Fire Management Officer: Lead Wildland Fire Strategy

Description Fire Management Officer (FMO), Wildland Fire Mgmt Unit Mgr (WFMUM) / WFM Specialist In-Training Recruitment #2026-9-3036 Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA) Location: Southeast Region - East Wenatchee Relocation Compensation may be available and considered Salary: $4,517.00 - $6,708.00 Monthly Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 09/28/2026. 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 as Chelan Fire Unit Fire Management Officer (FMO) . This position supports the agency mission by providing wildland fire management services to, and on behalf of, the public. This critical service protects public resources, natural resources, and public safety. Working collaboratively across jurisdictional boundaries and with engaged communities, we safeguard what we value. All of Washington is adapted and prepared, and our landscapes are healthy and resilient. We prevent wildland fire, use fire where allowable, and safely suppress unwanted fire. Washington’s forested landscapes are in an ecologically functioning and resilient condition and meet the economic and social needs of present and future generations. This position serves several important roles for the agency, providing support for the Wildland Fire Protection Strategy and the Forest Health Strategic Plan for EWA. The position helps meet wildland fire suppression needs and associated activities supporting suppression efforts during the active fire season. Additionally, the Chelan Fire Unit Wildland Fire Management Unit Manager Position plays a key role in meeting the state’s forest health deliverables, primarily in support of the 20-year Forest Health Strategy. Duties Responsibilities: Coordinate Chelan Fire Unit Fire Protection and Suppression Program. Protects human life and natural resources on department protected lands while minimizing resource loss and fire costs as outlined in RCW 76.04.015,016. In an effort to reduce unwanted acres burned, places a high level of readiness and preparedness on safely and effectively attacking and rapidly suppressing new fire starts in the Chelan Fire Unit. Preparedne ss. Coordinates the unit’s pre-suppression availability agreements such as personnel and Dozer/Faller agreements with private contractors and WFD. Coordinates Forest Land Response Agreements (FLRA) with rural fire district partners for suppression availability. Implements interagency fire suppression agreements (IAA) for wildfire suppression on non-forested lands. Supervision. Supervises 4 Wildland Fire Management Specialists (3 AFMO’s & 1 HC Superintendent) and is indirectly responsible for the supervision of 3 *Wildland Fire Management Supervisors, 1 Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator, and up to 7 Engine Leaders, as well as up to 37 Seasonal Fire Fighters in daily activities including training, pre-suppression, suppression, and fire regulation enforcement. Building and Maintaining Cooperating Agency Partnerships. Sharing communications and information is critical to maintaining positive relationships with our partners. Regularly attends Fire Chief meetings, Co-op Groups, conference calls, and other agency meetings to maintain the highest level of interagency relationships. Take the lead role in delivering the Region’s Fire Regulation & Prevention Programs in the Chelan Fire Unit. Ensure the silvicultural burning program (RCW 76.04.205) (WAC 332-24-201,205,211,221) is implemented in a fashion that establishes consistency with the Smoke Management Plan in the Chelan Fire Unit. Take the lead on delivering and implementing the Region's Prevention Plan within the unit. Lead staff to actively engage with the public and landowners to deliver the Region's Regulation and Prevention message. Effectively reduce unwanted and untimely ignitions of wildland fires through effective public education. Assist Community Resilience Staff with planning and project implementation across the Chelan Fire Unit. Ensure Fire Operations Staff are actively participating and supporting the Community Resilience Program in the Chelan Fire Unit, including public outreach, recommending fuels mitigation actions, and assisting with project layout. Ensure staff is participating in home ignition zone assessments as part of Wildfire Ready Neighbors. Plan and participate in community outreach and prevention events. Participate in the CWPP planning process. Performs other duties as assigned. May function as Acting Fire Operations District Manager in the DM’s absence. Attend required meetings and trainings; ensures a clean, safe, and secure work area for self and others. Responsible for maintaining, clearing, and keeping all assigned equipment and vehicles in good working order. Qualifications This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 3-24-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 Specialist (WFMSpec) In-Training or Wildland Fire Management Unit Manager (WFMUM) , depending on qualifications. 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. Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec) In-Training (Salary range: $4,517 - $6,075 per month): Certified as a NWCG Single Resource Boss and Incident Commander Type 5. Supervisory experience. Experience in leases and contract negotiations. Wildland Fire Management Unit Manager (WFMUM) (Salary range: $4,980 - $6,708 per month): Wildland fire management experience. Minimum qualification at Task Force Leader / Strike Team Leader and Incident Commander Type 4 or higher. Two years of supervisory experience. Experience in leases and contract negotiations. Required Competencies: Experience as a successful leader and a contributing team player within a defined work group. 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 ensure 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 Fire Unit work center. Work is performed in an office setting (up to 30%) and alone in isolated unimproved natural areas within the unit (up to 70%). The position must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Often required to work long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, holidays, day or night. These duties may involve fieldwork requiring physical performance calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning. These duties include routine demand for extraordinary strenuous activities in emergencies, under adverse environmental conditions, for extended periods of time. Position requires travel (up to 50%) to the field for project work, fires, or supervision, and to attend meetings or various trainings. Frequent overnight travel is required for trainings, meetings, and fire assignments. A current, 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. Must pass a work capacity test at the arduous level required by current red card qualifications. 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. A bachelor’s degree or associate degree with two years of experience in Fire Science, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field. Division Group Supervisor and Incident Commander Type 3 (or higher) National Wildfire Coordinating Group qualifications. Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2). Experience in other sections of the Incident Command System, in addition to Operations. Commitment to continual learning and adaptation to technological advances. Skills in evaluating others’ abilities and assessing training needs. Facilitative skills to work with groups of people to solve issues. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io . Supplemental Information Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io . Online Application: Apply at (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position. Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job. Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position. References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers. Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response. Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.). Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at View email address on click.appcast.io with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive these communications. Questions? Please contact Walter Escobar at View email address on click.appcast.io / View phone number on click.appcast.io or email us at View email address on click.appcast.io . Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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 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 . Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. 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 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io . Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress #J-18808-Ljbffr Washington Department of Natural Resources