Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO), Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec)

Description

Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,517.00 - $6,075.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/29/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The North Columbia Unit of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking an Assistant Fire Management Officer (Wildland Fire Management Specialist) within the Northeast Region. This position will be based out of our regional compound in Colville, WA. The North Columbia District is responsible for wildfire suppression, prevention, and regulation in three counties (Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille). This position plays a leadership role in fire suppression activities and will be supervising up to 16 employees during fire season.

The North Columbia District conducts suppression actions on approximately 125 fire starts annually and provides training courses to our local cooperators. Under the direction of the Fire Management Officer, the Assistant Fire Management Officer has great influence on the quality, image, and message delivered to the general public of Washington State. This position works closely with DNR staff, other agencies, as well as the general public. Interagency cooperation occurs on the majority of the wildland fires and in most fire training courses. Interagency cooperation includes working with local fire districts, state and federal partners, and is a key function of the position.

Duties

Responsibilities:

• Plans and implements wildland fire training for seasonal crews and interagency cooperators.
• 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.
• Tracks crew training and ensures position task books are completed accurately.
• Assists in developing an operations plan for the fire unit based on fire suppression and preparedness program deliverables.
• Recommends seasonal fire staffing levels, analyzes training needs required to meet Incident Command System and appropriate NWCG position qualification and readiness levels.
• Acts periodically in rotation as Duty Officer for the unit. As Duty Officer, ensures staffing plan is adequate based on fire danger, and recommends changes to the Fire Management Officer or District Manager.
• Develops and implements annual project work plans for staff. Coordinates work plan activities with other program managers and specialists.
• Suppression duties in the local unit can vary from acting as initial attack Incident Commander (IC), generating transition plans to incoming IC’s or teams, attending Agency Representative meetings, or drafting and inspecting turnback standards.
• Establishes Unified Command and works cooperatively with other fire protection authorities when working on joint jurisdiction fires. Works closely with other agencies and/or management teams in coordinating fire suppression activities in and adjacent to the district.
• Reviews and authors initial incident reports, fire situation narratives, investigation, and accomplishment reports.
• Often required to work long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, day or night. These duties may involve fieldwork requiring physical performance calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning.
• Participates in statewide fire suppression activities.
• Assist with providing supervision and oversight for staff in fire suppression at the unit level.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• NWCG Qualifications:
  • Single Resource Boss
  • Incident Commander Type 5
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience in agreement and contract negotiations.

• Commitment to continual learning and adaptation to technology advances.
• Team effectiveness- understanding and ability to increase team effectiveness by focusing on situational awareness, communication skills, teamwork, task allocation, and decision-making within a framework of standard operating procedures.
• Skills in employee empowerment.
• Efficient organizational skills.
• 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 ensure requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  Commitment to Excellence
  
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Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Position's assigned duty station is the district work center. The large majority (60%) of work is performed alone in isolated unimproved natural areas. Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• Position requires a large majority (60%) of time in the field traveling alone between fires, work centers, and burn permit locations. This includes driving in icy and snow-covered roads, during low visibility conditions, and in stormy weather.
• Must annually pass the Work Capacity Test at the arduous level.
• 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:
These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• A bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
• NWCG Qualifications:
  • NWCG Task Force Leader
  • Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2)
• Skills in evaluating others’ abilities and assessing training needs.
• Facilitative skills to work with groups of people to solve issues.
• Experience in wildland fire investigation and cause determination, including investigative report writing.

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Supplemental 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.

• Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
• Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
• Email Communication: 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 these communications.

Questions? Please contact Dylan Chester at Dylan.chester@dnr.wa.gov/509-563-9116 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 E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. 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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