Fuels Crew Lead, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML)
About The Position
The Northeast Region of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is actively seeking four (4) Fuels Crew Leads (Wildland Fire Management Leads) for the Arcadia District. This position will be a second-in-charge role to a Forest Health Engine Captain on the newly created River City Fuels Crew during non-fire season months and will operate as an Engine Leader on a Type 5 Brush engine during the fire season months of the year. The Arcadia District is based out of Deer Park, WA and consists of diverse fuel types that range from agriculture/shrub, steppe/dry ponderosa pine to hemlock/subalpine fir forests. The Arcadia District is responsible for forest health, wildfire suppression, prevention education, and regulation on all or parts of four counties (Spokane, Pend Oreille, Stevens and Lincoln), including one hundred thousand acres of state trust land. The Arcadia District conducts suppression actions on approximately 300 fire starts annually, processes approximately 400 burn permit requests, and provides training courses to our local cooperators. A large part of the Arcadia District is located in the Wildland Urban Interface of the greater Spokane area, where the primary focus on hazardous fuels reduction takes place and the heaviest loading of initial attack wildfire incidents. Interagency cooperation occurs on the majority of fuels project sites, wildland fires, and most training courses. Interagency cooperation includes working with local fire districts, state and federal partners, and is a key function of the position. The individuals selected for these positions would be employed year-round, completing fuels reduction work in the winters and engaged in fire suppression in the summers.
Requirements
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Certified as a NWCG Firefighter Type 1.
- Basic chainsaw training and experience.
- Experience identifying forest diseases and pathogens.
- Experience properly identifying major conifer species of the Inland Northwest.
- Skills in building/maintaining cooperative relationships.
- 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.
- A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.
- 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).
- Must annually pass the work capacity test at the arduous level as required by NWCG for qualified positions.
- Attend and pass the DNR Trailer Towing Safety Course.
Nice To Haves
- A bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Fire Science, or related field; or some higher education that required coursework in Silviculture or Fire Sciences.
- Certified as a NWCG qualification level of Single Resource Engine Boss, equivalent, or higher.
- Experience working on a fuel’s reduction crew, including disposing of slash through a chipper or pile burning.
- Knowledge of employment rules and regulations as they apply to permanent, seasonal career and seasonal DNR employees.
- Skills in evaluating others’ abilities and assessing training needs.
Responsibilities
- Assessing and monitoring the safety of fellow crew members while also comparing crew production output to project deadlines.
- Making recommendations on fuels reduction strategies and then coordinating the completion of the prescriptions.
- Purchasing, public education, and other duties as assigned.
- Operating alongside agency partners and working to represent the District professionally.
- Implementing wildland hazardous fuels mitigation projects.
- Leading up to 4 Wildland Firefighters on a Type 5 brush Engine in the Arcadia District, and responsible for responding to wildfire incidents in a safe and efficient manner.
- Operating in NWCG Wildland Fire positions such as Incident Commander, Engine Boss, Heavy Equipment Boss, and more depending on the scale of the incident.
- Creating daily schedules for the Engine, which may include training, studying, or checking previous incidents.
- Ensuring the Engine is competent and professional while on and off the fire line.
Benefits
- 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
- 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
- Employer contributions toward health insurance
- Paid holidays
- Retirement plans
- Sick leave
- Vacation days
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
