Kulshan Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML)

State of Washington•Whatcom County – Bellingham, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources is hiring a full-time, permanent, represented Kulshan Module Squad Boss in its Northwest Region, based in Bellingham, Washington. The role contributes to the module’s workplace culture and the region’s Wildfire Program, protecting people, natural resources, and property while prioritizing firefighter and public safety. Work includes wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire and fuels management, community resilience, forest health treatments, crew preparedness and training, and maintaining equipment and operational readiness. The position includes direct supervision of hand crew members and may involve interagency and statewide assignments. Work is performed approximately 30% in an office setting and 70% in unimproved natural areas. It requires substantial travel, including night and overnight travel, and work in variable weather, smoke, fire, and challenging terrain. Work schedules can be long and irregular, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and day or night assignments. The position requires annual work capacity testing at the arduous level and physical conditioning sufficient for demanding fieldwork.

Requirements

Knowledge of wildland fire suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition.
Certified as a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type 1.
Pass the annual NWCG-required work capacity test at the arduous level.
Current, valid driver’s license and at least two years of driving experience; the license must not be suspended, revoked, or restricted.
Ability to travel extensively, including night and overnight travel, and drive in challenging conditions such as snow, ice, poor visibility, smoke, and fire.
Ability to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions and perform demanding fieldwork requiring above-average endurance and superior conditioning.
Ability to work long, irregular hours, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and day or night assignments.
Demonstrated teamwork, information sharing, problem-solving, and commitment to team success.
Ability to adapt communication to the needs and preferences of others and help create a positive, motivating work environment.
Commitment to safe work practices and avoiding shortcuts that increase health or safety risks.
Treat others fairly and respectfully, preserve their confidence and dignity, and show regard for their opinions.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice.
Perform duties consistently with applicable laws, regulations, and public-records retention requirements.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED equivalent and six months of experience in wildland fire suppression and regulations.
NWCG qualification as a Helicopter Crew Member or Incident Commander Type 5.
Skills in evaluating others’ abilities and assessing training needs.
Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel.
Experience in forest fire protection regulatory programs.

Responsibilities

Provide direct fire-line supervision of hand crew members responding to wildland and urban interface fires, while prioritizing firefighter and public safety.
Participate in interagency fire suppression, including initial attack, extended attack, mop-up, patrol, and rehabilitation.
Perform incident roles as qualified, including Incident Commander Type 4 or 5, air-to-ground contact, single resource boss, firefighter, timekeeper, or public relations contact.
Use crews and suppression resources safely and effectively, and cooperate with other fire protection authorities on joint-jurisdiction fires.
Review and author initial incident reports and fire situation narratives.
Lead squad members in prescribed-fire support, including fuels and fire-effects data collection, unit preparation, burn-plan assistance, community outreach, and burn implementation support.
Conduct home ignition zone assessments and participate in community education, outreach, and wildfire prevention activities.
Lead non-commercial thinning, slash abatement, project layout, and compliance work; support forest health treatments, tree marking, road brushing, and GPS data collection.
Assist with timber sales, timber layout and marking, forest cruising, and road maintenance.
Plan and implement training for seasonal crews and interagency cooperators; instruct staff and contractors as appropriate.
Assist with annual preparedness reviews, operational plans, pre-suppression work plans, and coordination of work planning with program managers and specialists.
Conduct drills, exercises, safety meetings, and after-action reviews; track crew training and position task books.
Ensure staff, equipment, vehicles, and facilities are ready for operational needs; arrange regular servicing and recommend equipment, supply, or vehicle replacement as needed.
Participate in wildland fire training and maintain required certifications; assist with firefighter training, Work Capacity Tests, and statewide or other training events.
Prepare training lesson plans and timelines; assist with contractor operator safety training and analyze and document crew training needs and qualifications.
Ensure required agency and NWCG documentation is complete and annual IQS information is sent to Region Training Coordinators.
May serve as Crew Supervisor, Crew Foreman, or Superintendent when qualified and assigned.
May assist with fire prevention and regulation, prescribed fire operations, recreation work, and timber presale preparation.
Complete physical fitness training and pass annual work capacity tests at the required arduous or moderate level as applicable.