This recruitment is essential to maintain operations and fulfill WFDW’s legal obligations.  Essential and critical functions: Mitigate fire risk and legally required weed control, Activities associated with maintaining assets.

WDFW staff comprise a talented and passionate group of people dedicated to protecting Washington’s Natural Resources.

This position will independently plan, prioritize, coordinate and implement forest eco-system programs and land development assignments in a geographic area designed to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish and wildlife habitat,   provide recreational opportunities, promote a healthy economy while protecting community character, and build an effective organizational structure. The incumbent will lead other professional and skilled technicians and supervise seasonal crews.

In collaboration with the Rx Fire Program Manager, the position independently plans, prioritizes, coordinates and implements prescribed (Rx) burn projects for fire-dependent dry forest ecosystems located on DFW wildlife lands. This position will serve in the Rx burn program for Eastern Washington North Central Unit and has supervisory responsibility over other professionals and skilled technicians. This position contributes to/supports the mission of WDFW of preserving, protecting and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats by restoring fire as a disturbance agent at the appropriate frequency to fire.

Primary duties may include but are not limited to:  

Prescribed Burn Planning 

Tasks include: Under general direction from the Rx fire Program Manager, and in collaboration with agency foresters, wildlife biologists, and WLA Managers, independently plans and leads prescribed fire management projects on WDFW lands to restore and maintain forests and other habitats.  Independently develops burn plan objectives, standards, and timelines over multiple WDFW regions and geographical areas.  Assist in developing policies and procedures for use of Rx fire on WDFW lands. Assist in development and implementation of WDFW’s Rx burn program for fire-dependent dry forest ecosystems in Eastern Washington Zone. Develops fuels inventory and assessment using knowledge of various fuel types, fuel inventory methodology and protocol.  Applies National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) burn plan format and standards in writing burn plans for the purpose of applying prescribed fire as a tool to manage wildlife habitat on Wildlife Area dry forest and shrub-steppe habitats. Obtains burn permits for planned and funded units. Participates in smoke management planning and implementation. Works to set up and coordinate agreements for implementation with other agencies and private contractors. Coordinates and performs pre-burn operations such as fire line location and construction, water delivery needs and set up.

Prescribed Burn Implementation

Tasks include: Completes burn unit assessment and layout in assigned areas in consideration of weather, fuel loads consumption, and smoke observations. Obtains smoke management approval and reporting. Maintains daily accomplishment reporting, resource tracking and developing resource needs, cost tracking, and submitting other post burn reports. Implements and supervises burns at a minimum of NWCG standards under supervision of NWCG qualified lead certified as RXB2 (Prescribed Burn Boss 2).

Performs post burn operations including mop-up and patrol, removal of equipment, documentation of functions performed during the post burn timeframe. Insures completion and electronic recording of post burn monitoring including photo points, vegetation consumption, and other fire effects.

Supervision 

Tasks include: Provides leadership and guidance to the NRS2 Team Leader, by setting standards for work plans, maintenance, training, safety, hiring, budget tracking, and burn unit preparation. Assists in developing employee training plans and documenting qualifications according to NWCG standards.  Provides for employee and public safety while implementing all assigned projects. Models and promotes behavior that illustrates the value of a diverse, respectful and inclusive workforce. Encourages and empowers others to engage in discussions and to actively and respectfully consider the ideas/input of team members and stakeholders.

Administrative 

Tasks include: Develops and maintains records of Rx burns, personnel records, costs tracking for Rx burns and other program needs.   Develops equipment acquisition needs and repairs for the unit. Maintains budget tracking logs and works with Finance for assistance. Assists in developing fire training needs for agency employees. Maintains pertinent employee tracking records and the completions of position task books for certification. Completes employee annual evaluations. Completes fire assignment evaluations and recommendations for position certification.

Fire Effects Monitoring and Inventory 

Tasks include: Under the supervision and guidance of the Rx fire Program Manager, and in collaboration with agency foresters, wildlife biologists, and WLA Managers, helps develop and implement fire effects monitoring and inventory needs of the agency.

