Chelan Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML)

Description

Chelan Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML)

Recruitment #2025-2-A008

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position

Location: Southeast Region- East Wenatchee, WA

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Relocation Compensation may be available and considered

Salary: $3,477.00 – $4,632.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 3/7/25. 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 the Southeast Region in East Wenatchee, WA. Do you enjoy the challenge of wildland firefighting? Do you see yourself helping to lead a 20-person Initial Attack Handcrew while working in Washington’s most diverse geographic region? DNR is looking for a bright, quick-thinking, motivated individual to fill the role of Handcrew Squad Boss (Wildland Fire Management Lead).

Duties

Responsibilities:

This position provides leadership and support of the Initial Attack Handcrew with the guidance of Handcrew Superintendent / Crew Foreman. The Squad Bosses are responsible for assisting with the supervision, hiring, training, problem solving, and oversight of 4-14 Seasonal Wildland Firefighters. 

Job duties include:

Community Resilience and Fuels Management

• Prescribed Fire Support – Leads crew to 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, etc. 
• Community Resilience – Leads 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.
• Forest Health Treatment – Leads crew to conduct non-commercial thinning and slash abatement, project layout, and compliance in coordination with State Lands and Landowner Assistance staff. Supports forest health project layout, tree marking, road brushing, and GPS data collection surveys. Assists with timber sales, layout, marking, forest cruising and road maintenance. 

Wildfire Suppression

• Protects human life, natural resources, and property on Department protected lands from wildland and urban interface fires to minimize resource loss and fire costs while ensuring firefighters and public safety. Firefighter safety is the top priority.
• Provide direct Fireline supervision of the hand crew, which responds to grass, brush, and forest fires and is available for district, region, and statewide and/or interagency dispatch. Provides interagency fire suppression activities for initial attack, extended attack, mop-up, patrol and rehabilitation. On initial attack fires, may perform ICS functions as Incident Commander Type 4 and 5, Task Force Leader, air-to-ground contact, single resource boss, firefighter, timekeeper, or public relations contact. Assists in ensuring safe and efficient use of the Chelan handcrew as an efficient and effective firefighting resource. This often requires working long, irregular hours on weekdays, weekends, holidays, day or night. 
• These duties involve field work requiring physical performance calling for above average endurance and superior conditioning. These duties may include an occasional demand for extraordinary strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods. Works cooperatively with other fire protection authorities when working on joint jurisdiction fires. 
• In addition to serving as a handcrew member, may serve with other suppression resources/modules commensurate with qualifications.
• Assists with and authors initial incident reports, fire situation narratives, and fire reports. 

Preparedness

• Under the guidance of the Crew Superintendent and Crew Foreman, plans and implements training for seasonal crews and interagency cooperators. Instructs trainings for seasonal and permanent staff, interagency cooperators, and private contractors as appropriate. Assists with developing the Unit’s annual preparedness review. Plans and provides drills and training exercises regularly to the seasonal staff. Ensures safe working practices are followed and holds regular safety meetings and After-Action Reviews with the seasonal staff. Tracks crew training and ensures position task books are completed accurately.
• Under the guidance of the Crew Superintendent and Foreman, develops and implements annual pre-suppression project work plans for firefighters. Assists with developing the Unit’s annual preparedness review. Attends and participates in Unit and Region Staff meetings. Assists with implementation of unit’s operational plan and ensures staff, equipment and facilities are available and ready to meet the Region operational plan. 
• Under the guidance of the Crew Superintendent and Foreman, plans and provides drills and training exercises regularly to the firefighters. Coordinates work plan activities with other program managers and specialists. (e.g., fuel reduction, pre-commercial thinning, brushing roads, etc.).
• Ensures vehicles and equipment are serviced regularly. Inspect, evaluate, and recommend potential need for replacement of fire equipment, supplies, and vehicles to the Crew Superintendent and Foreman. 

Fire Training 

• Prepares for and participates 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. Assists crew with guidance on various position task books, training records and evaluations. Attends Fire Trainings to meet the Chelan Fire Unit’s goals and personal fire training plan. As assigned, assists with required annual fire fighter training and needs and maintains certifications as required by the job position, and to assist in currency training of the crew. Assists with administration of Work Capacity Tests (pack tests). Assists in conducting Fire Unit training and participates as instructor or lead at the Statewide Fire Training Academies or other trainings. Prepares lesson plans and timelines for a variety of professional trainings for participants from DNR, Interagency Cooperators and the general public. 
• May lead or assist in presenting annual Operator Safety Training sessions for private fire contractors. 
• Plans drills and training exercises for the Chelan Hand Crew. 
• Analyzes and documents training needs required to meet Incident Command System and appropriate NWCG position qualifications, certifications and readiness levels. Ensures completion of all required agency and NWCG documentation. Ensures annual IQS information is sent to Region Training Coordinators. 

Perform Other Duties as Assigned

• May function as Crew Supervisor in either the Crew Superintendent’s or the Crew Foreman’s absence. 
• If qualified, may act Crew Foreman or Superintendent. May assist with fire prevention and fire regulation program, as assigned. 
• May participate in prescribed fire operations for the DNR or other agencies. 
• Assists other programs such as Recreation with public use issues, campground maintenance, and recreation projects, as assigned.
• May assist in performing tasks involving timber presale preparation as assigned by the timber sale unit, including general sale layout, road location, surveying, marking and cruising timber, prescribe fire, and fuels reduction. 

Perform Physical Fitness Training

Following DNR’s Physical Fitness Training Policy (P020-007), the position requires passing annual work capacity tests at the arduous or moderate levels as NWCG requires.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• Experience in wildland fire suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition.
• Certified as a NWCG Firefighter Type 1.
• Employee empowerment.
• Team effectiveness.
• Building/maintaining Cooperative relationships.
• 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:

• Position assigned duty station is the Wenatchee Work Center. Work is performed in the office setting (30%) of the time, and unimproved natural areas of the state (70%). Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. The outside environment varies from hot, dry, heat-related illness-type conditions in summer, to cold, wet, hypothermic-type conditions closer to wintertime. These duties may involve field work requiring physical performance calling for above average endurance and superior conditioning.
• Position requires a large amount of travel (50%). This includes travel alone between fires, work centers, proposed work sites, and ongoing supervisory tasks as well as meeting with partners and cooperators. This includes driving in snowy, icy conditions with poor to little visibility, to driving in conditions while surrounded by smoke and fire. This position requires both night and overnight travel.
• Must pass work capacity test annually at the arduous level as required by NWCG.
• Must possess a NWCG Firefighter 1 qualification.
• A valid unrestricted driver’s license and have 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:

• A bachelor’s or associate’s degree in fire science, natural resource, or related field; or some higher education that required course work in fire sciences and/or silviculture.
• Certified as a NWCG qualification level of Single Resource Boss-Crew Boss, or higher.
• Certified as a 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.

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 [email protected]. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, and 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 to the position and 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 [email protected] 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 Bryan Lyle at [email protected]/(509) 856-5500or e-mail us at [email protected]

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email [email protected]. 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.

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 prior to 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 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 NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email [email protected].

Check us out on: DNR’s website jobs-near-me.org Facebook jobs-near-me.org Twitter jobs-near-me.org Instagram jobs-near-me.org YouTube jobs-near-me.org WordPress

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

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