Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML)

Full Job Description

Work Hours flexibility 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 02/24/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
If you love working in the outdoors, appreciate a remote natural environment, enjoy providing assistance to the public, with proven ability for working as part of a small team, then this opportunity might be for you! The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Northeast Region is looking for a Squad Boss (Wildland Fire Management Lead) to join and help lead our 20 person Highlands Hand Crew.

The Squad Boss position will support the agency’s mission by providing wildland fire suppression services to, and on behalf of, the public. This critical service protects public resources, natural resources, and public safety. As a Squad Boss of the Highlands Hand Crew, you will perform pre-suppression and suppression related activities. You must be willing and capable of performing strenuous outdoor work, safely and productively. Top candidates for this position are competent in understanding and following the chain of command, and are demonstratively the most responsible citizens in the communities they serve. Working as a Squad Boss for the Highlands Hand Crew is rewarding yet, hard work and requires long hours and time away from home.

This position will allow the candidate the opportunity to collaborate with other fire professionals including area fire districts, federal and other state partners, giving you exposure to a variety of learning opportunities, agency operations and the ability to build cohesive relationships across the state of Washington. You will experience a different level of collaboration within the DNR that will offer a lifetime worth of skills for your future career path.

This position is considered a region resource and will be expected to travel frequently during fire season. When the crews are not engaged on fires within the region, they can be sent on fire assignments out of region/out of state and are also available for prescribed burning and other projects throughout the region.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct fireline supervision of the hand crew members, for initial attack, extended attack, mop-up, patrol and rehabilitation and is available for district, region, statewide and/or interagency dispatch.
• On initial attack fires, may perform ICS functions as Incident Commander Type 4 and 5 or other duties as needed.
• Plans and implements training for seasonal crew members.
• 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.
• Work in remote areas away from vehicles for long periods of time.
• Work in extremely rugged terrain.
• Travel for extended periods of time (for multiple weeks): outside of your home unit to assist on fires within the region to other regions and/or states for large fires.
• Build strong team cohesion within the 20-person crew, on a day-to-day basis.

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.

• Complete fire reports and other paperwork as assigned in a timely manner.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of wildland fire suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition
• Certified as a NWCG Firefighter Type 1
• Employee Empowerment
• Team Effectiveness
• Building/maintaining Cooperative Relationships
• 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:

Position assigned duty station is the Highlands Fire Camp Loomis WA. Work is performed in the office setting (30%) of the time, and 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 relate illness type conditions in summer, to cold, wet, hypothermic-type conditions closer to winter time.

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

Position requires a large amount of travel (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 as well as occasional extended 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.

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

Desired Qualifications:

• A bachelors degree in Fire Science, Natural Resource or related field; or some higher education that required course work 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

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 Seth Schertenleib at Seth.Schertenleib@dnr.wa.gov / (509) 675-6452 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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