Assistant (Wild)Fire Management Officer
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Dallesport or E. Wenatchee, Washington
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Salary | $51,588 - $69,396 per year |
| Benefits | http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html |
| Deadline | Feb 26, 2026 |
Chelan Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO), Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec)
Klickitat Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO), Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec)
Location: Southeast Region- Dallesport and East Wenatchee, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,299.00 - $5,783.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 2/4/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Responsibilities:
Preparedness
Under the guidance of the Unit Fire Management Officer (FMO), plans and implements training for seasonal crews and interagency cooperators. Instructs seasonal and permanent staff and private contractors as appropriate. Assists with developing the Unit’s annual preparedness review. Plans and provides drills and training exercises on a regular basis to the seasonal staff. Ensures safe working practices are followed and holds regular safety meetings and after-action reviews with the seasonal staff.
Wildfire Suppression
Assist with providing supervision and oversight for staff in fire suppression at the unit level. Protects human life and natural resources on department-protected lands while minimizing resource loss and fire costs. Suppression duties in the local unit can vary from acting as the initial attack Incident Commander (IC), generating transition plans to incoming IC’s or teams, attending Agency Representative meetings, or drafting and inspecting turnback standards. Establishes Unified Command and works cooperatively with other fire protection authorities when working on joint jurisdiction fires. Works closely with other agencies and/or management teams in coordinating fire suppression activities in an adjacent district. Often required to work long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, day or night. These duties may involve fieldwork requiring physical performance, calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning. Participates in statewide fire suppression activities.
Supervision
(A095) Supervises 1 Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMS) 2 Seasonal Engine Leads, and 7 Seasonal Firefighters and (A070- 1 Wildland Fire Management Supervisor, 1 Seasonal Engine Lead, and 3 Seasonal Firefighters) in daily activities. This includes training, pre-suppression work projects, and fire regulatory duties. Responsible for assigning and directing seasonal positions in their work activities.
Prescribed Fire, Community Resiliency, and Forest Health
--Prescribed Fire Support – Leads and supervises crew to conduct site fuels and fire effects data collection, unit preparation, assist with burn plan writing, community outreach, and Rx burn implementation support to include firing, holding, burn boss, etc.
--Community Resilience – Assist Fire Management Officer and supervise crew to conduct home ignition zone assessments as part of Wildfire Ready Neighbors or independent requests from landowners and/or communities. In addition to Home Ignition Zone assessments, crew members may participate in community education days, plan and participate in community outreach and prevention events, and participate with local cooperators on community outreach projects.
--Forest Health Treatment support – Leads and supervises crew to conduct non-commercial thinning and slash abatement, project layout, and compliance in coordination with State Lands and Landowner Assistance staff. Supports forest health project layout, tree marking, road brushing, and GPS data collection surveys. Assists with timber sales, layout, marking, forest cruising, and road maintenance
Assist the Unit in delivering the Region’s Fire Regulation & Prevention Programs in the Fire Unit
Ensure the silvicultural burning program (RCW 76.04.205) (WAC 332-24-201, 205, 211, 221) is implemented in a fashion that establishes consistency with the Smoke Management Plan in the Fire Unit. Maximize opportunities for landowners to use pile burning as a safe and effective means of fuels reduction while minimizing smoke impacts and reducing unwanted fire incidents. Assist in delivering and implementing the region's prevention plan within the unit. Lead staff to actively engage with the public and landowners to deliver the region's regulation and prevention message. Effectively reduce unwanted and untimely ignitions of wildland fires through effective public education. Works with partnering agencies to develop and improve public awareness of Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) regulations, fire tool inspections, and fire danger ratings. Works with region staff to inspect and provide feedback or recommendations for approval or disapproval on IFPL Waiver Requests.
Performs other duties as assigned
May function as Fire Management Officer in the Manager’s absence. May assist in performing tasks involving timber presale preparation as assigned by the timber sale unit, including general sale layout, road location, surveying, marking and cruising timber, prescribed fire, and fuels reduction. May participate in prescribed fire operations for the DNR or other agencies. May function as one of the Unit Ordering Managers, Receiving and Distribution Manager for Unit supplies and equipment. May assist in screening Federal Excess property for surplus fire equipment for fire districts and DNR.
Required Qualifications:
- Certified as a NWCG Single Resource Boss and Incident Commander Type 5.
- Supervisory experience, which may include fire line supervision.
- Experience assisting higher-level fire program managers in developing and implementing operational plans.
- Experience in interpreting agreements and contracts.
- Experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Creates a positive work environment where all staff are motivated to do their best.
- Encourages team unity through sharing information or expertise, working together to solve problems, and putting team success first.
- Accustomed to tailoring communication to the needs and preferences of others.
- Maintains an open, approachable manner and treats others fairly and respectfully.
- Preserves others' self-confidence and dignity, showing respect for their opinions.
- Safely performs work at all times. Avoids shortcuts that increase health and safety risks to self or others.
- Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
| Category | Forestry |
| Tags | Wildland Firefighter |