Handcrew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML)

Full Job Description

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $3,477.00 - $4,632.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 2/12/26. 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 several exciting opportunities as a Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML) within our Southeast Region.

Do you enjoy the challenge of wildland firefighting? Do you see yourself helping to lead a 20 Person Initial Attack Handcrew while working in Washington’s most diverse geographic region? DNR is looking for a bright, quick-thinking, motivated individual to fill the role of Handcrew Squad Boss (Wildland Fire Management Lead).

Requirements

Responsibilities:
Community Resilience and Fuels Management

• Prescribed Fire Support – Leads 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 - Leads 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 – Leads 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.

Wildfire Suppression
• Protects human life, natural resources, and property on Department-protected lands from wildland and urban interface fires to minimize resource loss and fire costs while ensuring firefighter and public safety. Firefighter safety is the top priority.

Provide direct Fireline supervision of the hand crew, which responds to grass, brush, and forest fires and is available for district, region, and statewide and/or interagency dispatch.

Provides interagency fire suppression activities for initial attack, extended attack, mop-up, patrol, and rehabilitation.

On initial attack fires, may perform ICS functions as Incident Commander Type 4 and 5, Task Force Leader, air-to-ground contact, single resource boss, firefighter, timekeeper, or public relations contact.

Assists in ensuring safe and efficient use of the Chelan handcrew as an efficient and effective firefighting resource.

This often requires working long, irregular hours on weekdays, weekends, holidays, day or night.

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

These duties may include an occasional demand for extraordinary strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods of time.

Works cooperatively with other fire protection authorities when working on joint jurisdiction fires.

• In addition to serving as a handcrew member, may serve with other suppression resources/modules commensurate with qualifications.
• Assists with and authors initial incident reports, fire situation narratives, and fire reports.
Preparedness

Under the guidance of the Crew Superintendent and Crew Foreman, plans and implements training for seasonal crews and interagency cooperators.

Instructs trainings for seasonal and permanent staff, interagency cooperators, 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.

Tracks crew training and ensures position task books are completed accurately.

Under the guidance of the Crew Superintendent and Foreman, develops and implements annual pre-suppression project work plans for firefighters.

Assists with developing the Unit’s annual preparedness review. Attends and participates in Unit and Region Staff meetings.

Assists with the implementation of the unit’s operational plan and ensures staff, equipment, and facilities are available and ready to meet the Region's operational plan.

• Under the guidance of the Crew Superintendent and Foreman, plans and provides drills and training exercises on a regular basis to the firefighters. Coordinates work plan activities with other program managers and specialists. (e.g., fuel reduction, pre-commercial thinning, brushing roads, etc.).
• Ensures vehicles and equipment are serviced regularly. Inspect, evaluate, and recommend potential need for replacement of fire equipment, supplies, and vehicles to the Crew Superintendent and Foreman.

Fire Training

Prepares for and participates in interagency training classes and hands-on courses of wildland firefighting tactics, fire behavior recognition, safe chainsaw operation, use of tools, pumps, and water delivery systems, working around helicopters, and assessments of hazards.

Assists crew with guidance on various position task books, training records, and evaluations. Attends Fire Trainings to meet the Chelan Fire Unit’s goals and personal fire training plan.

As assigned, assists with required annual firefighter training and needs, and maintains certifications as required by the job position, to assist in the training of the crew.

Assists with the administration of Work Capacity Tests (pack tests).

Assists in conducting Fire Unit training and participates as an instructor or lead at the Statewide Fire Training Academies or other trainings.

Prepares lesson plans and timelines for a variety of professional trainings for participants from DNR, Interagency Cooperators, and the general public.

May lead or assist in presenting annual Operator Safety Training sessions for private fire contractors.

Plans drills, and training exercises for the Chelan Hand Crew.

Analyzes and documents training needs required to meet Incident Command System and appropriate NWCG position qualifications, certifications, and readiness levels.

Ensures completion of all required agency and NWCG documentation. Ensures annual IQS information is sent to Region Training Coordinators.

Perform Other Duties as Assigned

• May function as Crew Supervisor in either the Crew Superintendent’s or the Crew Foreman’s absence.
• If qualified, may act as Crew Foreman or Superintendent. May assist with fire prevention and fire regulation program, as assigned.
• May participate in prescribed fire operations for the DNR or other agencies.
• Assists other programs, such as Recreation with public use issues, campground maintenance, and recreation projects, as assigned.
• 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.

Perform Physical Fitness Training

• Following DNR’s Physical Fitness Training Policy (P020-007), the position requires passing annual work capacity tests at the arduous or moderate levels as NWCG requires.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of wildland fire suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition.
• Certified as a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type 1.
• 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.
• Maintains an open, approachable manner and treats others fairly and respectfully.
• Accustomed to tailoring communication to the needs and preferences of others.
• Preserves others' self-confidence and dignity and shows regard 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 pass a work capacity test annually at the arduous level as required by NWCG.

Work is performed in the office setting (30%) of the time, and in unimproved natural areas of the state (70%). Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.

The outside environment varies from hot, dry, heat-related illness-type conditions in summer, to cold, wet, hypothermic-type conditions closer to wintertime.

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

Position requires a large amount of travel (up to 50%).

This includes travel alone between fires, work centers, proposed work sites, and ongoing supervisory tasks, as well as meeting with partners and cooperators.

This includes driving in snowy, icy conditions with poor to little visibility, to driving in conditions while surrounded by smoke and fire. This position requires both night and overnight travel.

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 or Associate's Degree in Fire Science, Natural Resource, or related field; or some higher education that required coursework in Fire Sciences and/or Silviculture.
• Certified as a NWCG qualification level of Single Resource Boss-Crew Boss, or higher.
• Certified as a NWCG Incident Commander Type 4 or higher.
• Knowledge of employment rules and regulations as they apply to permanent, seasonal career, and seasonal DNR employees.
• Skills in evaluating others’ abilities and assessing training needs.
• Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel.
• Experience in forest fire protection regulatory programs.

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?
For questions about the East Wenatchee Fire Unit, please contact: Bryan Lyle @ bryan.lyle@dnr.wa.gov 509-856-5500
For questions about Kittitas Fire Unit, please contact: Chase Brewer @ chase.brewer@dnr.wa.gov 509-856-5504
For questions about the Ahtanum Fire Unit, please contact: Jeff DeLarosa @ jeff.delarosa@dnr.wa.gov 509-899-2823
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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