Program Manager Jobs in Rochester, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $5,271.00 - $7,082.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-04149
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 05/18/2026
Closing Date: 5/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Title- Safety Training & Program Specialist
Classification- Program Specialist 4
Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent
WDFW Program- Directors Office - Human Resource Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington - Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework- While this position may offer a hybrid work arrangement, the successful candidate must be available to report to the Olympia, WA headquarters and travel statewide to work sites including those in remote locations as needed.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Olympic National Park - Photo Credit: WDFW
Take the lead in driving WDFW's safety training programs, where your collaboration, problem-solving, and regulatory expertise come together to make a meaningful impact.
In this role, manage programs in Commercial Driver's Licenses, Background Checks, Firearms Certifications, and land-based safety trainings, helping ensure the health, safety, and security of both employees and the public.
Partnering with HR, Safety, and regulatory authorities, you will guide program development, address challenges, and support employees agency wide.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Safety Training & Program Specialist will,
Develop and conduct designated agency land-based safety trainings, including CRP/First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Chainsaw Operation, ATV/UTV Operation and Snowmobile Operation:

• Obtain and maintain instructor certification for designated courses.
• Conduct statewide training as directed.
• Document all completed employee training in the Learning Management System (LMS).
• Collaborate with Safety staff on all safety issues, including Job Hazard Analysis for various land-based job tasks.
• Collaborate with Safety staff to analyze data from Safety and Security Incident Reports (SSIR) to identify improvements to training.
• Serve as a subject matter expert to monitor, interpret, and comply with all state and federal training regulations.
• Research and develop best practice curriculum that is compliant with all state and federal regulations.

Develop and maintain quality assurance for all aspects of the WDFW Non-Enforcement Firearm Training and Qualification Certification:

• Identify program issues, analyze operational deficiencies and provide management with alternatives and recommendations for compliance and best practices in the Non-Enforcement Firearms Program.
• Obtain and maintain instructor certification for designated firearms courses, range safety, and inventory/armory management.
• Conduct agency designated firearms training to non-enforcement employees and volunteers.
• Collaborate with Safety on all firearms safety issues including Job Hazard Analysis for non-enforcement firearm job tasks, range safety, and securing and storing inventory.
• Develop and maintain a system to document the mastery of required non-enforcement firearms training and qualifications into the agency's Learning Management System (LMS).
• Act as subject matter expert to monitor, interpret, and comply with all state and federal firearms regulations.
• Maintain and provide updates to WDFW Policy 7011 and non-enforcement firearms procedures.
• Manage compliance data and reporting of required firearms training and certification to Program Management, Human Resource Operations, and Safety.

Develop and maintain all aspects of the WDFW Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Program:

• Identify program issues, analyze operational deficiencies and provide management with alternatives and recommendations for compliance and best practices CDL Program.
• In coordination with HR Ops and Safety, develop, implement, and maintain systems to support, track and manage the agency CDL Program.
• Act as subject matter expert to monitor, interpret, and apply the federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations to maintain the WDFW CDL program.
• Develop, implement, conduct, and manage drug and alcohol testing in compliance to federal regulations.
• Maintain WDFW Policy 2002 Ensuring a Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace and procedures and provide subject matter expertise consultation.
• Manage compliance data and reporting of required training to Program Management, HR Ops, and Safety for employees with CDL requirements and supervisors of CDL employees.
• Develop, deliver, or contract required CDL Training.

Develop procedures to facilitate and maintain all aspects of WDFW employee background checks:

• Maintain subject matter expertise on agency policy and procedures for background checks requirement, including updating policy and procedures as needed to reflect regulations and best agency practice.

Working Conditions:
Work setting, including hazards:

• Office work and travel to statewide work sites including those in remote locations.
• Year-round driving across the state to indoor and outdoor job sites in both urban and remote locations.
• Evaluate job tasks of a variety of hazards on land, around water, and with equipment.
• Conduct safety training using tools, equipment, vehicles and/or heavy machinery while operating in varying weather conditions.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule may include occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Work schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.
Travel Requirements: This position will travel to all statewide work sites including remote areas, with year-round driving to both indoor and outdoor job sites in urban and remote areas.
Customer Interactions: Will interact with WDFW employees, supervisors, and Appointing Authorities as well as external partners such as Washington State Patrol.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1: Bachelor's degree in public administration, occupational safety, workplace development, training and development, or a related field.
And
Three (3) years of experience in at least one (1) of the following:

• Developing and delivering adult training programs
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, procedures, or compliance programs.

Option 2: Three (3) years of experience as a Program Specialist 3 in a workplace related to training, occupational safety, compliance programs, or related environment.
Please Note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver's License.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screening.
• This position has been designated as one for which possession and use of a department-issued firearm is required and essential to performing job duties. Must successfully meet all requirements of agency firearm policy (Policy 7011) and maintain eligibility to possess and use agency-issued firearm(s) at all times while in this position.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Basic firearm certification such as a National Rifle Association (NRA) Instructor, Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) Instructor, or equivalent.
• Five (5) years of experience developing and delivering adult training programs and/or developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, procedures, or compliance programs.
• Experience using a government Learning Management System (LMS).
• Experience conducting Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs).
• Experience collaborating with regulatory agencies or external oversight entities.

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.

Supplemental Information
In addition to and other , there are other 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
• 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: 2024-1234 - 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 .
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-04149.
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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 program...