Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible in order to be considered in the initial screening. Primary review/consideration will take place before February 1, 2021.
Please read everything in its entirety as you will only be able to apply once per year.
Firefighting is hard work and requires long hours and time away from home, working for the DNR as a Wildland Firefighter is extremely rewarding. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other fire professionals including area fire districts, federal and other state partners; giving you exposure to a variety of learning opportunities, agency operations and the ability to build cohesive relationships across the state of Washington. You will experience a different level of collaboration within the DNR that will offer a lifetime worth of skills for your future career path. The experience and training gained can form the foundation for a successful career in forestry and other natural resource professions.
We are currently recruiting for Wildland Firefighter crew members and Squad Bosses (see below) for our 20-Person HandCrew, to perform pre-suppression and suppression related activities. Individuals must be willing and capable of performing strenuous outdoor work safely and productively. Top candidates for these positions are competent in understanding and following the chain of command, and are demonstratively the most responsible citizens in the communities they serve.
The duration of these positions is generally 3-6 months with work beginning as early as May and ending in late September (note: the season has the potential to begin as early as April and run as late as October). Upon hire, basic wildland fire training is provided. This training will usually take place at the agency’s fire academy. The academy provides meals and lodging for all participants and has aduration of 7-14 days.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be age 18 and possess a high school diploma or equivalent at the time of hire. Must have a valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.
- Must have an acceptable driving record free of serious traffic violations (for specifics see application form below).
- Ability to act promptly and use good judgment in emergencies, and deal tactfully with the public.
- Must pass the DNR work capacity test or “Pack Test” during the selection process and prior to starting work.
- Must complete and pass IS-700 and ICS-100 courses (see information below)
- Previous natural resource experience.
- Knowledge of safe chainsaw operation.
- Previous firefighting experience.
- Knowledge of wildland fire pre-suppression, suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition.
- Experience with firefighting safety techniques, practices, terminology, equipment, fire weather, communications, maps/compass/GPS skills and situational awareness.
- Experience of water delivery hydraulics, equipment usage, pumps and tools.
- Trained to a NWCG “Red Card” qualification level of Firefighter 1.
- Efficient organizer and effective communicator, especially in stressful situations.
- Knowledgeable of safe operation of ATVs, UTVs, and general off-road vehicle handling.
- Experience working in a team environment for long hours and in close quarters for weeks at a time.
- Experience working under stressful and challenging environmental conditions.
- Must meet all Required qualifications of a Wildland Firefighter Crew Member listed above as well as;
- Current Red Card rating of Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)
- Previous firefighting experience
- Knowledge of wildland fire pre-suppression, suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition
- Experience with firefighting safety techniques, practices, terminology, equipment, fire weather, communications, maps/compass/GPS skills and situational awareness.
- Experience of water delivery hydraulics, equipment usage, pumps and tools
- Efficient organizer and effective communicator, especially in stressful situations
- Strong leadership skills
- 3 months previous Natural Resource work experience
- Knowledge of safe chainsaw operation
- Knowledgeable of safe operation of ATVs, UTVs, and general off-road vehicle handling
- Current Red Card Rating of Crew Boss.
- Current Red Card Rating of IC5.
- Experience with safe chainsaw operation.
- Experience working in a team environment for long hours and in close quarters for weeks at a time.
- Experience working under stressful and challenging environmental conditions.
- Work in remote areas away from vehicles for long periods of time
- Work in extremely rugged terrain
- Travel for extended periods of time (for multiple weeks):
- outside of your home unit to assist on fires within the region
- to other regions and/or states for large fires
- Build strong team cohesion within the 20-person crew, on a day-to-day basis
- Prepare themselves for fire duty, maintain assigned equipment and vehicles for fire readiness. Safely respond to wildland fire to suppress and prevent them from spreading.
- Perform entry-level wildland fire duties including hand-line construction, water handling, general suppression and prevention activities or training.
