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

State-of-Washington-Dept.-of-Natural-Resource; Washington; On-site; USD 43,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Washington invites applications for the Dallesport Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead. This role leads a 20-person initial attack handcrew, guiding field operations, safety, and firefighting response in Washington's diverse landscapes.

You will oversee crew readiness, training, and coordination with interagency partners, including incident command tasks when needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct Fireline supervision of the hand crew during initial attack, extended attack, mop-up, patrol and rehab.
• Perform IC functions on initial attack fires as needed (Incident Commander Type 4/5, Task Force Leader, public contact).
• Lead crew in field operations requiring endurance, long hours, and working in diverse environments.
• Instruct training for seasonal and permanent staff and assist with preparedness reviews.

Job description

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

Recruitment #2026-9-A020 Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA) Location: Southeast Region- Dallesport, WA

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 9/23/26. 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).

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 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.

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 IC 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