Salary: $42,696.00 – $57,324.00 Annually ($3,558.00 – $4,777.00 Monthly)
Location: Chelan County – Wenatchee, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Job Number: 2023-3-7421-03735
Closing: 3/30/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Washington State Department of Natural Resources DNR) is responsible for protecting over 13 million acres in both state and privately owned lands. The DNR Wildland Fire Management programs, along with Interagency partners, work collaboratively across jurisdictional boundaries and with engaged communities. We safeguard what we value – manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations. Washington DNR is looking to fill several Fire Prevention Technicians in Southeast Region.

The purpose of this position is to ensure IFPL rules, Fire Danger Ratings and burn bans are being followed. This position is responsible for regulating the before mentioned rules. This position is also responsible for promoting fire prevention throughout the region. By doing this, the position is not only promoting ways of keeping the forests and waters healthy, but is enforcing the regulation of Washington’s lands and waters. This position will also be expected to provide critical leadership on initial and extended attack fire suppression. Strong decision making skills and a desire to take on responsibility are valued and encouraged. All Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to the Wildland Fire Core Values of Duty, Respect, and Integrity.

Duties
Responsibilities:
Responsible for outdoor burn permits, reviews pile burn permit applications, writes burn permits with adherence to Washington State Smoke Management program. Performs burn site inspections. Conducts site visits on industrial operations for fire tool compliance. Serves as a point of contact for IFPL zone signage and receives IFPL waiver requests. Conducts fire tool inspections on site visits with written documentation provided to the landowner, operator and region management. Understands and applies DNR laws and regulations (RCW’s and WAC’s).

Assist Regulation and Prevention staff to implement the Region’s Fire Prevention Plan. Focus is on preventing human caused fires through education and enforcement. Work with the local AFMOs to ensure that the unit’s prevention and training plans are being implemented effectively. Attends public events throughout SE Region and supports Smokey Bear appearances. Helps track the trends of human caused fire and assists to initiate appropriate prevention measures. Schedules prevention events with federal, state/local government, fire departments and area schools.

Participates as a wildland fire investigator, which includes determining wildland fire origin and cause. The investigator is responsible for completing associated paperwork and working with Senior Fire Investigators.

Protects human life and natural resources on department protected lands while minimizing resource loss and fire costs. Suppression duties in the local unit include providing leadership and oversight for a 4 person type 5 wildland fire engine during the peak fire season. During those times; this position directs the use, safety, operation and maintenance of the engine. Acting as initial attack Incident Commander (IC), establishes unified command and works cooperatively with other fire protection authorities when working on joint jurisdiction fires. May also be asked to serve in any other operational role as a trainee or a qualified based on their current qualifications and need. These duties may involve fieldwork requiring physical performance calling for above average endurance and superior conditioning.

May be asked to attend Fire Chief meetings, cooperator meetings, conference calls, and other agency meetings to maintain the highest level of interagency relationships. Provides insight and information sharing of preparedness levels, IFPL changes, staffing levels, training, radio frequencies, aircraft availability, etc.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications: 

  • Experience leading wildland firefighting personnel.
  • Proven ability in computer applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, and Global Positioning Systems.
  • Knowledge of:
    • DNR Burn Permit Regulations
    • Smoke Management
    • Regulatory Education
    • Fire Regulation and Enforcement
    • Fire Prevention Programs
    • Fire Investigation
    • Fire Suppression
  • Certified as a NWCG Single Resource Boss or the ability to obtain certification within 12 months.
  • NWCG Qualified Wildland Fire Investigator or the ability to obtain within 24 months.
  • 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
  • DNR Core Competencies: 
    • Personal Accountability 
    • Value Others 
    • Compassionate Communication 
    • Inspire Others 
    • Commitment to Excellence 

Working Conditions:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
  • Employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to complete their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines (be fully vaccinated against COVID-19) or be approved for a medical or religious accommodation as a condition of employment. Please note, any offer of employment is contingent and no start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation. “Fully vaccinated” means the following: An employee is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax) or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson (J&J)/Janssen) authorized for emergency use, licensed, or otherwise approved by the FDA or listed for emergency use, or otherwise approved by the World Health Organization. 

Desired Qualifications: 

  • A Bachelors or Associates Degree from an accredited institution in a Fire Science, Natural Resource, or related field.
  • Hold multiple single resource boss qualifications and/or 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
    • Fire Effects and Fuel Load Monitoring
  • Experience writing burn permits and waivers.

Application Requirements

  • To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov. You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
  • 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.
  • Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
  • Complete all supplemental questions.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3951807/wildland-fire-operations-technician-2-fire-prevention-technician

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!

The 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.

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 890-2149 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.

Questions?  Please contact Nicholas Gale at Nicholas.Gale@dnr.wa.gov, (509)899-7689 or Ryan Doop, Ryan.Doop@dnr.wa.gov, (509)423-3241 e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

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.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3951807/wildland-fire-operations-technician-2-fire-prevention-technician

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