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

Description

Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,299.00 - $5,783.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 4/8/25. 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. We are looking for a Chelan Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO), Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec) to join our team!

Working collaboratively across jurisdictional boundaries and with engaged communities, we safeguard what we value. All of 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 in an ecologically functioning and resilient condition 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 WA. The position helps meet wildland fire suppression needs and associated activities supporting suppression efforts during the active fire season. Additionally, the Chelan Wildland Fire Management Specialist Position (AFMO) plays a key role in meeting the state’s forest health deliverables, primarily in support of the 20-year Forest Health Strategy.

Duties

Responsibilities:

Preparedness
Under the guidance of the Unit Fire Management Officer (FMO), plans and implements training for seasonal crews and interagency cooperators. Instructs seasonal and permanent staff and private contractors as appropriate. Assists with developing the Unit’s annual preparedness review. Regularly plans and provides drills and training exercises to the seasonal staff. Ensures safe working practices are followed and holds regular safety meetings and after-action reviews with the seasonal staff.

Wildfire Suppression
Assist with providing supervision and oversight for staff in fire suppression at the unit level. Protects human life and natural resources on department-protected lands while minimizing resource loss and fire costs. Suppression duties in the local unit can vary from acting as Initial Attack Incident Commander (IC), generating transition plans to incoming ICs 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 adjacent districts. 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.

Supervision 
Supervises 1 Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator (WFHEO), 2 Seasonal Engine Leads, and 7 Seasonal Firefighters in daily activities. This includes training, pre-suppression work projects, and fire regulatory duties. Responsible for assigning and directing seasonal positions in their work activities. 

Prescribed Fire, Community Resiliency, and Forest Health

Assist the Unit in delivering the Region’s Fire Regulation & Prevention Programs in the 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 Fire Unit. Maximize opportunities for landowners to use pile burning as a safe and effective means of fuels reduction while minimizing smoke impacts and reducing unwanted fire incidents. Assist in 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. Works with partnering agencies to develop and improve public awareness of Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) regulations, fire tool inspections, and fire danger ratings. Works with region staff to inspect and provide feedback or recommendations for approval or disapproval on IFPL Waiver Requests.

Performs other duties as assigned
May function as Fire Management Officer in Manager’s absence. May assist in performing tasks involving timber presale preparation as assigned by the timber sale unit, including general sale layout, road location, surveying, marking and cruising timber, prescribed fire, and fuels reduction. May participate in prescribed fire operations for the DNR or other agencies. May function as one of the Unit Ordering Managers, Receiving and Distribution Manager for Unit supplies and equipment. May assist in screening Federal Excess property for surplus fire equipment for fire districts and DNR.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• Certified as a NWCG Single Resource Boss.
• Supervisory experience.
• Proven experience in agreement and contract negotiations.
• 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.
• Employee empowerment.
• Commitment to continual learning and adaptation to technology advances.
• 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:

• The position’s assigned duty station is the Chelan Fire Unit (Wenatchee Work Center). 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. Must possess an NWCG Single Resource Boss qualification.
• 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.
• Must possess or have the ability to achieve during the probationary period the NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 qualification.
• Must open an INVF task book within 12 months and be actively working toward obtaining the qualification.
• Must pass work capacity test annually at the arduous level required by current red card qualifications.
• 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.
• Certified NWCG Incident Commander Type 4 or higher.
• Task Force Leader (or higher) NWCG qualifications.
• NWCG Qualified Wildland Fire Investigator or Trainee.
• Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).
• 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 Walter Escobar at 509-398-1222/[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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