Wildland Fire Hand Crew Squad Boss Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Latino Outdoors; Yakima (WA); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Latino Outdoors in Yakima, WA seeks an Ahtanum-Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML). Salary: $3,827.00 – $5,111.00 monthly.

Work hours and partial telework flexibility may be available; relocation compensation may be available. Lead a squad of up to 6 firefighters on a 20-person Initial Attack Handcrew, with day-to-day supervision, suppression oversight, preparedness, hiring and training for seasonal firefighters.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of wildland fire suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition.
• NWCG Firefighter Type 1 certification required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a squad of up to 6 firefighters on a 20-person Initial Attack Handcrew.
• Lead and oversee suppression operations and crew training.
• Assist with burn planning, Rx burn support, and data collection.
• Lead home ignition zone assessments and community outreach.
• Support forest health projects, timber layout, and road maintenance.

Skills

Wildland suppression

Fire behavior recognition

NWCG Firefighter Type 1

Job description

Ahtanum-Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML)
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 10/5/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:

This position provides leadership and supports oversight for a squad of up to 6 firefighters on a 20-person Initial Attack Handcrew. The squad boss will have the responsibility of day-to-day supervision, oversight of suppression operations, preparedness, hiring, and training for up to 6 seasonal firefighters.

Job duties include:

• Wildfire Suppression- Providing supervision and oversight for resources during fire suppression (Initial Attack or Extended Attack)
• Fire Training- Prepares for and participates in interagency training classes and hands-on courses of wildland firefighting tactics, fire behavior recognition, safe chainsaw operation, use of tools, pumps and water delivery systems, working around helicopters, and assessments of hazards. Assists crew with guidance on various position task books, training records and evaluations.
• Prescribed Fire Support- Leads and supervises Squad 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- Lead and supervise Squad 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 and supervises squad 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:

You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• Knowledge of wildland fire suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition.
• Certified as a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type 1.