What to Expect as a DNR Engine Leader:

• The Engine Leader generally performs a leadership role within a crew; and, candidates are required to have 3 months of previous natural resource work experience. Engine Leader duties may include:
  • Supervising and/or leading crews on the fire line, fire suppression and prevention, operating and maintaining small motorized equipment, operating light or heavy trucks (e.g. 1-ton 4×4, 400 gal., 3-4 person fire engine).
  • Marking and measuring timber, cutting brush on survey lines, leading small crews to maintain roads and recreation facilities, and operating and maintaining small hand and power tools.
• Prepare for fire duty, and maintain assigned equipment and vehicles for fire readiness.
• Safely respond to wildland fires 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, protecting wildlife, and maintaining recreation sites, buildings, grounds, roads, and equipment.
• Many of the duties performed on these jobs require considerable physical exertion, working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, working long hours, and extended periods of time away from home. Duties include but may not be limited to the ability to carry up to 60 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb.

Required Qualifications: 

• Must be age 18 and possess a high school diploma or equivalent at the time of hire.
• Engine Leaders are required to have a basic fundamental understanding of the Wildland Fire Management activities including Fire Suppression, Mitigation, and Prevention. These knowledge and skill sets are achieved through successful demonstration and practical experience working for one or more fire years as Wildland Firefighters. Additionally, a fundamental understanding of wildland firefighting strategy and risk management is required to look out for the safety of fire responders and the public.
• Certified as NWCG FFT2.
• Engine Leaders lead a module of crew members on day-to-day activities to be prepared for and during wildland fire response.  Require the competencies related to being able to effectively communicate with supervisors and lead subordinates in wildland fire organizations.
• Ability to act promptly and use good judgment in day-to-day and emergency situations, and deal tactfully with the public and interagency partners.
• Must pass the DNR work capacity test or “Pack Test” during the selection process and prior to starting work. The “Pack Test” is a work capacity test that measures aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and muscular endurance (45lbs, 3 miles within 45 minutes) and an Annual Refresher (RT-130). 
• DNR Core Competencies: 
  • Personal Accountability 
  • Value Others 
  • Compassionate Communication 
  • Inspire Others 
  • Commitment to Excellence
• Employees must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States upon hire.

• A valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Must have an acceptable driving record free of serious traffic violations (for specifics see the application form below).
• Duties involve field work in hazardous environments on fires, requiring physical performance calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning. Ability to carry up to 60 lbs., run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb while working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions
• A typical work day is an 8-hour day, five days a week. Positions require response during off-duty hours for emergency fire suppression needs. Must be able to respond to the appointed duty station within 30 minutes for fire response. Positions required to work long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, day or night when performing suppression duties.
• Requires a large majority of time in the field traveling between fire assignments and fire training. The position requires frequent overnight travel and extended work assignments generally 14 days in length with infrequent travel up to 21 days.
• Field duties require the use of hand tools, power tools, GPS, topographic maps, a compass, and an iPad. Must be able to carry appropriate wildland fire tools on field assignments, as needed, to conduct assigned tasks. Day-to-day responsibilities require the ability to safely operate pickup trucks and larger Type 5 Wildland Fire Engines.

• NWCG Qualification of Firefighter Type 1, Incident Commander Type 5, and Engine Boss

Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• 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 it with your resume.

• Provide a current Employment Driving Record from each state you have held a driver’s license within the last two 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.
• PRIOR to reporting to the Pack Test, you will be required to turn in a completed Waiver and Release Form and a Completed Health Screening Questionnaire (HSQ). 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.