Fire and Forest Health Engine Boss, Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup)
Recruitment #2026-9-7814
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Location: Southeast Region- East Wenatchee, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,201.00 - $5,642.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/21/26. 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) has an exciting opportunity within the Southeast Region. Do you enjoy the challenge of wildland firefighting? The Fire and Forest Health Engine Boss, Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup) position is responsible for providing critical wildland fire support during the wildfire season and supporting the Southeast Region's initial attack program. When not engaged in fire suppression activities, the Specialist supports the DNR's Forest Resilience program to help small forest landowners obtain fuel treatments, technical, and financial assistance to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health on their properties.Responsibilities:
Fire Suppression: Work as a wildland firefighting engine leader, supervising three wildland firefighters. This position directs the use, safety, operation, and maintenance of a four-wheel drive wildland fire engine complete with a 400-gallon water tank, various pumps, chainsaws, communication equipment, and hand tools. Uses electronics such as GPS, smartphone, tablet, computer, kestrel, etc.
Community Wildfire Prevention/Preparedness: Perform assignments relating to wildland fire preparedness such as: conducting hazard risk assessments at single residence and community level; coordinating and accomplishing Wildland Urban Interface mapping to include structure protection assessments and in/egress fire hazard assessments; working on fuels reduction assignments; performing reconnaissance on public lands relating to establishing/location water points, helicopter landing zones, staging areas, base camps and other logistical assignments designed for the preparation and management of wildland fires
Forest Health / Service Forestry: Under the guidance and direction of the Service Forester, meets with private forest landowners regarding cost share programs, and helps with assessments of forest health and wildfire risk. Helps with recommendations and applications for cost share, assists in completing required forms, and recommends/submits cost share applications to Service Forestry staff for payment and approval. Uses mobile GPS to gather and submit spatial data and utilizes desktop GIS to create maps.
Perform Physical Fitness Training Tasks Include: Following DNR’s Physical Fitness Training Policy (P020-007), the position requires passing annual work capacity tests at the arduous or moderate levels as NWCG requires.Required Qualifications:
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.
- Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel.
- Any NWCG Single Resource Boss qualification.
- Two years' experience in wildland fire management, natural resource, forestry, or related field;
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- Encourages team unity through sharing information or expertise, working together to solve problems, and putting team success first.
- Accustomed to tailoring communication to the needs and preferences of others.
- Creates a positive work environment where all staff are motivated to do their best.
- Safely performs work at all times. Avoids shortcuts that increase health and safety risks to self or others.
- Maintains an open, approachable manner and treats others fairly and respectfully. Preserves others’ self-confidence and dignity, showing respect for their opinions.
- 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.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
- Position’s assigned duty station is the Wenatchee Work Center (Chelan Fire Unit). The fire suppression and prescribed fire work is strenuous outdoor work in all weather conditions. Must be able to traverse uneven and mountainous terrain, e.g., very steep terrain, rocky, loose, or muddy ground surfaces, thick vegetation, down/standing trees, wet leaves/grass, varied climates (cold, hot, wet, dry, humid, snow, rain, high altitudes, heights, holes and drop-offs, very rough roads, open bodies of water, isolated/remote sites. Might need to work in close quarters, with limited/disrupted sleep.
- This position will be assigned an agency vehicle. Position requires significant driving and field visits within the assigned area.
- Must pass the DNR work capacity test or "Pack Test" at the arduous level before starting work and annually thereafter.
- A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, 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). 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.
These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.
- Associate's degree or higher with professional experience in Fire Science or a related Natural Resource field.
- Hold multiple single resource boss qualifications and/or Incident Commander Type 5, Strike Team Leader/Task Force Leader, and Wildland Fire Investigator.
- Knowledge of general forest management.
- Experience in forest fire protection regulatory programs.
- Knowledge of employment rules and regulations as they apply to permanent, seasonal, career, and seasonal employees.
- Experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Experience writing burning permits for large forest industry landowners.
- Ability to work with the public, sometimes under stressful conditions.
- Ability to act promptly and use good judgment in emergencies.
- Knowledge of and experience with: Prescribed Fire Operations, Burn Plan Writing, GIS, and Fire Effects and Fuel Load Monitoring.
Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
- Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
- Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
- Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
- References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
- Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
- Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
- Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive these communications.
Questions? Please contact Steven Reptsis at 509-859-6722 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. 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.
- 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 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.
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. 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 with 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 CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.
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Listed under Firefighter jobs, Forestry jobs.