WYCA Commandant

Job Description

COMMANDANT
WASHINGTON YOUTH CHALLENGE ACADEMY
WASHINGTON MANAGEMENT SERVICE (WMS)
BREMERTON, WA

This recruitment is open on an internal basis only to permanent State employees of the Washington Military Department.

The Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy (WYCA) Commandant reports directly to the WYCA Deputy Director and has primary responsibility for managing the Cadet Residential operations, which includes direct supervision of Cadre supervisors, and oversight of the Cadre work schedule, training and shift operations.

Who we are:The WYCA was established under the authority and guidelines of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. This is a voluntary program which includes a 22-week residential phase followed by a 24-month post-residential phase. The purpose of the program is to provide a highly disciplined, safe and professional learning environment that empowers at-risk youth to improve their educational levels and become responsible and productive citizens of the State of Washington. The National Guard Challenge Program is one of the most successful alternative education programs designed for high school dropouts or youth that are not progressing in a traditional high school setting and has graduated over 215,000 Cadets to date.

Mission:
WMD: The mission of the Military Department is to minimize the impact of emergencies and disasters on people, property, environment and the economy of Washington State and the region; provide trained and ready forces for state and federal missions; and provide structured alternative education opportunities for at-risk youth.

WYCA: The mission of the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy is to provide a highly disciplined, safe, and professional learning environment that empowers at-risk youth to improve their educational level and employment potential and become responsible and productive Washingtonians.

To learn more about the Washington Military Department and the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy visit www.mil.wa.gov/youth-academy.
Responsibilities include:
Management and oversight of the Youth Academy Residential Operations in compliance with the national quasi-military service model and the National Guard Bureau's Master Cooperative Agreement.

• Provide managerial oversight to five (5) direct reports, (four Youth Academy Residential Specialist 4 positions & one Youth Academy Residential Specialist 3 - Training Specialist position) and second line supervision over an additional twenty-eight (28) Cadre positions.

• Development of the Cycle Curriculum in accordance with program goals.

• Responsible for organization, leadership and supervision of Cadet daily program activities.

• Oversees development and approves any special Cadet Corps releases and emergency procedures with approved policy.

• Provide management and oversight to ensure that the administrative portion of the program are adequately addressed.

• Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of the Cadet program area to determine process improvements and programs that could enhance the overall capabilities of the residential program.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor's degree and five years of experience working with at-risk youth or related experience such as youth services, social services, military, education or law enforcement. Additional qualifying experience can substitute for education on a year for year basis.
AND
At least two years of supervisory experience. This experience may be gained concurrently with the experience listed above.
Preferred Experience, Knowledge & Competencies:
Experience:

• Professional level experience in a management position that required strategic and operational planning, leadership and management of a medium to large diverse workforce, budget preparation and execution.

• Working with at-risk youth.

• A teacher/instructor/coach with an understanding of teaching techniques, curriculum development and experiential learning processes.

Knowledge of:

• Positive youth development philosophies and program operations

• Military drill and ceremony

• Military customs and courtesies

• Federal and state budget policies, procedures, and regulations

• Effective leadership traits and management processes

• Labor relations principles and practices

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion principles

• Trauma-informed care and support approaches

• State and federal funding structures and sources

• Academic standards, curriculum development, and current educational practices, theories, and trends

Competencies:

• Leadership & Team Development: Apply management principles; inspire and guide teams; build cooperative working relationships; foster commitment, pride, trust, and shared leadership.

• 24/7 Operations: Oversee residential operations for a 24/7 residential facility.

• At-Risk Youth: Work effectively with youth facing social, economic, emotional, or behavioral challenges; identify manipulative behaviors; enforce discipline, including dismissal decisions.

• Strategic Planning & Innovation: Help shape strategic direction; develop and execute organizational goals, objectives, strategies, and performance measures.

• Promote Learning: Promote a learning and instructional environment that is positive, productive, disciplined, safe and secure that adapts to different learning styles.

• Policy Implementation: Ability to create and maintain policies and procedures.

• Problem-Solving: Identify challenges, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.

• Adaptability: Adjust strategies in response to changing needs to maintain resilient youth programs.

• Program Management: Manage resources, budgets, and programs to achieve objectives.

• Negotiation & Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain partnerships with internal and external entities, including federal, state, and local agencies; collaborate with educational institutions, nonprofits, and community organizations.

• Communication Skills: Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and speech; present confidently to audiences of all sizes, including large events.

• Conflict Resolution & Emotional Intelligence: Address and resolve conflicts constructively; manage interpersonal dynamics with empathy, tact, and discretion.

• Customer Service: Demonstrate strong commitment to public service and responsiveness.

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to meet the needs of others.

• Computer Competency: Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

• Emergency Situations: Effectively respond to emergencies or other potentially dangerous situations. Ensure the highest level of safety for the cadets.

• Ethics: Maintain the highest standards of personal and professional ethical conduct in accordance with established guidelines.

COMPENSATION:
This position is currently being banded. The anticipated starting salary is between $95,000 and $110,000 depending on qualifications and rules of promotion.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Physical Demands:Skills & Abilities to:

• Execute a full range of physical motions; walk or stand for long periods of time; work outside in all types of weather.

• Manual dexterity - Writing, light keyboarding, and use of a personal computer/software related to word processing.

