NR Forest Fire Resp Lead

Working Title: Fire Response Lead

Job Class: Natural Resources Forest Fire Response Lead

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 90766
• Location: Park Rapids
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Seasonal
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 12/12/2025
• Closing Date: 01/02/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Forestry
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $20.96 - $26.16 / hourly; $43,764 - $54,622 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• Work Area: Park Rapids Area
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
  
  

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The DNR is currently seeking one (1) NR Forest Fire Response Lead in Park Rapids, MN. This is a split season position with anticipated season dates of February 27 to June 9 and September 13 to November 14. Seasons are subject to change based on weather conditions. Hours of work may vary and include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

This position performs routine wildfire response and preparation work and leads emergency fire fighters to control and extinguish wildfires for the Department of Natural Resources.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Preparation for wildfire suppression by organizing and maintaining equipment, maintaining an inventory of supplies and requesting new supplies as needed, winterizing fire suppression equipment before storage at the end of fire season, and maintaining buildings and grounds.
• Responding for initial attack on wildfires and working on prescribed burns as part of the area wildfire suppression team by leading emergency fire fighters, operating fire suppression equipment, protecting the fire scene and gathering information for investigators, and completing initial reports.
• Assisting Area Supervisor with fire prevention activities by directing emergency fire suppression personnel and assisting with their training.
• Preforming strenuous physical work under unfavorable conditions, including the use of hand and power tools.
  
  

This job requires the ability to pass a moderate fitness test based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Work Capacity within 6 months of your start date and then on an annual basis. The test consists of walking 2 miles with a 25-pound pack within 30 minutes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two months wildfire response experience.
  
  

Or

• An associate’s degree or higher in natural resource management with an emphasis in wildland firefighting.
• Successful completion of the following trainings prior to application: Fire Fighter Training S-130; Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior S-190, Introduction to Incident Command System I-100, Human Factors on the Fire Line L-180, and Incident Management System and Introduction IS-700.
• This position requires a Class A Driver's License (CDL) and passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to six (6) months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
• Knowledge of wildfire suppression including initial attack, fire behavior, fire control, mop up, and fire line safety sufficient to effectively suppress fires.
• Knowledge of fire suppression equipment maintenance and operation sufficient to prepare and respond to wildfire suppression needs.
• Knowledge of state and local fire laws and regulations sufficient to report violations.
• Communication skills sufficient to ensure accurate and effective transmission of information through internal and interagency communications for routine and crisis situations.
• Ability to understand and use information contained in the Forestry Administrative Area Fire Plan sufficient to prepare for and respond to wildfires.
• Ability to perform tasks under extreme environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, wind, and smoke, and frequent travel for fire suppression purposes throughout Minnesota.
• Ability to recognize reportable events sufficient to meet Forestry fire reporting requirements.
• Ability to maintain and organize fire line equipment so that equipment is functioning and available when needed to suppress fires.
• Ability to use maps and GPS equipment sufficient to quickly locate fires and access routes by section, township, range, and latitude/longitude.
• Ability to operate fire equipment sufficient to carry out fire suppression activities in a safe and effective manner.
• Ability to coach and direct emergency firefighters to ensure effective and safe suppression and pre-suppression activities.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG) Red Card qualified Engine Boss (ENGB).
• Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) qualified.
• Tracked Vehicle Operator (TVOP) and/or Initial Attack Dozer Operator (DOZ1) qualified.
• Helicopter Crew Member (HECM) qualified.
• Squad Boss (FFT1) qualified.
• Faller Class B (FALB) qualified.
• Knowledge of DNR Forestry fire reporting system sufficient to complete and enter reports.
  
  

Additional Requirements

This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment. The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program. Per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification
  
  

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Mike Lichter at mike.lichter@state.mn.us or 218-732-3309.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Layla Daleiden at layla.daleiden@state.mn.us

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
  
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
  
  

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
  
  

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.