2024 Nw Summer Wildland Firefighter Engine Leader

Salary : $3,947.00 - $4,501.00 Monthly
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number: 2024-EL-NW Region
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 11/15/2023
Closing Date: 4/1/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
NORTHWEST REGION
2024 SUMMER WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER ENGINE LEADER
Recruitment #2024-EL-NW
Full-time, Exempt, Non-represented positions.
Salary: $3,947.00 - $4,501.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The fire season is quickly approaching! The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is in search of hardworking, dedicated, responsible, and reliable team members to join our Wildland Fire Engine Crews as Engine Leaders here in the Northwest Region. As an Engine Leader, you will help lead our engine crews in performing pre-suppression and suppression-related activities.
Firefighting is hard work and requires long hours and time away from home. You must be willing and capable of performing strenuous outdoor work safely and productively while leading a team of 2-3 engine crew members. Working for the DNR as an Engine Leader is extremely rewarding. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other fire professionals including area fire districts, federal and other state partners; giving you exposure to a variety of learning opportunities, agency operations, and the ability to build cohesive relationships across the state of Washington. You will experience a different level of collaboration within the DNR that will offer a lifetime worth of skills for your future career path. The experience and training gained can form the foundation for a successful career in forestry and other natural resource professions.
The duration of these positions is generally 3-6 months with work beginning as early as May and ending in late September (note: the season has the potential to begin as early as April and run as late as October). Upon hire, wildland fire training is provided. This training will usually take place at the agency's fire academy. The academy provides meals and lodging for all participants and has a duration of 7-14 days.
Duties
What to Expect as a DNR Engine Leader:

• The Engine Leader generally performs a leadership role within a crew; and, candidates are required to have 3 months of previous natural resource work experience. Engine Leader duties may include:
  • Supervising and/or leading crews on the fire line, fire suppression and prevention, operating and maintaining small motorized equipment, operating light or heavy trucks (e.g. 1-ton 4x4, 400 gal., 3-4 person fire engine).
  • Marking and measuring timber, cutting brush on survey lines, leading small crews to maintain roads and recreation facilities, and operating and maintaining small hand and power tools.

Prepare for fire duty, and maintain assigned equipment and vehicles for fire readiness.

Safely respond to wildland fires to suppress and prevent them from spreading.

Perform entry-level wildland fire duties including hand-line construction, water handling, general suppression, and prevention activities or training.

When not engaged in wildland fire preparedness and suppression, Wildland Firefighters will perform tasks such as thinning and pruning trees for watersheds, protecting wildlife, and maintaining recreation sites, buildings, grounds, roads, and equipment.

Many of the duties performed on these jobs require considerable physical exertion, working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, working long hours, and extended periods of time away from home. Duties include but may not be limited to the ability to carry up to 60 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• Must be age 18 and possess a high school diploma or equivalent at the time of hire.
• Engine Leaders are required to have a basic fundamental understanding of the Wildland Fire Management activities including Fire Suppression, Mitigation, and Prevention. These knowledge and skill sets are achieved through successful demonstration and practical experience working for one or more fire years as Wildland Firefighters. Additionally, a fundamental understanding of wildland firefighting strategy and risk management is required to look out for the safety of fire responders and the public.
• Certified as NWCG FFT2.
• Engine Leaders lead a module of crew members on day-to-day activities to be prepared for and during wildland fire response. Require the competencies related to being able to effectively communicate with supervisors and lead subordinates in wildland fire organizations.
• Ability to act promptly and use good judgment in day-to-day and emergency situations, and deal tactfully with the public and interagency partners.
• Must pass the DNR work capacity test or "Pack Test" during the selection process and prior to starting work. The "Pack Test" is a work capacity test that measures aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and muscular endurance (45lbs, 3 miles within 45 minutes) and an Annual Refresher (RT-130).
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Employees must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States upon hire.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• A valid driver's license and two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Must have an acceptable driving record free of serious traffic violations (for specifics see the application form below).
• Duties involve field work in hazardous environments on fires, requiring physical performance calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning. Ability to carry up to 60 lbs., run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb while working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions
• A typical work day is an 8-hour day, five days a week. Positions require response during off-duty hours for emergency fire suppression needs. Positions required to work long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, day or night when performing suppression duties.
• Requires a large majority of time in the field traveling between fire assignments and fire training. The position requires frequent overnight travel and extended work assignments generally 14 days in length with infrequent travel up to 21 days.
• Field duties require the use of hand tools, power tools, GPS, topographic maps, a compass, and an iPad. Must be able to carry appropriate wildland fire tools on field assignments, as needed, to conduct assigned tasks. Day-to-day responsibilities require the ability to safely operate pickup trucks and larger Type 5 Wildland Fire Engines.

Desired Qualifications:

• NWCG Qualification of Firefighter Type 1, Incident Commander Type 5, and Engine Boss

Supplemental Information
Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references - you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.

If selected for an interview you will be required to:

• Provide a current Employment Driving Record from each state where you have held a driver's license within the last two years. Details on how to obtain this record from Washington State can be found on the Department of Licensing website at:
• PRIOR to reporting to the Pack Test, you will be required to turn in a completed Waiver and Release Form and a Completed Health Screening Questionnaire (HSQ). Applicants are strongly encouraged to train for the arduous level work capacity test. However, before you begin to train for testing or before substantially increasing your level of activity please review the health screening questionnaire (HSQ) and consult your health care provider if necessary. You may contact DNR Recruiting at DNRRecruiting@dnr.wa.gov for a copy of the HSQ.

Work Locations:
The Northwest Region covers wildland fire protection, regulation, and prevention from the area just north of the greater Seattle (Snohomish/King County line), to the Canadian border, including Whidbey, Camano, and the San Juan Islands on the west to the Cascade Mountain crest on the east. Wildland fire protection ranges from industrial forestlands to conservation landscapes, to the Wildland Urban Interface located in the developed rural and municipal communities. Engine Crews work out of pre-determined rendezvous points strategically scattered throughout Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties to provide for fire protection response throughout the whole region and to accommodate the most efficient meeting locations for firefighters that live across a wide array of locations.
Northwest Region consists of two Fire Units.
South ZoneThe Salish Fire Unit covers all of Snohomish, Island, San Juan, and the southern portion of Skagit Counties. The South Zone staffs 5 four-person Engine Crews. Engine Crews are desired to work out of the following pre-determined locations: Monroe to Snohomish general area, Arlington to Darrington general area, Sedro-Woolley to Big Lake general area, and Burlington to Anacortes general area. In the application questions, please specify your preference and/or availability of work locations within the South Zone Fire Unit. North Zone
The Kulshan Fire Unit covers all of Whatcom and the majority of Skagit Counties. The North Zone staffs 5 four-person Engine Crews. Engine Crews are desired to work out of the following pre-determined locations: Deming, Bellingham general area, Alger general area, Sedro-Woolley to Concrete general area. In the application questions, please specify your preference and/or availability of work locations within the North Zone Fire Unit.Questions? Please contact the Northwest Region office at or 360-856-3500.
For more specific information about DNR Uplands Regions and how to contact those regions, please visit
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs economically and socially for current and future generations. 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. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural, and aquatic lands.
Additional Information:
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit
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. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
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 NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, cove...