NR Forest Fire Resp Lead

Society of American Foresters.; Minnesota; On-site; USD 45,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources seeks NR Forest Fire Response Leads to join the Forestry division. These seasonal, full-time roles are based in Aitkin, MN, with winter/summer work dates and day shifts.

You will lead emergency firefighters, organize suppression equipment, and support fire prevention activities across Minnesota. Applicants must meet training requirements (S-130/S-190, L-180, IS-700) and hold a Class A license within six months.

Qualifications

• Two months wildfire response experience or diploma / associates degree in natural resource management with an emphasis in wildland firefighting.
• Knowledge of wildfire suppression including initial attack, fire behavior, fire control, mop up, and fire line safety sufficient to effectively suppress fires.
• Knowledge of fire suppression equipment maintenance and operation sufficient to prepare and respond to wildfire suppression needs.
• Knowledge of state and local fire laws and regulations sufficient to report violations.
• Ability to understand and use information contained in the Forestry Administrative Area Fire Plan sufficient to prepare for and respond to wildfires.
• Communication skills sufficient to ensure accurate and effective transmission of information through internal and interagency communications for routine and crisis situations.
• Ability to recognize reportable events sufficient to meet Forestry fire reporting requirements.
• Ability to maintain and organize fire line equipment so that equipment is functioning and available when needed to suppress fires.
• Ability to use maps and GPS equipment sufficient to quickly locate fires and access routes by section, township, range, and latitude/longitude.
• Ability to operate fire equipment sufficient to carry out fire suppression activities in a safe and effective manner.
• Ability to coach and direct emergency firefighters to ensure effective and safe suppression and pre-suppression activities.
• Possession of a valid Class A (Commercial) Driver's License or a Commercial Learner’s Permit within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to pass the DNR Forestry physical standards on an annual basis based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group work capacity test at the moderate fitness level.
• Must have successfully completed the following training: Fire Fighter Training S-130; Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior S-190, Introduction to Incident Command; System I-100, Human Factors on the Fire Line L-180, and Incident Management System and Introduction IS-700.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for wildfire suppression by organizing equipment, maintaining supplies, and winterizing gear for storage.
• Respond to initial attack on wildfires and participate in prescribed burns as part of the suppression team; lead emergency firefighters and gather information for investigators.
• Assist Area Supervisor with fire prevention activities by directing emergency suppression personnel and aiding training.
• Operate hand and power tools, endure harsh conditions, and travel throughout Minnesota for fire suppression responsibilities.

Skills

Wildfire suppression

Initial attack

Fire behavior

Fire line safety

Equipment maintenance

Maps & GPS

Team leadership

Communication

Driver's license

Physical fitness

Education

Diploma / associate degree in natural resource management with emphasis in wildland firefighting

Job description

Working Title: NR Forest Fire Resp Lead

Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Fire Response Lead

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 97364
• Location: Sandy Lake
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Seasonal
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/30/2026
• Closing Date: 10/20/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Forestry
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $21.33 - $26.62 / hourly; $44,537 - $55,582 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• Work Area: Aitkin Area
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

The DNR is currently seeking to hire multiple NR Forest Fire Response Leads within the Division of Forestry. These positions are located in Aitkin, MN.

This is a split season position with anticipated season dates of February 23 to June 5 and September 14 to November 13. Seasons are subject to change based on weather conditions. Hours of work may vary and include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

This position performs routine wildfire response and preparation work and leads emergency fire fighters to control and extinguish wildfires for the Department of Natural Resources.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparation for wildfire suppression by organizing and maintaining equipment, maintaining an inventory of supplies and requesting new supplies as needed, winterizing fire suppression equipment before storage at the end of fire season, and maintaining buildings and grounds.
• Responding for initial attack on wildfires and working on prescribed burns as part of the area wildfire suppression team by leading emergency fire fighters, operating fire suppression equipment, protecting the fire scene and gathering information for investigators, and completing initial reports.
• Assisting Area Supervisor with fire prevention activities by directing emergency fire suppression personnel and assisting with their training.
• This position requires hand and power tool operation, strenuous physical work under unfavorable conditions, endurance to perform tasks under extreme environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, wind, and smoke, and travel for fire suppression purposes throughout Minnesota.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Two months wildfire response experience or diploma / associates degree in natural resource management with an emphasis in wildland firefighting.
• Knowledge of wildfire suppression including initial attack, fire behavior, fire control, mop up, and fire line safety sufficient to effectively suppress fires.
• Knowledge of fire suppression equipment maintenance and operation sufficient to prepare and respond to wildfire suppression needs.
• Knowledge of state and local fire laws and regulations sufficient to report violations.
• Ability to understand and use information contained in the Forestry Administrative Area Fire Plan sufficient to prepare for and respond to wildfires.
• Communication skills sufficient to ensure accurate and effective transmission of information through internal and interagency communications for routine and crisis situations.
• Ability to recognize reportable events sufficient to meet Forestry fire reporting requirements.
• Ability to maintain and organize fire line equipment so that equipment is functioning and available when needed to suppress fires.
• Ability to use maps and GPS equipment sufficient to quickly locate fires and access routes by section, township, range, and latitude/longitude.
• Ability to operate fire equipment sufficient to carry out fire suppression activities in a safe and effective manner.
• Ability to coach and direct emergency firefighters to ensure effective and safe suppression and pre-suppression activities.
• Possession of a valid Class A (Commercial) Driver's License or a Commercial Learner’s Permit within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to pass the DNR Forestry physical standards on an annual basis based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group work capacity test at the moderate fitness level.
• Must have successfully completed the following training: Fire Fighter Training S-130; Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior S-190, Introduction to Incident Command
• System I-100, Human Factors on the Fire Line L-180, and Incident Management System and Introduction IS-700.

Preferred Qualifications

• National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG) Red Card qualified Engine Boss (ENGB), Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4), Tracked Vehicle Operator (TVOP) and/or Initial
• Attack Dozer Operator (DOZ1), Helicopter Crew Member (HECM), Squad Boss (FFT1), Faller Class B (FALB).
• Knowledge of DNR Forestry fire reporting system sufficient to complete and enter reports.

Additional Requirements

This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment. The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Glendon Nyberg at [e-mail] or 218-330-9370.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issuesDaily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility

varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.