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

State-of-Washington-Dept.-of-Natural-Resource; Cle Elum (WA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Washington state is looking for a capable Cle Elum-Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead to guide a 20-person Initial Attack handcrew in Washington’s diverse landscapes.

This full-time, permanent, represented position in the Southeast Region offers monthly salary between $3,827 and $5,111, with partial telework flexibility and potential relocation assistance.

Responsibilities

• Prescribed Fire Support – leads crew to collect site fuels and fire effects data, assist with burn plan writing, community outreach, and Rx burn implementation support.
• Community Resilience - leads crew to conduct home ignition zone assessments as part of Wildfire Ready Neighbors or independent requests from landowners and/or communities; may participate in outreach days and prevention events.
• Forest Health Treatment – leads crew in non-commercial thinning, slash abatement, project layout, and coordination with staff; supports forest health project layout, tree marking, road brushing, GPS data collection, and timber-related tasks.
• Provide direct Fireline supervision of the hand crew for initial attack, suppression activities, and related duties; may perform ICE functions as needed; long hours and irregular schedules.
• Assists with and authors initial incident reports, fire situation narratives, and fire reports.
• Under guidance, plans and implements training for seasonal crews, develops annual preparedness and drills, and ensures safety and readiness across the unit.
• Plans and provides drills and training for firefighters; coordinates planning with program managers; ensures equipment and facilities are ready.
• Ensures vehicles and equipment are serviced regularly; inspects and identifies replacement needs.

Job description

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

Recruitment #2026-9-A013/A014/A015

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)

Location: Southeast Region- Cle Elum, 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 9/22/26. 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. Do you enjoy the challenge of wildland firefighting? Do you see yourself helping to lead a 20-Person Initial Attack Handcrew while working in Washington’s most diverse geographic region? DNR is looking for a bright, quick-thinking, motivated individual to fill the role of our Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML).

Responsibilities:

Community Resilience and Fuels Management

• Prescribed Fire Support – Leads 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 - Leads 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 – Leads crew in conducting 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.

Wildfire Suppression

• Protects human life, natural resources, and property on Department-protected lands from wildland and urban interface fires to minimize resource loss and fire costs while ensuring firefighter and public safety. Firefighter safety is the top priority.
• Provide direct Fireline supervision of the hand crew, which responds to grass, brush, and forest fires and is available for district, region, and statewide and/or interagency dispatch. Provides interagency fire suppression activities for initial attack, extended attack, mop-up, patrol, and rehabilitation. On initial attack fires, may perform ICE functions such as Incident Commander Type 4 and 5, Task Force Leader, air-to-ground contact, single resource boss, firefighter, timekeeper, or public relations contact. Assists in ensuring safe and efficient use of the hand crew as an efficient and effective firefighting resource. This often requires working long, irregular hours on weekdays, weekends, holidays, day or night.
• These duties involve field work requiring physical performance calling for above average endurance and superior conditioning. These duties may include an occasional demand for extraordinary strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods of time. Works cooperatively with other fire protection authorities when working on joint jurisdiction fires.
• In addition to serving as a hand crew member, may serve with other suppression resources/modules commensurate with qualifications.
• Assists with and authors initial incident reports, fire situation narratives, and fire reports.

Preparedness

• Under the guidance of the Crew Superintendent and Crew Foreman, plans and implements training for seasonal crews and interagency cooperators. Instructs training for seasonal and permanent staff, interagency cooperators, 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. Tracks crew training and ensures position task books are completed accurately.
• Under the guidance of the Crew Superintendent and Foreman, develops and implements annual pre-suppression project work plans for firefighters. Assists with developing the Unit’s annual preparedness review. Attends and participates in Unit and Region Staff meetings. Assists with implementation of the unit’s operational plan and ensures staff, equipment, and facilities are available and ready to meet the Region operational plan.
• Under the guidance of the Crew Superintendent and Foreman, plans and provides drills and training exercises on a regular basis to the firefighters. Coordinates work planning activities with other program managers and specialists. (e.g., fuel reduction, pre-commercial thinning, brushing roads, etc.).
• Ensures vehicles and equipment are serviced regularly. Inspects, evaluates, and recommends the potential need for replacement of