Fuels Crew Member, Wildland Fire Management Technician (WFMT)
About The Position
The Northeast Region of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking 14 Fuels Crew Members (Wildland Fire Management Technicians) for the Arcadia District. This position will serve as a crew member on the River City Fuels Crew during non-fire season months and as a Wildland Firefighter on a Type 5 Brush Engine during fire season months. The Arcadia District, located in Deer Park, WA, manages diverse fuel types and is responsible for forest health, wildfire suppression, prevention education, and regulation across four counties, including 100,000 acres of state trust land. The district handles approximately 300 fire starts annually, processes 400 burn permit requests, and provides training to local cooperators. A significant portion of the district is in the Wildland Urban Interface of the greater Spokane area, requiring a focus on hazardous fuels reduction and initial attack wildfire incidents. Interagency cooperation with local fire districts, state, and federal partners is a key function of this role.
Requirements
- A high school diploma or GED equivalent or ability to obtain a GED within 12 months of hire.
- Trained to a NWCG “Red Card” qualification level of Firefighter 2.
- 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.
- Must annually pass the work capacity test at the arduous level as required by NWCG for qualified positions.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in disposal of slash through a chipper or pile burning.
- Experience operating and maintaining chainsaws/small engines.
- Able to tow vehicle trailers in both urban and forest settings.
- Qualified as an Incident Commander Type 5 and Fire Fighter Type 1.
Responsibilities
- Complete hazardous fuels reduction on priority project sites around the Arcadia District as part of a 22-person fuels reduction crew.
- Implement wildland hazardous fuels mitigation projects, including non-commercial tree thinning, tree pruning, and slash abatement (prescribed fire, chipping, or windrowing for mechanical mastication).
- Operate as a Wildland Firefighter on a Type 5 brush Engine during the fire season, responsible for wildfire initial attack.
- Perform NWCG Wildland Fire positions such as Incident Commander Type 5 and Firefighter 1, depending on incident scale.
- Engage in training, studying, or other assigned duties when not on wildfire incidents.
- Maintain a competent and professional demeanor on and off the fire line.
- Work within team goals and dynamics in a fast-paced and complex work environment.
- Complete fuels reduction work in the winters and engage in fire suppression in the summers.
- Conduct suppression actions on approximately 300 fire starts annually.
- Process approximately 400 burn permit requests annually.
- Provide training courses to local cooperators.
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
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
