Blue Mountain Unit Fire Management Officer, Wildland Fire Management Unit Manager (WFMUM)

Description

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered 
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered 
Salary: $4,740.00 - $6,384.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 4/7/25. 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 Southeast Region as a Blue Mountain Fire Management Officer (FMO), Wildland Fire Management Unit Manager (WFMUM). This position supports the agency's mission by providing wildland fire management services to, and on behalf of, the public. This critical service protects public resources, natural resources, and public safety. 

We safeguard what we value by working collaboratively across jurisdictional boundaries and with engaged communities. Washington is adapted and prepared, and our landscapes are healthy and resilient. We prevent wildland fire, use fire where allowable, and safely suppress unwanted fire. Washington’s forested landscapes are ecologically functioning and resilient and meet the economic and social needs of present and future generations.

This position serves several important roles for the agency, providing support for the Wildland Fire Protection Strategy and the Forest Health Strategic Plan for Eastern Washington. The position helps meet wildland fire suppression needs and associated activities supporting suppression efforts during the active fire season. Additionally, the Blue Mountain Fire Unit Wildland Fire Management Unit Manager Position plays a key role in meeting the state’s forest health deliverables, primarily in support of the 20-year Forest Health Strategy.

Duties

Responsibilities:
Coordinate the Blue Mountain Fire Unit's Fire Protection and Suppression Program. Protects human life and natural resources on department-protected lands while minimizing resource loss and fire costs as outlined in RCW 76.04.015,016. To reduce unwanted acres burned, place a high level of readiness and preparedness on safely and effectively attacking and rapidly suppressing new fire starts in the Blue Mountain Fire Unit.

Preparedness. Coordinates the unit’s pre-suppression availability agreements, such as personnel and Dozer/Faller agreements with private contractors and WFD. Coordinates Forest Land Response Agreements (FLRA) with rural fire district partners for suppression availability. Implements interagency fire suppression agreements (IAA) for wildfire suppression on non-forested lands.

Supervision. Supervises 2 Wildland Fire Management Specialists (AFMOs) and 1 Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator. This position is indirectly responsible for the supervision of 1 Wildland Fire Management Supervisor, up to 3 seasonal Engine Leaders, and up to 12 Seasonal Fire Fighters in daily activities, including training, pre-suppression, suppression, and fire regulation enforcement.  

Building and Maintaining Cooperating Agency Partnerships. Sharing communications and information is critical to maintaining positive relationships with our partners. Regularly attends Fire Chief meetings, Co-op Groups, conference calls, and other agency meetings to maintain the highest level of interagency relationships.

Take the lead role in delivering the Region’s Fire Regulation & Prevention Programs in the Blue Mountain Fire Unit. Ensure the silvicultural burning program (RCW 76.04.205) (WAC 332-24-201,205,211,221) is implemented in a fashion that establishes consistency with the Smoke Management Plan in the Blue Mountain Fire Unit. Take the lead on delivering and implementing the Region's Prevention Plan within the unit. Lead staff to actively engage with the public and landowners to deliver the Region's Regulation and Prevention message. Effectively reduce unwanted and untimely ignitions of wildland fires through effective public education.

Assist Community Resilience Staff with planning and project implementation across the Blue Mountain Fire Unit. Ensure Fire Operations Staff are actively participating and supporting the Community Resilience Program in the Blue Mountain Fire Unit, including public outreach, recommending fuels mitigation actions, and assisting with project layout. Ensure staff are participating in home ignition zone assessments as part of Wildfire Ready Neighbors. Plan and participate in community outreach and prevention events. Participates in the CWPP planning process.  

Performs other duties as assigned. May function as Acting Fire Operations DM in the DM’s absence. Attend required meetings and trainings; ensure a clean, safe, and secure work area for self and others. Responsible for maintaining, clearing, and keeping all assigned equipment and vehicles in good working order.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• 8 seasons of wildland fire suppression experience.
• Minimum qualification at Task Force Leader / Strike Team Leader and Incident Commander Type 4 or higher.
• Four years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in agreement and contract negotiations.
• Experience as a successful leader and contributing team player within a defined work group.
• 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 possess at minimum, current Task Force Leader / Strike Team Leader and Incident Commander Type 4 NWCG qualification. 
• Must pass work capacity test at the arduous level required by current red card qualifications.
• Work is performed in an office setting (30%) and alone in isolated, unimproved natural areas within the unit (70%). Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• The position requires travel (50%) to the field for project work, fires, or supervision, attending meetings, or various trainings. Frequent overnight travel is required for trainings, meetings, and fire assignments.
• A valid, unrestricted driver’s license and two years of driving experience. 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 degree or associate's degree in Fire Science, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
• Division Group Supervisor and Incident Commander Type 3 (or higher) NWCG qualifications.
• Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).
• Experience in other sections of the Incident Command System, in addition to Operations.
• Commitment to continual learning and adaptation to technology advances.
• Skills in evaluating others’ abilities and assessing training needs.
• Facilitative skills to work with groups of people to solve issues.

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at [email protected]. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements:

• 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: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. You may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• 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 [email protected] 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 Thomas Schoenfelder at [email protected]  or e-mail us at [email protected]

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email [email protected]. 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 that 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 may also be 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 [email protected].

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