Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO), Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec)

Full Job Description

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,299.00 - $5,783.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 2/4/26. 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 Southeast Region as an Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO), Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec).

This position supports the agency's mission by providing wildland fire management services to, and on behalf of, the public. This critical service protects public resources, natural resources, and public safety.

Agency Wildland Fire Vision Statement:
Working collaboratively across jurisdictional boundaries and with engaged communities, we safeguard what we value. All of Washington is adapted and prepared, and our landscapes are healthy and resilient. We prevent wildland fire, use fire where allowable, and safely suppress unwanted fire.

Agency Forest Health Vision Statement:
Washington’s forested landscapes are in an ecologically functioning and resilient condition and meet the economic and social needs of present and future generations.

This position serves several important roles for the agency, providing support for the Wildland Fire Protection Strategy and the Forest Health Strategic Plan for EWA. The position helps meet wildland fire suppression needs and associated activities supporting suppression efforts during the active fire season. Additionally, the Wildland Fire Management Specialist Position (AFMO) plays a key role in meeting the state’s forest health deliverables, primarily in support of the 20-year Forest Health Strategy.

Requirements

Responsibilities:
Preparedness
Under the guidance of the Unit Fire Management Officer (FMO), plans and implements training for seasonal crews and interagency cooperators. Instructs seasonal and permanent staff and private contractors as appropriate. Assists with developing the Unit’s annual preparedness review. Plans and provides drills and training exercises on a regular basis to the seasonal staff. Ensures safe working practices are followed and holds regular safety meetings and after-action reviews with the seasonal staff.
Wildfire Suppression
Assist with providing supervision and oversight for staff in fire suppression at the unit level. Protects human life and natural resources on department-protected lands while minimizing resource loss and fire costs. Suppression duties in the local unit can vary from acting as the initial attack Incident Commander (IC), generating transition plans to incoming IC’s or teams, attending Agency Representative meetings, or drafting and inspecting turnback standards. Establishes Unified Command and works cooperatively with other fire protection authorities when working on joint jurisdiction fires. Works closely with other agencies and/or management teams in coordinating fire suppression activities in an adjacent district. Often required to work long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, day or night. These duties may involve fieldwork requiring physical performance, calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning. Participates in statewide fire suppression activities.
Supervision
(A095) Supervises 1 Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMS) 2 Seasonal Engine Leads, and 7 Seasonal Firefighters and (A070- 1 Wildland Fire Management Supervisor, 1 Seasonal Engine Lead, and 3 Seasonal Firefighters) in daily activities. This includes training, pre-suppression work projects, and fire regulatory duties. Responsible for assigning and directing seasonal positions in their work activities.
Prescribed Fire, Community Resiliency, and Forest Health
--Prescribed Fire Support – Leads and supervises crew to conduct site fuels and fire effects data collection, unit preparation, assist with burn plan writing, community outreach, and Rx burn implementation support to include firing, holding, burn boss, etc.
--Community Resilience – Assist Fire Management Officer and supervise crew to conduct home ignition zone assessments as part of Wildfire Ready Neighbors or independent requests from landowners and/or communities. In addition to Home Ignition Zone assessments, crew members may participate in community education days, plan and participate in community outreach and prevention events, and participate with local cooperators on community outreach projects.
--Forest Health Treatment support – Leads and supervises crew to conduct non-commercial thinning and slash abatement, project layout, and compliance in coordination with State Lands and Landowner Assistance staff. Supports forest health project layout, tree marking, road brushing, and GPS data collection surveys. Assists with timber sales, layout, marking, forest cruising, and road maintenance
Assist the Unit in delivering the Region’s Fire Regulation & Prevention Programs in the Fire Unit
Ensure the silvicultural burning program (RCW 76.04.205) (WAC 332-24-201, 205, 211, 221) is implemented in a fashion that establishes consistency with the Smoke Management Plan in the Fire Unit. Maximize opportunities for landowners to use pile burning as a safe and effective means of fuels reduction while minimizing smoke impacts and reducing unwanted fire incidents. Assist in delivering and implementing the region's prevention plan within the unit. Lead staff to actively engage with the public and landowners to deliver the region's regulation and prevention message. Effectively reduce unwanted and untimely ignitions of wildland fires through effective public education. Works with partnering agencies to develop and improve public awareness of Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) regulations, fire tool inspections, and fire danger ratings. Works with region staff to inspect and provide feedback or recommendations for approval or disapproval on IFPL Waiver Requests.
Performs other duties as assigned
May function as Fire Management Officer in the Manager’s absence. May assist in performing tasks involving timber presale preparation as assigned by the timber sale unit, including general sale layout, road location, surveying, marking and cruising timber, prescribed fire, and fuels reduction. May participate in prescribed fire operations for the DNR or other agencies. May function as one of the Unit Ordering Managers, Receiving and Distribution Manager for Unit supplies and equipment. May assist in screening Federal Excess property for surplus fire equipment for fire districts and DNR.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Certified as a NWCG Single Resource Boss and Incident Commander Type 5.
• Supervisory experience, which may include fire line supervision.
• Experience assisting higher-level fire program managers in developing and implementing operational plans.
• Experience in interpreting agreements and contracts.
• Experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Creates a positive work environment where all staff are motivated to do their best.
• Encourages team unity through sharing information or expertise, working together to solve problems, and putting team success first.
• Accustomed to tailoring communication to the needs and preferences of others.
• Maintains an open, approachable manner and treats others fairly and respectfully.
• Preserves others' self-confidence and dignity, showing respect for their opinions.
• Safely performs work at all times. Avoids shortcuts that increase health and safety risks to self or others.
• 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.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Must open an INVF task book and be actively working toward obtaining the qualification.
• Must pass work capacity test annually at the arduous level required by current red card qualifications.

Field and Office: Work is performed in an office setting (30%) and alone in isolated, unimproved natural areas within the unit (up to 70%).

Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Often required to work long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, day or night.

These duties may involve fieldwork requiring physical performance, calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning.

These duties include routine demand for extraordinarily strenuous activities in emergencies, under adverse environmental conditions, and for extended periods of time.

• Position requires travel (50%) to the field for project work, fires, or supervision, attend meetings, or various trainings. Frequent overnight travel is required for trainings, meetings, and fire assignments

A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.

Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices).

This position requires driving as an essential function.

Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desired Qualifications:
• A Bachelor's Degree or Associate's Degree in Fire Science, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
• Certified NWCG Incident Commander Type 4 or higher.
• Qualified as NWCG Strike Team Leader OR has any two Single Resource Boss qualifications OR Two years' experience as a Single Resource Boss.
• NWCG Qualified Wildland Fire Investigator or Trainee.
• Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).
• Commitment to continual learning and adaptation to technology advances.
• Skills in evaluating others’ abilities and assessing training needs.
• Facilitative skills to work with groups of people to solve issues.
• Ability to empower employees to create an effective workforce.
• Ability to increase effectiveness by focusing on situational awareness, communication skills, teamwork, task allocation, and decision-making within a framework of standard operating procedures.
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. We are invested in acquiring the best and most innovative candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. It is important you consider and clearly communicate within your application materials how your education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience transfer to this position and the qualifications. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Additional Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
• 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: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
• 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 info@governmentjobs.com 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 Nicholas Gale at 509-899-7689/Nicholas.Gale@Dnr.wa.gov or Anthony Dobson 509-310-3229/Anthony.dobson@dnr.wa.gov or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service 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, visit here to learn more
• 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 http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html 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 www.uscis.gov.

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 CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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