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South Zone Fire Operations District Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 6 (NRS6)

State of Washington

State of Washington

Operations
Multiple locations
USD 6,735-9,065 / month
Posted on Jan 7, 2026

Description



South Zone Fire Operations District Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 6 (NRS6)
Recruitment #2026-1-7870
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Southeast Region- Clarkson, Ellensburg, Naches, or Dallesport, WA

Salary: $6,735.00 - $9,065.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/13/26. 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 our Southeast Region as an Operations District Manager. Are you passionate about wildland fire? Do you enjoy leading a diverse team? Are you eager to address wildland fire impacts on natural resources and communities through thoughtful preparedness and prevention? Do you value prescribed fire as a tool to improve forest conditions and mitigate fuel loading? If so, this position will offer you all of these challenges!

Duties

Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for all facets of the wildland fire management program within the assigned districts. It oversees three fire units with a total permanent staff of 23 and a seasonal staff of 88. The position is responsible for wildfire preparedness and prevention as well as prescribed fire implementation. The district has a high fire load within wildland and wildland-urban interface environments. The position must represent the Department with cooperating agencies and the public.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • A bachelor's degree in a natural resource field or a related natural sciences field, AND 5 years of relevant experience;
    OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
  • Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of public administration, business administration, budgeting, economics, and management.
  • Knowledge of leadership principles.
  • NWCG qualified as one or more of the following: ICT3, DIVS, ATGS, AOBD, FBAN, SOPL, OSCC, ICCI, SOFC, or PSCC.
  • Verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to negotiate with diverse interest groups, such as other agencies, tribes, environmental groups, private industry, local government, media, and the general public.
  • 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
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • Work is performed 50% in an office/telework setting and 50% in the field. Field conditions require working in inclement weather conditions and mountainous terrain.
  • Frequent travel will be required for periods up to 21 days.
  • 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.
Desired Qualifications:
  • 12 years of wildland fire management and response experience.
  • Ability to manage budgets.
  • Experience making public presentations.
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: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
  • 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 Wyatt Leighton at wyatt.leighton@dnr.wa.gov/509-899-2376 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 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 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 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.

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