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Wildfire Investigations Manager

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Multiple, Washington

Job Type Permanent
Salary Details $97,908.00 - $108,492.00 Annually
Deadline Oct 27, 2024

Wildfire Investigations Manager, (WMS2)
Recruitment #2024-9-A418
Full-time, Washington Management Service (WMS2), Non-represented position
Location flexibility: Northeast Region, Northwest Region, Olympic Region, Pacific Cascade Region, South Puget Sound Region, or Southeast Region
Salary: $93,012.00 - $108,492.00 Annually 


Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/9/24. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. 

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Wildfire Investigations Program, Law Enforcement Division.    

The Wildfire Investigations Manager is responsible for managing, leading, and directing DNR's statewide wildfire investigation program and supporting fire cost recovery in accordance with authorities provided in Chapter 76.04 RCW. This position reports directly to the Deputy Chief Law Enforcement Officer and is part of the DNR Natural Resources law enforcement division.

Forest protection is one of DNR's core duties authorized by the state legislature (Chapters 76.04, 76.06, and 76.09 RCW). DNR is responsible for protecting about 12.7 million acres of private and state land from wildfire. This position is responsible for DNR's statewide wildfire investigation program, enforcement of forest protection laws and rules, and leading DNR's fire cost recovery efforts. The overall goal of this program is to contribute to DNR's objective of providing effective and efficient fire protection by reducing the number of human-caused wildfires. This position is responsible for:

  • fire investigation program strategic and tactical planning;
  • establishing program objectives;
  • establishing agency policy, procedures, and other appropriate guidance directed at ensuring consistent, effective fire investigations;
  • ensuring that program staff are properly trained;
  • supervising and mentoring assigned natural resource investigator staff;
  • serving as the agency's principal expert on wildfire investigation; and
  • meeting high standards of performance and conduct.

This position has direct line authority over three natural resource Senior Wildland Fire Investigators (SWFI) and works closely with region management to train and direct fire investigation actions of regional positions that have fire investigation duties assigned as a part of their position responsibilities and others that carry out these responsibilities on an on-call basis. This position works independently and leads teams and/or task forces.

This position is distinguished by the depth of knowledge and expert-level experience in wildfire fire origin and causes investigation and cost recovery efforts that far exceed that of the typical wildland fire investigator.

Required Qualifications: 

  • Ten (10) years' experience in fire behavior and wildfire investigations (closely related qualifying education may be substituted for the required experience on a year-by-year basis).
  • Three (3) years' experience investigating the cause and origin of wildland fires, including cost recovery efforts and establishing reports.
    OR Three (3) years' experience as a lead investigator or detective with a law enforcement agency that includes criminal prosecution and the authority to independently plan and conduct investigations in civil and criminal cases.
  • Five (5) years' experience supervising professional-level staff.
  • Experience in the principals, methods, and techniques of wildland fire investigations, civil investigations, public relations, court rules and proceedings, and evidence collection handling and storage.
  • Committed to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
  • Performs assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention.
HOW TO APPLY

View a complete position description with full application instructions at careers.wa.gov

When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.

Category Forestry