[Hiring] Ahtanum-Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead @State of Washington

Role Description

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within the Southeast Region in Yakima, WA. The Ahtanum-Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML) provides leadership and supports oversight for a squad of up to 6 firefighters on a 20-person Initial Attack Handcrew. Responsibilities include:

• Wildfire Suppression:
  • Providing supervision and oversight for resources during fire suppression (Initial Attack or Extended Attack).
• Fire Training:
  • Preparing for and participating in interagency training classes and hands-on courses of wildland firefighting tactics, fire behavior recognition, safe chainsaw operation, use of tools, pumps and water delivery systems, working around helicopters, and assessments of hazards.
  • Assisting crew with guidance on various position task books, training records, and evaluations.
• Prescribed Fire Support:
  • Leading and supervising Squad to conduct site fuels and fire effects data collection, unit preparation, assist with burn plan writing, community outreach, and Rx burn implementation support.
• Community Resilience:
  • Leading and supervising Squad to conduct home ignition zone assessments as part of Wildfire Ready Neighbors or independent requests from landowners and/or communities.
  • Participating in community education days, planning and participating in community outreach and prevention events, and collaborating with local cooperators on community outreach projects.
• Forest Health Treatment:
  • Leading and supervising squad to conduct non-commercial thinning and slash abatement, project layout, and compliance in coordination with State Lands and Landowner Assistance staff.
  • Supporting forest health project layout, tree marking, road brushing, and GPS data collection surveys.
  • Assisting with timber sales, layout, marking, forest cruising, and road maintenance.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of wildland fire suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition.
• Certified as a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type 1.
• Creates a positive work environment where all staff are motivated to do their best.
• Encourages team unity through sharing information or expertise, working together to solve problems, and putting team success first.
• Maintains an open, approachable manner and treats others fairly and respectfully.
• Accustomed to tailoring communication to the needs and preferences of others.
• Preserves others' self-confidence and dignity and shows regard for their opinions.
• Safely performs work at all times, avoiding shortcuts that increase health and safety risks.
• 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.

Requirements

• Must pass an annual work capacity test at the arduous level as required by NWCG.
• Position assigned duty station is the Ahtanum Work Center.
• Work is performed in the office setting (30%) of the time, and unimproved natural areas of the state (70%).
• Must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• Position requires a large amount of travel (up to 50%).
• A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.

Desired Qualifications

• A bachelor's or associate's degree in Fire Science, Natural Resource, or related field.
• Certified at the NWCG qualification level of Single Resource Boss-Crew Boss or higher.
• Certified as an NWCG Incident Commander Type 4 or higher.
• Knowledge of employment rules and regulations as they apply to permanent, seasonal career and seasonal DNR employees.
• Skills in evaluating others’ abilities and assessing training needs.
• Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel.
• Experience in forest fire protection regulatory programs.

Benefits

• 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.).
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Educational and career development aid.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility.
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.