Fire/Forest Health Engine Boss, Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup)

Full Job Description

Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $3,811.00 - $5,117.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 03/25/2026. 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 Northeast Region to fill two Forest Health Engine Boss (Wildland Fire Management Supervisor) positions out of our Omak, Washington location.

The Forest Health Engine Boss position is responsible for providing critical wildland fire support during the wildfire season at the regional level. When not engaged in fire suppression activities, the Forest Health Engine Boss is responsible for delivering on key forest health treatment activities including, but not limited to prescribe fire prep, planning, implementation, and monitoring; fuels mitigation and management including piling and burning, thinning, and treatment area flagging, and related activities; and data management and reporting associated with accomplished activities.

This position plays a key role in meeting the state’s forest health deliverables in support of the 20-year Forest Health Strategy for eastern Washington and the statewide Forest Action Plan, and provides support for the Wildland Fire Protection Strategy.

Requirements

Responsibilities:
Fire Suppression

This position is working as a wildland firefighting engine leader supervising three wildland firefighters.

It directs the use, safety, operation and maintenance of a four-wheel drive wildland fire engine complete with 400-gallon water tank, various pumps, chainsaws, communication equipment, and hand tools.

This position develops and implements a daily routine and is responsible for training, scheduling work projects, reviewing time and activity reports, equipment mileage and maintenance logs, preparing performance evaluations and recommending disciplinary actions for engine and crew.

This position will participate in the interviewing process for fire staff and make recommendations on the hiring of new exempt firefighters.

Forest Health

Prescribe Fire Implementation and Support: 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.

provide assistance to partners for prescribe fire planning and implementation. Serve as Prescribe Fire lead for burn activities on and off DNR state trust lands.

Write and/or review Prescribe Fire Burn Plans and conduct and contribute to prescribe fire field monitoring.

Fuels Mitigation: Provide non-commercial thinning and slash abatement, and commercial and non-commercial project assistance in coordination with Service Forestry, Federal Lands, or State Lands staff.

Conduct piling and pile burning on all lands, under the approval of the landowner and an approved Prescribe Fire Burn Plan or burn permit.

Provide support and capacity for walking and flagging fuels treatment areas.

Wildland Fire Training

Assists with instruction of required NWCG 100 and 200 level training, L.C.E.S. Refresher training, and Operator Safety Training to the public and contractors.

Assist with wildland fire training to federal, state, county, city, and private industry personnel.

Assist with or lead in-house district training courses assigned under the direction of the supervisor.

Elements include safety, equipment usage, fire behavior, fire suppression strategy and tactics, aircraft support, origin identification and protection, and the Incident Command System.

Participates in training to maintain qualifications and for various fire agency personnel.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Two years' experience in wildland fire management, natural resource, forestry, or related field:
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• NWCG Qualifications:
  • Any Single Resource Boss qualification.
• Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• 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, showing respect for their opinions and perspectives.
• 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:

Positions assigned duty station is the Omak work center. Work is performed in an office setting (40%) and alone in isolated unimproved natural areas within the unit (60%).

Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.

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

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.

Must pass work capacity test annually at the arduous level as required by NWCG.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, Natural Resources, Forestry or related field:
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• NWCG Qualifications:
  • Incident Commander Type 4
  • Strike Team Leader or Task Force Leader
  • Wildland Fire Investigator
  • Multiple Single Resource Boss qualifications
  • Prescribed Fire Burn Boss 2 (RXB2)
  • Fire Effects Monitoring (FEMO)
  • Firing Boss (FIRB)
• Experience with:
  • Prescribed Fire Operations
  • Burn Plan Writing
  • DNR Burn Permit Regulations
  • Silvicultural techniques to improve habitat for fish and wildlife
  • Monitoring and/or data collection for fire effects, forest insects and disease, and/or forest health conditions.

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 Kevin Vallance at kevin.vallance@dnr.wa.gov / (509) 557-9224 or Keegan McCormick at Keegan.mccormick@dnr.wa.gov / (509) 846-4105 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.

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress