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Fire Management Officer (FMO), Wildland Fire Mgmt Unit Mgr (WFMUM)/WFM Specialist In-Training

State of Washington

State of Washington

Clarkston, WA, USA · Asotin County, WA, USA
USD 4,428-6,576 / month
Posted on Sep 20, 2025

Description


Blue Mountain Unit Fire Management Officer (FMO),
Wildland Fire Management Unit Manager (WFMUM)/WFM Specialist In-Training
Recruitment #2025-9-7074
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Location: Southeast Region - Clarkston, WA

Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,428.00 - $6,576.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment any time after 9/28/25. 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 our Southeast Region as a Fire Management Officer (FMO), Wildland Fire Management Unit Manager (WFMUM)/WFM Specialist In-Training.

This position supports the agency mission by providing wildland fire management services to, and on behalf of, the public. This critical service protects public resources, natural resources, and public safety. Agency Wildland Fire Vision Statement: Working collaboratively across jurisdictional boundaries and with engaged communities, we safeguard what we value. All of Washington is adapted and prepared, and our landscapes are healthy and resilient. We prevent wildland fire, use fire where allowable, and safely suppress unwanted fire. Agency Forest Health Vision Statement: Washington’s forested landscapes are in an ecologically functioning and resilient condition and meet the economic and social needs of present and future generations. This position serves several important roles for the agency, providing support for the Wildland Fire Protection Strategy and the Forest Health Strategic Plan for EWA. The position helps meet wildland fire suppression needs and associated activities supporting suppression efforts during the active fire season. Additionally, the Blue Mountain Unit Wildland Fire Management Unit Manager Position plays a key role in meeting the state’s forest health deliverables, primarily in support of the 20-year Forest Health Strategy.

Duties

Responsibilities:
Protects human life and natural resources on department protected lands while minimizing resource loss and fire costs as outlined in RCW 76.04.015,016. In an effort to reduce unwanted acres burned, places a high level of readiness and preparedness on safely and effectively attacking and rapidly suppressing new fire starts in the Blue Mountain Fire Unit. Participates in statewide fire suppression activities. Works closely with other agencies in coordinating fire suppression activities in the district. Ensures adequate resources are on shift daily to meet interagency block card response. May serve as Incident Commander, Operation Section Chief, Plan Section Chief, Logistic Section Chief, Division Supervisor, Strike Team/Taskforce Leader, Single Resource Leader, Fire Investigator, Engine Leader, Firefighter, Timekeeper, or Public Relations Contact Establishes Unified Command and works cooperatively with other fire protection authorities when working on joint jurisdiction fires On within the Unit serves as Agency Representative for the Region to ensure compliance with state laws, regulations, DNR policies and business practices, and represent the Agency Administrator in daily interactions with the Incident Commander or CIMT team members. Reviews and authors initial incident reports, fire situation narratives, and investigation reports.

Supervises 2 Wildland Fire Management Specialists (AFMO) and 1 Heavy Equipment Operator 2 and is indirectly responsible for the supervision of 1 Wildland Fire Management Supervisor’s, and up to 4 seasonal engine leaders, as well as up to 15 Seasonal Fire Fighters in daily activities including training, pre-suppression, suppression, and fire regulation enforcement.

Oversees the interviewing process for seasonal Engine Leaders and Seasonal Forest Fire Fighters to provide recommendations for the unit’s annual interview and hiring plan to be presented to the Fire Operations District Manager-South.

Responsible for training, scheduling work projects, reviewing time and activity reports, equipment mileage and maintenance logs, preparing performance evaluations and recommending disciplinary actions as needed. Responsible for assigning and directing permanent and seasonal positions in their work activities.

Sharing communications and information is critical to maintaining positive relationships with our partners. Regularly attends Fire Chief meetings, Co-op Groups, conference calls, and other agency meetings to maintain the highest level of interagency relationships. Provides guidance and information sharing of preparedness levels, IFPL changes, staffing levels, training, radio frequencies, aircraft availability, etc. Establishes pre-season incident objectives and priorities ensuring they are consistent with each agency’s mission and policies.

Ensure fire operations staff are actively participating and supporting the Community Resilience Program in the Blue Mountain Unit including public outreach, recommending fuels mitigation actions and assisting with project layout. Ensure staff are participating in home ignition zone assessments as part of Wildfire Ready Neighbors. Plan and participate in community outreach and prevention events.

Participates in the CWPP planning process.

Encourage local communities to develop, implement and maintain updated CWPPs. Lead and supervise crew to conduct home ignition zone assessments as part of Wildfire Ready Neighbors or independent requests from landowners and/or communities. In addition to Home Ignition Zone assessments crew members may participate in community education days, plan and participate in community outreach and prevention events and participate with local cooperators on community outreach projects.

Following DNR’s Physical Fitness Training Policy (PO20-007), the position requires passing annual work capacity tests at the arduous level as NWCG requires.

Qualifications

This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 3-24-month training plan. If you complete all elements of the training steps in a shorter amount of time, we may waive the remainder of the time required. Candidates will be considered as Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec) In-Training or Wildland Fire Management Unit Manager (WFMUM), depending on qualifications.

Required Qualifications:
Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec) In-Training
(Salary range: $4,428 - $5,956 per month):

  • Certified as a NWCG Single Resource Boss and Incident Commander Type 5.
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Experience in leases, and contract negotiations.
  • Experience as a successful leader and contributing team player within a defined work group.
  • 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 requests are followed.
  • DNR Core Competencies:
    • Personal Accountability
    • Value Others
    • Compassionate Communication
    • Inspire Others
    • Commitment to Excellence

Wildland Fire Management Unit Manager (WFMUM)
(Salary range: $4,882 - $6,576 per month):
  • Wildland fire management experience.
  • Minimum qualification at Task Force Leader / Strike Team Leader and Incident Commander Type 4 or higher.
  • Two years of supervisory experience.
  • Experience in agreements and/or contract negotiations.
  • Knowledge of:
    • Fire behavior, suppression, resources, equipment, tools, methods and techniques.
    • Incident Command System.
    • Accepted safety practices in suppressing fires.
    • Forest fire regulations (e.g., Forest Protection Assessment and Outdoor Burning regulations).
    • Supervisory methods, personnel practices and procedures.
    • National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards.
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • Must pass work capacity test at the arduous level required by current red card qualifications.
  • Field and Office: Position’s assigned duty station is the Blue Mountain Unit. Work is performed in an office setting (30%) and alone in isolated unimproved natural areas within the unit (up to 70%). Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Often required to work long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, day or night. These duties may involve fieldwork requiring physical performance calling for above average endurance and superior conditioning.
    These duties include routine demand for extraordinary strenuous activities in emergency situation, under adverse environmental conditions, for extended periods of time.
  • Position requires travel (up to 50%) to the field for project work, fires, or supervision, attend meetings or various trainings. Frequent overnight travel is required for trainings, meetings, and fire assignments.
  • A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers 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.

Desired Qualifications:
  • A bachelor’s degree or associate degree with two years of experience in Fire Science, Natural Resource Management or a closely related field.
  • Division Group Supervisor and Incident Commander Type 3 (or higher) National Wildfire Coordinating Group qualifications.
  • Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).
  • Experience in other sections of the Incident Command System, in addition to Operations.
  • Commitment to continual learning and adaptation to technological advances.
  • Skills in evaluating others’ abilities and assessing training needs.
  • Facilitative skills to work with groups of people to solve issues.

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:
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.

  • 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: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. 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 Spencer Slyfield at Spencer.slyfield@dnr.wa.gov / (509) 899-9000 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 those 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 benefit 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 prior to attaching. 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 of 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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