, prioritizing, developing, documenting, maintaining, implementing, and communicating key information technology policies, processes, and procedures.

• Provide agency leadership and guidance working with members of the ITD Extended Management Team and other IT Division staff to identify, prioritize, develop, document, maintain, implement, and communicate key division and agency information technology policies, processes, and procedures.
• Lead the change management effort for ITD. Working with project teams and division SME's.
• Develop policies that are in compliance with both WaTech and DNR standards and that are ready for feedback, editing, and finalization by SME's.
• Independently lead groups of SME's to draft information technology policies, processes, and procedures on time.
• Facilitate a monthly or bi-monthly SME work group.
• Implement a tracker of policies, processes, and procedures for the group to work on and a sunset review schedule depending on priority.
• Report out to leadership on this group's progress.
• Lead project teams of information technology professional staff and business customers, as needed, to identify and model technology governance processes used to accomplish a wide array of activities within the Agency.
• Independently analyzes IT Processes and looks for opportunities for business process improvement for efficiency.
• Occasionally provide policy and procedure updates in IT Coordinator Meetings.

Cohesive, concise policies, processes, and procedures that are communicated, documented, organized, and distributed so the agency is aware of how and what should be done when conducting various IT work.

Long-term planning, development, maintenance, implementation, and communication of the agency's IT Portfolio, IT Investments, IT Disaster Recovery Plan, and DNR's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).

• Provide leadership and guidance within a team of business partners and IT professionals regarding strategic planning, and the development, maintenance, and documentation of DNR's IT Portfolio to include: IT Investments, Disaster Recovery Plan, and DNR's Continuity of Operations Plan.
• Completes all relevant forms, documentation, and reports as required by WaTech Policy on an annual basis.
• Prepares all final documentation so that it is ready for signature by the commissioner of Public Lands. This includes: Compiling all necessary, and/or relevant documentation into easily accessible packets; Proof reading and giving final approval on forms, processes, and policy documentation prepared by or with other DNR ITD staff; Ensures that all documentation is ready for the commissioner in alignment with WaTech deadlines; Coordinates communication and implementation of changes or additions to the Agency Disaster Recovery Plan and DNR's Continuity of Operations Plan; and Ensure information gathered is accurate and complies with WaTech and other State Policy and Standards.

DNR's IT portfolio is current, completed, and well-maintained. A thorough understanding of relevant policy, process, contract, and/or other documentation throughout the agency. Strategic goals are set, and changes to existing or newly established documentation are communicated and understood by ITD staff.

Consult, advise, develop, and manage ITD contracts and vendor management activities as requested by the vendor manager.

• Collaborate with other ITD staff and/or customer representatives.
• Provide agency leadership staff with guidance and consultation on ITD contracts/ vendor management and ITD contracts.
• Coordinate with the PGS team to review contract contents.
• Develop, document, evaluate, and mitigate associated risk.
• Identify potential impacts to the agency and the Information Technology Division regarding Vendor management policy, processes, contracts, and all other related documentation.
• Review ITD contract, ensuring compliance with all State contracting and procurement laws and regulations.
• When required, develop and manage ITD contracts on behalf of IT Division Management.
• Negotiate contract price and terms and conditions with contract bidders.
• Assist with the yearly ITD contract report. Outcome: Completed ITD Contracts that facilitate good business practices, meet the needs of the Agency while ensuring compliance with all State competitive procurement practices, contracting laws, and policies.

Assist in the development of a Change Management Process.

• In conjunction with ITD Operations, participate in a project team of information technology professional staff to update and document the IT Change Management Process to guide staff and document changes made to the agency's technology architecture. Outcome: Cohesive, concise Change Management Process that is documented, distributed, updated and communicated to staff and customers so that they are aware of how and what should be done when making changes to our technology landscape for: Improved day-to-day operational efficiency, use of standardized methods and procedures to minimize negative impact of change-related incidents on service delivery, and a searchable repository of change documentation for troubleshooting and historical purposes. Timely and high-quality communication with our customers.

Works with Vendor Manager to develop templates for IT contracts, vendor management, training, and monitoring for ITD.

• Participates in writing ITD contracts and the ITD contract template.
• Works with Vendor Manager to develop a vendor management plan.
• Creates vendor management training.
• Educates and supports contract managers with monitoring of policy compliance with vendors in ITD.

Cohesive and concise vendor management program, policies, and procedures are adhered to, and ITD is consistently applying them across all vendors.

This position is part of the IT Disaster Management Team (DMT) and will be responsible for assisting IT Management with the following activities:

• IT Disaster Management Team (DMT)
• Assess the nature and extent of the damage and determine what action to take.
• Initiate the IT Division Notification Tree.
• Assemble the IT Recovery Team as needed.
• Coordinate and monitor all recovery/restoration activities.
• Coordinate/communicate recovery activities with the Executive Emergency Management Team (EEMT).
• Coordinate activities and communicate with WaTech.
• Coordinate with DNR Engineering Division and other agencies as needed

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or other related field AND Seven (7) years of relevant professional IT experience;
  OR An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience developing and writing IT policy, procedures, standards, and documenting processes.
• Experience in IT Portfolio management providing a systemic approach and guidance on IT projects, risk management, investments, and related activities.
• Experience developing and writing IT policy, procedures, standards, and documenting processes for a large organization.
• Experience in IT Portfolio management providing a systemic approach and guidance on IT projects, risk management, investments, and related activities.
• 2 years' experience in public/state policy and standards, managing IT contracts. Policy writing, review, and applying WaTech or other oversight entity standards to IT contracts meet this qualification.
• Experience resolving conflicts with multiple SMEs during SOW development or SOW amendment development to successful resolution.
• Ability to provide leadership and advice to IT management, staff, and customers in all aspects of IT Contracting, including reviewing SOWs, providing feedback on deliverables and SOWs, and reviewing for compliance.
• 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.
• Position Specific Competencies:
  • Self-starter - takes on and completes work without prompting.
  • Demonstrated team player with a customer focus.
  • Able to work independently with little supervision.
  • Attention to detail - ensuring that they deliver complete and accurate staff work.
  • Ability to pull multiple high-level SME's together to work on policy updates.
  • Ability to facilitate a project team of IT professionals in documenting, developing, and communicating IT processes.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• This position works in an office setting; the duty station is the Natural Resources Building in Olympia. This position is eligible for telework or telework-hybrid options with prior supervisor approval.
• Travel is required occasionally, for meetings and/or trainings.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of State IT Security Policy and Standards.
• Knowledge of DNR's business, computer applications/data that support that business, and basic infrastructure is desirable.
• An understanding of Agile/Scrum methodologies.
• Experience in modeling business processes using standard modeling toolsets (e.g., MS Visio).

Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don't hesitate to apply!
Supplemental Information

Application Requirements: (Failure to provide listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact )

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. You may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• 3 samples of the most current policies you wrote. If you have questions regarding attaching these documents, please contact . If you do not attach these documents, your application will not move forward in the application process.
• 3 contract or statement of Work samples that you wrote. If you have questions regarding attaching these documents, please contact . If you do not attach these documents, your application will not move forward in the application process
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Questions? Please contact Kristy Brodersen at or email us at

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the 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.
• 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.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving - We solve our state's most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• 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
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women's Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups,
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit 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

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran's preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number before attaching it. 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 disability, 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

Check us out on: | | | | |
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022
01

Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.
02

Please describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.
03

Have you attached 3 samples of the most current policies you wrote? These are required attachments. If you do not attach these documents your application will not move forward in the application process.

• Yes
• No

04

Have you attached 3 contract or statement of Work samples that you wrote? These are required attachments. If you do not attach these documents your application will not move forward in the application process.

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or other related field AND seven (7) years of relevant professional IT experience?OR An equivalent combination of education and/or experience?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have experience developing and writing IT policy, procedures, standards and documenting processes for a large organization?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have experience in IT Portfolio management providing systemic approach and guidance on IT projects, risk management, investments and related activities?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have 2 years' experience in public/state policy and standards managing IT contracts? Policy writing, review, and applying WaTech or other oversight entity standards to IT contracts, qualifies as this experience.

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have experience resolving conflict with multiple SME's during SOW development or SOW amendment development to successful resolution?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States?

• Yes
• No
• Unsure

11

Where did you originally hear about this job posting?

• www.dnr.wa.gov
• www.careers.wa.gov
• WA WorkSource office or WorkSourceWA.com
• Governmentjobs.com
• Monster
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• College/university website/career fair
• Handshake
• Newspaper
• Direct Email Notification
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups (BRG)
• Professional/Personal Network
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• Zip Recruiter
• Diversity Jobs
• Facebook
• Other (please specify below)

12

If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.
Required Question