Wildland Fire District Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 6 (NRS6)

Full Job Description

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 2/11/26. 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 Pacific Cascade Region as a Fire Operations District Manager. If you’re a proven fire professional ready to lead from the front, this is your opportunity.

The Wildland Fire Operations Manager provides leadership and oversight of dynamic fire management programs. This position directs operational activities, develops and mentors personnel, and ensures the consistent application of operational standards. This role requires a proven fire professional with demonstrated leadership experience. It is a great opportunity to lead a great team and make a lasting impact.

Requirements

Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for the comprehensive wildland fire management for state and private forest lands within the Pacific Cascade Region, ensuring suppression efforts are conducted safely, effectively, and with minimal risk to firefighters, the public, and property. Responsibilities include managing and developing staff, ensuring training readiness, mentoring employees, and providing performance evaluations while supervising multiple managers, coordinators, and a large permanent and seasonal workforce. The role ensures accurate forest land assessments, oversees thorough fire investigations to support cost recovery, and enforces wildfire-related RCWs and WACs, including determining fire danger ratings, industrial fire precaution levels, and burn restrictions. It also provides oversight of fire prevention planning, burn permits, compliance and enforcement activities, smoke management, and fire tools inspections. Additionally, the position builds strong internal and external partnerships and represents the department in complex and sensitive interactions with agencies, private operators, and the public to advance effective and innovative wildfire management solutions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a natural resource field or a related natural sciences field, AND 5 years of relevant experience
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of public administration, business administration, budgeting, economics, and management.
• Knowledge of leadership principles.
• Knowledge of wildfire qualification training and certification requirements.
• Current or past NWCG certification as Task Force Leader or Strike Team Leader and Incident Commander Type 4.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Accustomed to negotiating with diverse interest groups, such as other agencies, tribes, environmental groups, private industry, local government, media, and the general public.
• 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 work capacity test annually at the level the incumbent is red carded, as required by NWCG.
• Work is performed primarily in the office. Occasional field visits to the field, work centers, and meetings with cooperators.
• Occasional travel to various locations within the region and Olympia.

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 Type 3 Incident Commander or Division Supervisor Line Rating.
• Ability to manage budgets.
• Experience making public presentations.
• Working knowledge of the Incident Command System.
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 Rex Hapala at rex.hapala@dnr.wa.gov/360.749.2552 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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