Forest Health Engine Boss, Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup)
State of Washington
People & HR, Operations
Washington, USA · Spokane County, WA, USA
USD 3,811-5,117 / month
Posted on Apr 24, 2026
Description
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Forest Health Engine Boss, Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup)
Recruitment #2026-4-7832
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Location: Northeast Region- Deer Park, WA
Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $3,811.00 - $5,117.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 4/30/26. 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 Northeast Region as a Forest Health Engine Boss (Wildland Fire Management Supervisor).
This position will be responsible for providing critical wildland fire support as an Engine Leader during the wildfire season. When not engaged in fire suppression activities, the Forest Health Engine Boss will be responsible for delivering key forest health treatment activities, including, but not limited to, prescribed fire preparation, planning, implementation, and monitoring; fuels mitigation and management; data management and reporting associated with accomplished activities.
The Arcadia District comprises the greater Spokane County area, including south Stevens County, north Lincoln County, and the majority of Pend Oreille County. The Arcadia District is the most active area in the state for fire response, averaging nearly 400 fire starts each year. It is a dynamic area that contains a wide variety of terrain and fuel types, from fast-moving urban interface fires to remote timber fires. Duties
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Responsibilities:
Fire Suppression:- Work as a Wildland Fire Engine Leader supervising three wildland firefighters, responsible for assigning and directing firefighter positions in their daily work activities.
- Develop and implement a daily routine for the engine and crew.
- Participate in statewide fire suppression activities.
- Protects life, property, infrastructure, and natural resources from wildland and urban interface fires to minimize resource loss and fire costs while ensuring firefighter and public safety.
- Often required to work long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, day or night. These duties involve fieldwork that may include an occasional demand for extraordinary strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods of time.
- Occasionally coordinates work with other fire protection agencies and writes mutual aid contracts between firefighting personnel and equipment.
- Prescribed Fire Implementation and Support - Review Prescribed Fire Burn Plans, conduct and contribute to prescribed fire monitoring, conduct site fuels and fire effects data collection, unit preparation, assist with burn plan writing, community outreach, and Rx burn implementation support to include firing, holding, burn boss, provide assistance to partners for prescribed fire planning and implementation, serve as Prescribed Fire lead for burn activities on and off DNR state trust lands.
- Fuels Mitigation - Provide non-commercial thinning and slash abatement, and commercial and non-commercial project assistance in coordination with Service Forestry, Federal Lands, or State Lands staff, and provide support and capacity for walking and flagging fuels treatment areas.
- Conducting hazard risk assessments at single residence and community level.
- Work on fuel reduction assignments.
- Constructs, maintains, and posts fire prevention signs.
- Participates in cooperative group fire prevention and preparedness education activities.
- Performs public speaking about fire prevention activities to groups, including school children, homeowners, and at events as assigned.
Qualifications
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Required Qualifications:
- Two years' experience in wildland fire management, natural resource, forestry, or related field;
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - Any NWCG Single Resource Boss qualification.
- Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel.
Required Competencies:- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- 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 and perspectives.
- 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
- The positions assigned duty station is the Deer Park work center. Work is performed in an office setting (40%) and alone in isolated, unimproved natural areas within the unit (60%). Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. These duties may involve fieldwork requiring physical performance, calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning.
- This position will be assigned an agency vehicle. Position requires significant driving and field visits within the geographic area assigned.
- 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.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, Natural Resources, Forestry, or related field;
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - NWCG Qualifications: Incident Commander Type 4, Strike Team Leader or Task Force Leader, Wildland Fire Investigator, Multiple Single Resource Boss qualifications, Prescribed Fire Burn Boss 2 (RXB2), Fire Effects Monitoring (FEMO), and Firing Boss (FIRB).
- Experience with: Prescribed Fire Operations, Burn Plan Writing, DNR Burn Permit Regulations, Silvicultural techniques to improve habitat for fish and wildlife, and Monitoring and/or data collection for fire effects, forest insects and disease, and/or forest health conditions
- Two years' experience in wildland fire management, natural resource, forestry, or related field;
Supplemental Information
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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.
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 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 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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