Wildland Fire Management Officer/Wildland Fire Mgmt Unit Mgr In-Training
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
East Wenatchee, Washington
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Salary | $54,204 - $80,496 per year |
| Benefits | http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html |
| Deadline | Oct 15, 2026 |
| Min. Experience | 2 - 4 years |
Fire Management Officer (FMO), Wildland Fire Mgmt Unit Mgr (WFMUM) / WFM Specialist In-Training
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,517.00 - $6,708.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 09/28/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Responsibilities:
- Coordinate Chelan Fire Unit Fire Protection and Suppression Program.
Protects human life and natural resources on department-protected lands while minimizing resource loss and fire costs as outlined in RCW 76.04.015,016. In an effort to reduce unwanted acres burned, places a high level of readiness and preparedness on safely and effectively attacking and rapidly suppressing new fire starts in the Chelan Fire Unit. - Preparedness.
Coordinates the unit’s pre-suppression availability agreements such as personnel and Dozer/Faller agreements with private contractors and WFD. Coordinates Forest Land Response Agreements (FLRA) with rural fire district partners for suppression availability. Implements interagency fire suppression agreements (IAA) for wildfire suppression on non-forested lands. - Supervision.
Supervises 4 Wildland Fire Management Specialists (3 AFMO’s & 1 HC Superintendent) and is indirectly responsible for the supervision of 3 *Wildland Fire Management Supervisors, 1 Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator, and up to 7 Engine Leaders, as well as up to 37 Seasonal Fire Fighters in daily activities including training, pre-suppression, suppression, and fire regulation enforcement. - Building and Maintaining Cooperating Agency Partnerships.
Sharing communications and information is critical to maintaining positive relationships with our partners. Regularly attends Fire Chief meetings, Co-op Groups, conference calls, and other agency meetings to maintain the highest level of interagency relationships. - Take the lead role in delivering the Region’s Fire Regulation & Prevention Programs in the Chelan 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 Chelan Fire Unit. Take the lead on 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. - Assist Community Resilience Staff with planning and project implementation across the Chelan Fire Unit.
Ensure Fire Operations Staff are actively participating and supporting the Community Resilience Program in the Chelan Fire Unit, including public outreach, recommending fuels mitigation actions, and assisting with project layout. Ensure staff is participating in home ignition zone assessments as part of Wildfire Ready Neighbors. Plan and participate in community outreach and prevention events. Participate in the CWPP planning process. - Performs other duties as assigned.
May function as Acting Fire Operations District Manager in the DM’s absence. Attend required meetings and trainings; ensure a clean, safe, and secure work area for self and others. Responsible for maintaining, clearing, and keeping all assigned equipment and vehicles in good working order.
Qualifications
This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 3-24-month training plan. If you complete all elements of the training steps in less time, we may waive the remaining time required. Candidates will be considered as Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec) In-Training or Wildland Fire Management Unit Manager (WFMUM), depending on qualifications.
Required Qualifications:
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.
Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec) In-Training
(Salary range: $4,517 - $6,075 per month):
- Certified as a NWCG Single Resource Boss and Incident Commander Type 5.
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience in leases and contract negotiations.
Wildland Fire Management Unit Manager (WFMUM)
(Salary range: $4,980 - $6,708 per month):
- Wildland fire management experience.
- Minimum qualification at Task Force Leader / Strike Team Leader and Incident Commander Type 4 or higher.
- Two years of supervisory experience.
- Experience in leases and contract negotiations.
Desired Qualifications:
These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.
- A bachelor’s degree or associate degree with two years of experience in Fire Science, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
- Division Group Supervisor and Incident Commander Type 3 (or higher) National Wildfire Coordinating Group qualifications.
- Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).
- Experience in other sections of the Incident Command System, in addition to Operations.
- Commitment to continual learning and adaptation to technological advances.
- Skills in evaluating others’ abilities and assessing training needs.
- Facilitative skills to work with groups of people to solve issues.
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 |
| Tags | Wildland Firefighter |