Capitol 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 2/25/26. 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 South Puget Region as an Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO).
South Puget Sound Region, Wildfire District is actively seeking to fill an Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO) in the Capitol Fire Unit. This position will be filled on a permanent basis. The selected applicant will be stationed in the Capitol Fire Unit at the Lacey Fire Work center in Lacey, WA. The Capitol Fire Unit encompasses Thurston County, and a small piece of Grays Harbor County. This position will supervise 4 seasonal wildfire engines and one year-round fire technician. The AFMO maintains professional working relationships with the partners such as Fire Districts, Washington Fish and Wildlife, and US Forest Service Agencies.

The Capitol Unit protects a diverse population in rural and industrial lands, as well as thriving urban centers such as Olympia, the Washington State Capital. Fire starts can be high considering our moderate climate. Fire environments in the unit are very dynamic. On any given day you could be secluded in one of our area’s working forests many miles from pavement or operating close within the Wildland Urban Interface. In this dynamic environment positive interagency relationships and cooperation is essential for the success of our agency and those we work with.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Wildfire Protection and Suppression on department protected, Federal and Tribal lands. May work in a variety of positions depending on NWCG qualifications.
• Supervision of 1 Wildfire Technician year-round and 4 seasonal engines.
• Will act as a supervisor for formal NWCG courses within the region, at Interagency Fire Training Academies and supporting Fire Districts. Will provide oversight and guidance for informal training, reinforcing skills within the Capitol Unit.
• Participate in fire regulation and Fire Protection Assistance. This will involve working with industrial landowners, private individuals and communities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A current NWCG Single Resource Boss Qualification.
• A current Incident Commander Type 5 Qualification.
• 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.
• 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.
• Creates a positive work environment where all staff are motivated to do their best.
• Safely performs work at all times. Avoids shortcuts that increase health and safety risks to self or others.
• Maintains an open, approachable manner and treats others fairly and respectfully.
• Preserves others' self-confidence and dignity and shows regard for their opinions.
• 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 pass the work capacity test annually at the arduous level as required by NWCG.
• Position's assigned duty station is Lacey. Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in alt weather conditions, performing the field portion of this position outdoors, including walking and scrambling in all terrain. Telework and a flextime schedule may be approved.
• This position will be assigned an agency vehicle. Position requires significant driving and field visits within geographic assigned area.

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:
• NWCG qualified Strike Team Leader OR any two of any Single Resource Boss OR Two Years’ experience as a Single Resource Boss.
• Incident Commander Type 4.
• Associate degree or higher in Fire Science, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
• 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 Ken Foss at 360-800-7405 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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