Spillman Unit Suppression, Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup)/(WFML) In-Training

Washington Department of Natural Resources; Washington; On-site; USD 43,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Partial Telework flexibility

Relocation Compensation may be avail.

Job summary

Washington Department of Natural Resources seeks a Spillman Unit Suppression, Wildland Fire Management Supervisor in-training to lead training, hazard assessments, and field operations in the South Puget Sound region. The role supports fire prevention and suppression with multi-team coordination and occasional travel to field sites.

The position offers a structured six-month in-training plan, with a starting salary between $3,827 and $5,642 per month, plus relocation and telework options.

Qualifications

• NWCG Firefighter Type 1 qualification required.
• Two years of experience in wildland fire management, natural resources, forestry, or related field.
• Any NWCG single resource boss qualification.
• NWCG incident commander Type 5 (desired).

Responsibilities

• Perform assignments relating to wildland fire preparedness, including hazard risk assessments at single residence and community level.
• Coordinate Wildland Urban Interface mapping and structure protection assessments.
• Engage in fire suppression to protect lives and resources.
• Supervise wildland engine crews and support teams.
• Assist with fire training for personnel and districts.
• Review burn permits for the assigned area and ensure compliance.

Skills

NWCG Firefighter Type 1

Single Resource Boss qualification

Wildland fire management experience

Driving and safety compliance

Education

Associate’s degree or higher in Natural Resources

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Description

Spillman Unit Suppression, Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup)/Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML) In-Training

Recruitment #2026-9-7812-02145

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)

Location: South Puget Sound Region - Belfair, WA

Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Relocation Compensation may be available and considered

Salary: $3,827.00 - $5,642.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/8/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our South Puget Sound Region as a Spillman Unit Suppression, Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup)/Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML) In-Training. This position supports the DNR Mission through fire suppression and fire prevention technician work. This position works closely with the Spillman Assistant Unit Manager as a project lead, developing informal fire training and establishing work projects; conducting hazard risk assessments at the single residence and community level; and providing fire leadership as a Single Resource Boss, or Incident Commander Type 5 or 4 (as qualified). This position may be asked to support formal training for DNR staff or Fire District personnel. This position is expected to become qualified as an INVF (Wildland Fire Investigator).

Duties

Responsibilities:

Community Wildfire Prevention & Preparedness: Perform assignments relating to wildland fire preparedness, such as: conducting hazard risk assessments at single residence and community level; coordinating and accomplishing Wildland Urban Interface mapping to include structure protection assessments and in/egress fire hazard assessments; working on fuels reduction assignments; performing reconnaissance on public lands relating to establishing/locating water points; helicopter landing zones, staging areas, base camps; and other logistical assignments designed for the preparation and management of wildland fires.

Fire Suppression: Protects human life and resources on Department-protected lands to minimize resource loss and fire costs caused by wildland and urban interface fires, while ensuring firefighter and public safety.

Supervision: Under the direction of the Unit Manager, will assist with supervising wildland engines in the work unit in the absence of the Assistant Unit Manager (if managing local fires, on assignments out-of-region, or on days off). Position may assist in supervising 5 wildland fire engine crews, consisting of 5 Exempt Engine Leaders and at least 10 Seasonal Firefighters for fire pre-suppression and suppression. An engine crew is made up of one exempt Engine Driver and up to 2-3 Forest Firefighters.

Fire Training: Assists with fire training for region and district personnel and assists with the Washington State Interagency Fire Academies and other various Interagency/DNR trainings.

Fire Regulation: Responsible for review and approval of all burn permits for the assigned geographic area of the SPS Region, to include a full range of burn permit requests, those with more complexity, potential for escape, and smoke impact to communities.

Performs other work as assigned.

Qualifications

This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 6-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 Lead (WFML) In-Training or Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup), depending on qualifications.

Required Qualifications:

Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML) In-Training (Salary range: $3,827.00-$5,111.00 per month):

• Qualified as a NWCG Firefighter Type 1.

Wildland Fire Management Supervisor (WFMSup) (Salary range: $4,201.00-$5,642.00 per month):

• Any NWCG single resource boss qualification.
• Two (2) years of experience in wildland fire management, natural resources, forestry, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel.

Required Competencies:

• Encourages team unity through sharing information or expertise, working together to solve problems, and putting team success first.
• Accustomed to tailoring communication to the needs and preferences of others.
• Creates a positive work environment where all staff are motivated to do their best.
• Safely performs work at all times. Avoids shortcuts that increase health and safety risks to self or others.
• Maintains an open, approachable manner and treats others fairly and respectfully.
• Preserves others’ self-confidence and dignity, showing respect for their opinions.
• 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 requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Field and Office: Position's assigned duty station is the Spillman Fire Work Center in Belfair, WA. Work is performed in an office setting (30%) and alone in isolated, unimproved natural areas within the unit (70%). Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Often required to work long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, day or night. These duties may involve fieldwork requiring physical performance, calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning.
• Position frequently requires travel (50%) to the field for project work, fires, or supervision, attending meetings, or various trainings.
• Must pass work capacity test annually at the arduous level required by NWCG red card qualifications.
• A 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: These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• NWCG Qualified incident commander Type 5.
• Associate’s degree or higher with professional experience in a Natural Resource field.
• Knowledge of employment rules and regulations as they apply to permanent, seasonal career, and seasonal employees.
• Experience in forest fire protection regulatory programs.
• Experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of general forest management.
• Experience writing burning permits for large forest industry landowners.

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].

Supplemental Information

Questions? Please contact Lloyd Smith at [e-mail]/360-688-6391 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.

DNR does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your Social Security number before attaching it. 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 a 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].

Check us out on: DNR's website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress