Fire Management Officer – North Unit, Wildland Fire Unit Manager (WFUM)

Description

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 4/2/25. 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) Pacific Cascade Region is searching for a Wildland Fire Unit Manager (Fire Management Officer – North Unit) for the North Fire Unit. The North Fire Unit is a very active fire area for the region and features a high density of urban interface fuels with multiple jurisdictions. This position supports the mission and goals of the agency through fire suppression, prevention and regulatory programs. Responsibilities include: plans, prioritizes, coordinates and implements the fire program within the North Unit. Coordinates with other local governments and fire suppression agencies including Pacific, Lewis and the South portion of Grays Harbor counties, 35 fire districts, Washington State Parks, US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW), US Forest Service (USFS), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). As region fire leadership, with a commitment to Wildland Core Values of Duty, Respect and Integrity, you will have an opportunity to continue building the region's fire program in creating an environment that promotes a climate focused on safety, high standards, and critical and innovative thinking.

Duties

Responsibilities:

• Developing and implementing your fire unit operation plan.
• Creating and maintaining suppression plans working with interagency cooperators.
• Planning and developing annual fire training plans for unit employees.
• Developing cooperative agreements with other agencies and make recommendations for their approval by the department.
• Coordinating and maintaining the units state owned equipment inventory system.
• Participating in wildland fire suppression assignments within the region and out of region. 
• Serving as an incident commander on type 4 and 5 wildland fires within the unit and region.
• Reviewing incident reports, narratives and investigation reports.
• Developing, assigning and implementing unit fire prevention activities promoting fire safety awareness.
• Implementing the fire units' regulatory program.
• Providing required reviews of unit Forest Fire Protection Assessments (FFPA).
• In all tasks, considering the Risk Management Process, especially in high pressure or fast paced situations to ensure sound and timely decisions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• Strike Team Leader OR any 2 single resource boss qualifications OR 2 years of any single resource boss qualifications AND IC Type 4.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• Wildland fire management experience.
• Experience in leases and/or contract negotiations.
• Knowledge of agency policies, practices, and procedures.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Basic computer software skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and GIS.
• Ability to be 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 pass work capacity test annually at the arduous level as required by NWCG.
• Field and Office: Work is performed in an office setting (50%) and alone in isolated unimproved natural areas within the unit (50%). Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• Position requires travel (50%) to the field for project work, fires, or supervision, attend meetings or various trainings. Frequent overnight travel is required for trainings, meetings, and fire assignments
• A valid unrestricted driver’s license and have 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 degree in Fire Science, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
• 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.
• Division Group Supervisor and Incident Commander Type 3 (or higher).
• Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2.
• Six years of experience in wildland fire suppression and regulation, including at least four years of supervisory experience.

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at [email protected]. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, and 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 to the position and 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 Paul Tester at [email protected]/360-355-5433 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 prior to 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 of 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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