- When not engaged in wildland fire preparedness and suppression, Wildland Firefighters will perform tasks such as thinning and pruning trees for watersheds and protection of wildlife, and maintain recreation sites, buildings, grounds, roads and equipment.
DNR provides fire crewmembers with required safety clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This clothing is expected to be worn during regular work hours and must be worn while firefighting. Crew members are required to wear lace-up boots with Vibram soles and constructed entirely of heavy leather that extends a minimum of 8 inches above the heel cup (inside of boot). DNR will reimburse (as approved) up to $350 (with original receipt) for the cost of pre-approved boots. Other clothing, such as rain-gear, coats, hats etc., must be provided by the individual.
If selected for an interview you will be required to:
- Provide a current, three (3) year Employment/Commercial driving record from every state you possess a driver’s license in.
- For applicants meeting position qualifications and who may be considered for an interview, you will be required to provide a current Employment/Commercial driving record issued from every state you possessed a driver’s license in during the last three years. Details on how to obtain this record from Washington State can be found on the
- Department of Licensing website at: www.dol.wa.gov
- You may attach a current, three year driving abstract to this application. The driving abstract must be 3 years from the date of your submitted application.
- Provide Certificates of Course Completion for IS-700 and IS-100
- Successful candidates must provide copies of their certificates of completion for these two courses PRIOR to or on the day of the scheduled Work Capacity Test.
- Failure to do so will disqualify candidates for employment in these positions. These courses are free
- If you have previously taken and received credit by DNR for these courses, you are NOT required to retake or resubmit the certificates of completion
- Complete and Pass the Work Capacity Test “Pack Test”
- The Pack Test is a work capacity test that measures aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and muscular endurance.
- Firefighter candidates must pass the arduous fitness level Work Capacity Test by completing a 3 mile walk with a 45 pound pack in under 45 minutes.
- During the DNR Work Capacity Testing, safety is of primary importance and concern. An element of safety is personal physical fitness and is important for co-worker safety, personal safety and health and for efficient fire line operations.
- Firefighters, strike team leaders, line scouts, and others assigned arduous duty must be prepared to work in steep terrain; and in extreme temperatures, altitude, and smoke-while maintaining reserve work capacity to meet unforeseen emergencies.
- Before starting the course, you will be required to turn in a completed Waiver and Release Form and a Completed Health Screening Questionnaire (HSQ)
- PRIOR to reporting to the Pack Test, applicants are strongly encouraged to train for the arduous level work capacity test. However, before you begin to train for testing or before substantially increasing your level of activity please review the health screening questionnaire (HSQ) and consult your health care provider if necessary. You may contact DNR Recruiting at DNRRecruiting@dnr.wa.gov for a copy of the HSQ.
- Overtime is paid at the rate of time and one-half in excess of 40 hours worked per week.
- For all hours worked under the Incident Command System, two dollars ($2.00) is added to an employee’s regular hourly rate of pay.
- Returning agency employees may be eligible for health and dental coverage.
- Employees must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States upon hire.
AHTANUM
At our Ahtanum Guard Station facility, located 29 miles west of Yakima, DNR hosts a 22 person Type- 2 initial attack hand crew that can be dispatched statewide throughout the wildfire season. At this location, shared crew housing is provided. Remotely located on the Ahtanum State Forest, the Ahtanum Guard Station is a work center for recreation, wildfire and other DNR staff and provides specifically for the hand crew employees, a bunkhouse style living quarters. Outdoor recreational opportunities for the public and employee are vast throughout the state forest.
This crew is maintained at our Ahtanum Guard Station Facility located 29 miles west of Yakima, WA. At this location, shared crew housing is provided.
AHTANUM HANDCREW
9571 North Fork Rd
Yakima WA, 98903
Robert Dyer, Robby.Dyer@dnr.wa.gov
Jason Hoerner, Jason.Hoerner@dnr.wa.gov;
(509) 965-0624