Reimagining the future of fire and forestry work

264
companies
1,784
Jobs

Fire Operations District Manager, WMS1

State of Washington

State of Washington

Operations
Castle Rock, WA, USA
USD 82,452-101,208 / year
Posted on May 3, 2025

Description

Fire Operations District Manager, WMS1
Recruitment #2025-5-2833
Full-time, Non-permanent, WMS1, Non-represented position
Anticipated employment is May - December 2025
Location: Pacific Cascade Region- Castle Rock, WA
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $82,452.00 - $96,156.00 Annually
To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $82,452.00 - $101,208.00 Annually

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Pacific Cascade Region as a non-permanent Fire Operations District Manager.

This is a critical position that provides leadership and oversight for fire preparedness, regulation, and prevention programs on over 3.3 million acres of state and private forestland. This position ensures the region has fully trained and qualified wildland fire suppression staff and serves as the key contact for guiding and maintaining positive relationships with federal and local wildland fire partners. The Fire Operations District Manager works under the guidance of all applicable collective bargaining agreements for the positions it supervises, and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, and agency policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Duties

Responsibilities:

  • Plans, leads, organizes, and oversees the work performed by the Wildland Fire and Forest Health organizational unit in the Pacific Cascade Region.
  • Monitors and manages the fire suppression resources in the Pacific Cascade Region to ensure actions and expenditures are appropriate for the conditions and seeks reimbursements and/or cost recovery when appropriate.
  • Ensures that all cooperative agreements with other agencies and fire protection districts are negotiated and are current, so that shared resources are available and represent the most effective and efficient way for wildland fire suppression in the Pacific Cascade Region.
  • Ensures appropriate and optimum use of the organizational unit resources.
  • Provides feedback on policy/procedure discussions. This position also gives opinions and suggests changes to policy as it affects regulating and protecting state and private forest land within the Pacific Cascade Region and statewide, from both internal and external factors.
  • Develops and maintains effective communications throughout the organization.
  • Supervises two Wildland Fire Coordinator 1 positions, three Wildland Fire Unit Managers (FMOs), and two Wildland Fire Hand Crew Superintendents.
  • Mentors staff and provides a positive working environment where people are respected and valued professionally.
  • Enhances the effectiveness of all employees in the organizational unit through timely and effective performance appraisals and by providing training and other professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of personnel management principles and employee union agreements.
  • Knowledge of agency policies, practices, and procedures.
  • Skills in verbal and written communication.
  • Skills in budget and organizational development and management.
  • Skills in evaluating others’ abilities and assessing training needs.
  • Skills in agreement and contract negotiations.
  • Ability to:
    • Maintain the highest standards of personal/professional, and ethical conduct.
    • Actively contribute to a work environment that embraces diversity and brings together the strengths and perspectives of diverse groups.
    • Build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance and mutual regard.
    • Convey clear, persuasive messages that are effective.
    • Respond to difficult, stressful, or sensitive interpersonal situations in a way that reduces or minimizes potential conflict and maintains good working relationships among internal and external customers.
    • Influences others within the organization to be excited, enthused, and committed to furthering the organization’s objectives.
    • Creates and nurtures a performance-based culture and takes steps to build a cohesive and results-oriented team.
    • Can be relied on to achieve excellent results with little need for oversight, and seeks and responds to opportunities to resolve problems, achieve goals, or otherwise advance the organization’s purposes. Makes timely decisions even when data is limited or when solutions may produce unpleasant consequences.
    • Work under minimal supervision within the context of broad agency policies.
    • Provide second-level supervision over multiple work units with one or more supervisors.
    • Use a mix of tactical and strategic thinking to address various budget, fixed asset, human resource, and customer service issues.
    • Develop, recommend, and implement agency strategies, policies, and resource allocation.
    • Maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders and organizations.
  • Key Knowledge and Skills, Forestry and Fire: Knowledge of wildland fire prevention and suppression practices and tactics, natural resource management policies and issues, timber management planning, and silvicultural principles.
  • Key Behavioral Competencies:
    • Ethics and Integrity
    • Commitment to Workforce Diversity
    • Relationship Building and Ability to Foster a Positive Team Environment
    • Effective Communications
    • Tact and Diplomacy
    • Interpersonal Influence
    • Performance and Team Leadership
    • Accountability, Initiative, and Decisiveness
  • All agency employees are expected to demonstrate:
    • Enduring Stewardship
    • Visionary Leadership
    • Inclusive Decision-Making
    • Creative Solutions
    • Respectful Relationships
  • DNR Core Competencies:
    • Personal Accountability
    • Value Others
    • Compassionate Communication
    • Inspire Others
    • Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • Work both indoors and outdoors, with the majority of the hazards in the field, evaluating and ensuring income production and habitat development outcomes.
  • Occasional travel to Olympia and statewide happens throughout the year.
  • Qualified at ICT3 and/or Division Supervisor or higher levels in IQS, or working on task books to achieve those levels of qualification.
  • Ability to pass the Work Capacity Test at the appropriate level for IQS qualifications.
  • A valid, unrestricted driver’s license and two years of driving experience. 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.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Forest Management or Natural Resources Management; AND five years of professional-level experience with a demonstrated progression in leadership responsibilities in the areas of land and resources management, personnel management, and wildland fire suppression.
    OR an associate degree in forest management or natural resources management; AND seven years of professional-level experience with a demonstrated progression in leadership responsibilities in the areas of land and resources management, personnel management, and wildland fire suppression.
  • Experience in sections of the Incident Command System (ICS) other than operations.
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements:

  • Apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
  • Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
  • Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
  • References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
  • Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).
  • Complete all supplemental questions.
  • 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 those communications.
Questions? Please contact Rex Hapala at rex.hapala@dnr.wa.gov/360.749.2552 or e-mail 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 VisionOur 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.
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:
  • 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 that 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.
Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

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 before 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 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.

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress