Wildland Fire and Forest Health Specialist, Wildland Fire Operations Technician 2
Recruitment #2021-05-7839
This is a Full-time, Permanent, Represented position.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Olympic Region. We are actively seeking a Wildland Fire Operations Technician 2. The DNR is home to Washington’s largest on-call fire department that is responsible for protecting over 13 million acres in both state and privately owned lands. Working with interagency partners, DNR embraces an all hands all lands vision. DNR’s Fire Program serves the communities of Washington, and are strong advocates of wildland fire prevention, suppression, and mitigation.

Responsibilities:

• Prescribed Fire Support
• Forest Health Treatment
• Preparing/Approving Burn Permits
• Fire Suppression
• Wildland Fire Training

This position will support the agency’s Forest Health Strategic Plan by participating in wildland fire suppression efforts during the active fire season and contributing to hazardous fuels mitigation projects. The primary function of this position during active fire season will be to serve as an engine boss. This position is responsible for conducting hazard risk assessments on residential properties, coordinating and accomplishing Wildland Urban Interface mapping to include structure protection assessments and fire hazard assessments, as well as work on fuels reduction assignments. They will also be involved in Rx burn implementation support including roles such as firing, holding, and burn boss. This position plays a key role in meeting the state’s forest health deliverables, primarily in support of the 20-year Forest Health Strategy.

This individual will be expected to provide critical leadership in initial and extended attack fire suppression. Strong decision making skills and a desire to take on responsibility are valued and encouraged. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to the Wildland Fire Core Values of Duty, Respect, and Integrity.

Required Qualifications: 

• Fully qualified to the NWCG “Red Card” qualification of one or more single resource boss (SRB) qualifications: Heavy Equipment Boss, Firing Boss, Crew Boss, Helicopter Crew Boss, Felling Boss, or Engine Boss.
• Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel.
• Proven ability in computer applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, and
  Global Positioning Systems.
• Knowledge and/or experience of: DNR Burn Permit Regulations; Smoke Management; Regulatory Education; Fire Regulatory and Enforcement; Fire Prevention Programs; Fire Investigation and Fire Suppression.
• Good writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with the public, sometimes under stressful conditions.
• Ability to act promptly and use good judgement in emergencies.
• The fire suppression and prescribed fire work is strenuous outdoor work in all weather conditions. Must be able to traverse uneven and mountainous terrain e.g. very steep terrain; rocky, loose, or muddy ground surfaces; thick vegetation; down/standing trees; wet leaves/grass; varied climates (cold, hot, wet, dry, humid, snow, rain; high altitudes; heights holes and drop offs; very rough roads; open bodies of water; isolated/remote sites. Might need to work in close quarters, with limited/disrupted sleep.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel. This position will be assigned an agency vehicle. Position requires significant driving and field visits within geographic assigned area.
• A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates may be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
• Must complete and pass IS-700 and ICS-100 courses.
• Must pass the DNR work capacity test or “Pack Test” at the arduous level prior to starting work and annually thereafter.
• Must be 18 years of age at time of hire and possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be able to respond to the Port Angeles work center office within 30 minutes for fire.

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:

• Hold multiple single resource boss qualifications and/orm Incident Commander Type 4, Strike Team Leader/Task Force Leader, and Wildland Fire Investigator.
• Knowledge of and experience with: Prescribed Fire Operations; Burn Plan Writing; GIS and Fire Effects and Fuel Load Monitoring.
• A Bachelors or Associates Degree from an accredited institution in a Fire Science, Natural Resource, or related field.
• Knowledge of employment rules and regulations as they apply to Permanent, Seasonal Career, and Seasonal DNR Employees.

Location: 
One of the world’s most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. Your office will be located in Port Angeles. For more information on this area visit, https://www.visitportangeles.com/

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities. When approved to return, staff are expected to report to their assigned duty station for work activities or may be approved for telework based on DNR’s telework policy.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 
Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs economically and socially for current and future generations. 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. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those 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 benefit 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.

How to Apply: 
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.

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 CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

Application Requirements:

• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Complete all supplemental questions.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

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.  We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.  Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

DNR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.

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Questions?  Please contact Matt Cervenka at 360-640-3650, Matt.cervenka@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov