Wildland Fire Crew Foreman

Washington State Department of Natural Resources; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Arcadia 20 is seeking a Crew Foreman, Natural Resource Operations Supervisor 1 to supervise Forest Crew Supervisors and firefighter crews for regional and interagency fire response. The role requires supervising personnel, coordinating training, and ensuring wildfire readiness in remote and rugged conditions.

You will plan and execute initial and extended attack operations, contribute to burn plans, and support community outreach and fire effects data collection.

Qualifications

• NWCG Firefighter Type 1 certification required.
• Incident Commander Type 5 certification required.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct fireline supervision of the Forest Crew Supervisors (FCS) Squadbosses and transitional handcrew members for district, region, statewide, and interagency dispatch.
• Interagency fire suppression activities for initial attack, extended attack, mop-up, patrol and rehabilitation; may perform ICS Type 4/5 functions.
• Plan and implement training for FCS Squadbosses and transitional crew members and participate in DNR Fire Academies or trainings.
• Lead prescribed fire support including site fuels data collection, burn plan writing assistance, and Rx burn implementation support.
• Work in remote areas away from vehicles for long periods and in rugged terrain.
• Travel for extended periods to assist on fires within the region or other states for large fires.
• Direct supervision of 3 permanent FCS Squadbosses and indirect supervision of up to 18 transitional firefighters.
• Contribute to firefighter hiring process through interviews and onboarding.

Skills

Written & verbal communication

Team unity

Tailored communication

Positive work environment

Safety-conscious

Open and approachable

Diversity and inclusion

Tools

NWCG certifications

Job description

Arcadia 20 – Crew Foreman, Natural Resource Operations Supervisor 1 (NROS1)

Work Hour flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,633.00 – $6,229.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing.We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/09/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct fireline supervision of the Forest Crew Supervisors (FCS) Squadbosses and transitional handcrew members, who respond to grass, brush, and forest fires and are available for district, region, 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 ICS functions as Incident Commander Type 4 and 5 or other duties as needed.


• Plans and implements training for FCS Squadbosses and transitional crew members and may be asked to instruct/participate in DNR Fire Academies or other trainings.


• 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.


• Work in remote areas away from vehicles for long periods of time.


• Work in extremely rugged terrain.


• Travel for extended periods of time (for multiple weeks): outside of your home unit to assist on fires within the region to other regions and/or states for large fires.


• Directly supervises 3 permanent FCS Squadbosses and indirectly up to 18 transitional firefighters


• Provides recommendations and assistance during the firefighter hiring process, including conducting firefighter interviews and onboarding.


• Builds strong team cohesion within the handcrew, on a day-to-day basis.


• Prepare for fire duty, maintain assigned equipment and vehicles for fire readiness.


• Ensure all required reports are complete and submitted by required dates.


• 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.

Required Qualifications:

• Qualified as NWCG Firefighter Type 1 and Incident Commander Type 5.


• Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel.

Required Competencies:

• Written and verbal communication skills.


• 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 and perspectives.


• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.