• May require periods of great physical effort in completing essential functions and / or responding to situations/issues when Cadet safety/security is involved.

Physical Abilities Test:Able to participate in and pass a pre-employment physical fitness and agility standardized test and annual re-certification tests thereafter, in accordance with program requirements. The assessment consists of the following:
• Emergency Response Test

• Physical Fitness Demonstration Test

• 15-minute continuous run without stopping, walking, or speed walking

Candidates are encouraged to read the Physical Abilities Test Packet that provides a detailed explanation regarding the assessment. This can be found at http://mil.wa.gov/uploads/pdf/youth-academy/cadre_physical_fitness_assesment-pre-employment.pdf(Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)Character: Youth Academy Residential Specialists (YARS) are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of Cadets in the residential phase of the program and for role modeling the behavior expected from those Cadets. As such it is imperative that YARS have basic character traits of honesty, courtesy, tact, cooperation, professional appearance and bearing.
Background Check:
Must successfully complete a pre-employment personal history and criminal background check investigation, which includes fingerprinting. The background check is required for all employees of the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy due to the nature of these positions (working with vulnerable youth) and the safety requirements of the job. Applicants are required to complete and sign a WMD Applicant Background and Disclosure Statement and a Waiver and Authority to Release Information Form. Candidates will not have access to any investigative materials and files.

Must be willing and able to participate in periodic background checks in accordance with department policy. Failure to successfully complete any required background check may be cause for termination.

Training/Policies:
Must complete annual first aid and CPR training/re-certification.
Must comply with Department policies and procedures governing workplace conduct.

Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP):
This position is critical based on agency continuity plans.
Report for duty on short notice for a specified timeframe.
Report for duty outside of normally scheduled work hours and work days.
Report for duty station that is different from the official duty station.
Perform work tasks outside of the normal scope of duties reflected in the PDF.

Drug & Alcohol Testing and Use:
Willing not to use or be in possession of illegal narcotics or controlled substances while on or off duty.
Willing and able to be free from excessive alcohol consumption.
Willing and able to pass drug testing requirements, including pre-employment (to include testing when employees change job classifications due to promotion or transfer or there is reasonable suspicion).

WYCA Campus:
The WYCA campus is a tobacco, vaping, alcohol, drug and weapons free facility. Weapons and alcohol are not permitted anywhere on campus when employees are on or off shift. This includes any alternate duty station site or in employee vehicles. Use of tobacco or vaping products is not permitted anywhere within the confines of the Youth Academy (to include alternate duty stations) or in the view of students when performing off campus duties and responsibilities.
Ability, willingness, desire and commitment to work with at-risk youth in a 24/7 highly structured residential setting requiring extensive interaction and contact with at-risk youth and parents who may be disgruntled, angry, disrespectful (use of profanity, name calling, etc.), depressed and at times confrontational.
Individuals working with at-risk youth in a residential setting are subject to safety and security surveillance.
Willing to work in and around military facilities and programs.

National Guard Youth Challenge Program-Cooperative Agreement (NGYCP-CA) Hands-Off Leadership Guidance
Must be willing and committed to following the NGYCP-CA Hands-Off Leadership and Appropriate Relationships Guidance, recognizing that as a staff member of the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy, our positions have implied authority over Cadets, regardless of their residential or completion status. This policy prohibits staff members from touching Cadets in an aggressive or harassing manner or in any way inappropriate to a professional mentoring relationship. Hands-Off Leadership prohibits staff members from using unprofessional language, including profanity, vulgarity or off-color jokes when interacting with, correcting or motivating Cadets.
Must be willing to follow directives and law pertaining to Hands-Off Leadership, Fraternization, Mandatory Reporting, and Appropriate Relationships.
The uncompromising expectation for behavior in word and deed on the part of staff is nothing less than complete transparency and total professionalism.
Driver License:
Must possess a valid license to drive in the State of Washington
Must meet requirements of the REAL ID Act to enter Washington State Military Department installation.
Telework Eligibility:This position is eligible for telework on an adhoc basis.

Schedule:
Normal working hours are Sunday off: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday off.
Incumbent must be willing to work beyond the established core hours/days when necessary to accomplish the day-to-day duties and responsibilities.
Duty will include periodic weekends and nights depending on program activities and requirements, including responding to emergency situations in a reasonable amount of time when they involve Cadet health, safety of security.

APPLICATION PROCESS Individuals interested in applying for this position should select the "Apply" button and submit the following:
• A current application profile,

• Response to the Supplemental Questionnaire and,

• A list of three professional references. Please include two past/current supervisors, one peer and/or one subordinate, if applicable. For each reference, please include the following: Name, Professional Title, Working Relationship, Daytime Phone Number, and Email Address.

Recruitment Timeline:
Application Screening:July 6, 2026
Candidates Notified of interview selection:July 6, 2026
Interviews Conducted:July 8 - 9, 2026

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

If you have questions about the application process or this recruitment, please contact Patricia Acoba at patricia.acoba@mil.wa.gov or (360) 473-2622.

Please add info@governmentjobs.com to your email contacts to ensure emails sent to advise you of the status of your application do not get sent to your junk mailbox.

The Washington Military Department is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruitment Section of State Human Resources at: Email: patricia.acoba@mil.wa.gov; Call: (360) 473-2622, or 711.