Ahtanum-Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML)

State of Washington; Washington; On-site; USD 513,000 - 684,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) SE Yakima region seeks a Ahtanum-Hand Crew Squad Boss to manage a 6-person crew, oversee wildfire suppression, and drive training and readiness. The role blends field leadership with program-support duties in a demanding environment.

Requires NWCG Type 1 qualification and strong knowledge of fire behavior. Competitive monthly salary of $3,827.00–$5,111.00, with relocation possible and telework flexibility where feasible.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of wildland fire suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition.
• Certified as a NWCG Firefighter Type 1.

Responsibilities

• supervise a squad of up to 6 seasonal firefighters on a 20-person crew
• oversee day-to-day squad supervision and suppression operations
• lead training, records, and evaluations for crew members
• conduct site fuels data collection and Rx burn support
• perform home ignition zone assessments and community outreach

Skills

Wildland fire suppression tactics

NWCG Firefighter Type 1

Job description

Ahtanum-Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML)

Recruitment #2026-9-A005 | Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)

Location: Southeast Region- Yakima, WA

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered | Relocation Compensation may be available and considered

Salary: $3,827.00 - $5,111.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/5/26. 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 the Southeast Region in Yakima, WA.

Responsibilities

This position provides leadership and supports oversight for a squad of up to 6 firefighters on a 20-person Initial Attack Handcrew. The squad boss will have the responsibility of day-to-day supervision, oversight of suppression operations, preparedness, hiring, and training for up to 6 seasonal firefighters.

• Wildfire Suppression- Providing supervision and oversight for resources during fire suppression (Initial Attack or Extended Attack)
• Fire Training-Prepares for and participates in interagency training classes and hands-on courses of wildland firefighting tactics, fire behavior recognition, safe chainsaw operation, use of tools, pumps and water delivery systems, working around helicopters, and assessments of hazards. Assists crew with guidance on various position task books, training records and evaluations.
• Prescribed Fire Support- Leads and supervises Squad 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- Lead and supervise Squad 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- Leads and supervises squad 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.

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.

• Knowledge of wildland fire suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition.
• Certified as a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type 1.

Required Competencies

• 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.
• Maintains an open, approachable manner and treats others fairly and respectfully.
• Accustomed to tailoring communication to the needs and preferences of others.
• Preserves others' self-confidence and dignity and shows regard 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.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and ensure requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment

• Must pass an annual work capacity test at the arduous level as required by NWCG.
• Position assigned duty station is the Ahtanum Work Center. Work is performed in the office setting (30%) of the time, and unimproved natural areas of the state (70%). Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. The outside environment varies from hot, dry, heat-related illness-type conditions in summer, to cold, wet, hypothermic-type conditions closer to wintertime. These duties may involve field work requiring physical performance calling for above average endurance and superior conditioning.
• Position requires a large amount of travel (up to 50%). This includes travel alone between fires, work centers, proposed work sites, and ongoing supervisory tasks as well as meeting with partners and cooperators. This includes driving in snowy, icy conditions with poor to little visibility, to driving in conditions while surrounded by smoke and fire. This position requires both night and overnight travel.
• A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desired Qualifications

• A bachelor's or associate's degree in Fire Science, Natural Resource, or related field; or some higher education that required coursework in Fire Sciences and/or Silviculture.
• Certified at the NWCG qualification level of Single Resource Boss-Crew Boss or higher.
• Certified as an NWCG Incident Commander Type 4 or higher.
• Knowledge of employment rules and regulations as they apply to permanent, seasonal career and seasonal DNR employees.
• Skills in evaluating others’ abilities and assessing training needs.
• Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel.
• Experience in forest fire protection regulatory programs.

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at [e-mail].

Application Requirements

Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact [e-mail].

Questions?

Please contact Jeff Delarose at [e-mail] / 509-899-2823 or email us at [e-mail].

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call [phone] or email [e-mail]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Vision

Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.

Our Mission

Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Our Core Values

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional Information

This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email [e-mail].