Working Conditions

Working setting, including hazards:  

• This position will require work in an office environment as well as working in the field on uneven terrain carrying a typical fire field pack and possibly tools in all types of weather and often smoky conditions.
• Ability to walk, bend, stoop, while at times carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to load and transport equipment and gear.
• Willingness to perform in a safe and efficient manner.
•  Willingness to accept supervision.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Willingness and ability to perform in a punctual and dependable manner.

Schedule:  

• Regular schedule is full time, 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week.
• Work will exceed 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week during prescribed the burning season.
• Work hours will remain flexible to enhance functionality and productivity to ensure program goals are achieved.  Weekend and Holiday work may be required.

 Tools and Equipment:

• Normal office equipment will be used.
• For planning purposes GPS units and GIS will be used.
• During burning projects all firefighting tools and equipment will be used including hand tools, pumps and water handling equipment, UTV/ATV, engines and chainsaws.

Travel Requirements: 

License:

• A valid unrestricted driver’s license
• Certified and current under National Wildfire Coordinating Group specifications and standards as Prescribed Burn Boss 2 (RXB2) with all supporting position qualifications including S-390 certificates and all supporting position qualifications for conducting prescribed burns.
• Must pass the Arduous work capacity test.

Customer Interactions: 

• Interaction with other agencies, the public will occur regularly to explain fire control work.
• This position will require communications and interaction with the public, DFW employees, subordinates, contractors, and interagency cooperators to help support trainings, program development, and interagency support.

Union – WAFWP

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.”

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• Two years of experience in natural resource specialties such as natural resource engineering, land management, land technician, natural resource technician, forest cruising or engineering aid.

OR

• 1 year of experience at the NWCG standard of RXB2, with all supporting position qualifications for conducting prescribed burns.

Note:

• Associates degree with a major focus on forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, business, engineering, geology or related natural science will substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with a major focus on forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, business, engineering, geology or related natural science will substitute for one year of the required experience.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
A candidate may be considered if the incumbent does not hold the qualifications as an RXB 2. The incumbent would remain in probationary status until they are fully qualified as an RXB 2. The incumbent would need to meet these requirements within 12 months after date of hire. To become an RXB 2 you must be qualified as a Type 4 Incident Commander and Firing Boss. Required training is S-390 and RT-130.
Experience:

• In fire ecology, fire behavior, fire effects and by-products and their ecosystem actions, fire weather, fuel types, fuel conditions, fuels assessment, smoke management
• Writing reports
• Developing and presenting information so that individuals and audiences who are not familiar with fire ecology, fire management and prescribed burning clearly understand content
• Using fire management tools and fuel inventory tools.

Knowledge of:

• NWCG standards
• Tools and techniques used to prepare for and implement Rx burns and suppression
• Washington State burn laws
• Smoke management rules and smoke management plans at the State and Federal level
• Management and supervision of fire line hand crews and/or prescribed fire hand crews

Key Competencies:

• Ability to effectively work with individuals from multiple organizations towards a common goal
• Leads and promotes cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and deliverables.
• Communicates well with others while assigning tasks, instructions and expectations. Deals with difficult personnel interactions with sensitivity, fairness and resolve.
• Provides learning opportunities for others to advance in their fire qualifications following NWCG guidelines which will promote a stronger work force.
• Clear oral and written instructions, listening, incorporating and learning from what supervisors and others have said. Also, when unclear or in doubt regarding direction asks appropriate questions for clarification.
• Adhere to all workplace and safety standards for fire management operations.
• Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work and makes the best use of available time and resources

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

Supplemental Information

Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification. 

In order to successfully apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A detailed cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications for this position.  Please ensure your application reflects this experience.
• A chronological resume profile that includes education and employment history.
• Detailed responses to all supplemental questions.
• Three professional references.

NOTE:

The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe.  We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions.  Many of our staff are currently working from home; we have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect.

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE: 

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE: 

To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:

• Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Subject line should include recruitment number, position and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

“As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore; we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.”

The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.  Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.