Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML)

Description Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML) Recruitment #2026-10-A053/A390 Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA) Location: Pacific Cascade Region - Chehalis or Battle Ground, WA Work Hour flexibility 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 10/13/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. Want to join something GREAT and make a difference? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has two exciting opportunities within the Pacific Cascade Region! Do you enjoy the challenge of wildland firefighting? Do you see yourself being a leader on a Suppression Module or a 20-Person Handcrew? The DNR is looking to fill multiple Squad Boss (Wildland Fire Management Lead) positions within the Pacific Cascade Region. The Pacific Cascade fire program protects 3.5 million acres of state and private land, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade Mountains and including unique areas such as the scenic Columbia River Gorge and Mount St. Helens. During the fire season, our squad bosses are instrumental in leading daily operations and training of seasonal firefighters as well as implementation of fireline suppression tactics. Throughout the year, as squad boss, you would assist with prescribed fire, community resilience, and forest health treatment projects. We are looking for a self-starting, highly motivated individual to join our team. One position is with the Newaukum Hand Crew based out of Chehalis, WA and the other is with the Lacamas Suppression Module based out of Battle Ground, WA. Duties Responsibilities: Wildfire Suppression Protects human life, natural resources and property on Department protected lands from wildland and urban interface fires to minimize resource loss and fire costs while ensuring firefighter and public safety. Firefighter safety is the top priority. Provide direct fire line supervision of hand crew members, which respond to grass, brush and forest fires and are available for district, region and 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, air‑to‑ground contact, single resource boss, firefighter, timekeeper, or public relations contact. Assists in ensuring safe and efficient use of the crew as an efficient and effective firefighting resource. This often requires working long, irregular hours on weekdays, weekends, holidays, day or night. These duties involve fieldwork requiring physical performance calling for above average endurance and superior conditioning. These duties may include an occasional demand for extraordinary strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods of time. Works cooperatively with other fire protection authorities when working on joint jurisdiction fires. In addition to serving as a hand crew member, may serve with other suppression resources/modules commensurate with qualifications. Reviews and authors initial incident reports and fire situation narratives. Community Resilience and Fuels Management Prescribed Fire Support – Leads squad members 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 - 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 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. Preparedness Under the guidance of the Crew Foreman, plans and implements training for seasonal crews and interagency cooperators. Instructs seasonal and permanent staff and private contractors as appropriate. Assists with developing the Unit’s annual preparedness review. Plans and provides drills and training exercises on a regular basis for the seasonal staff. Ensures safe working practices are followed and holds regular safety meetings and After-Action Reviews with the seasonal staff. Tracks crew training and ensures position task books are completed accurately. Under the guidance of the Crew Superintendent and Foreman, develops and implements annual pre‑suppression project work plans for firefighters. Assists with developing the Unit’s annual preparedness review. Attends and participates in Unit and Region Staff meetings. Assists with implementation of the unit’s operational plan and ensures staff, equipment, and facilities are available and ready to meet the Region operational plan. Under the guidance of the Crew Superintendent and Foreman, plans and provides drills and training exercises on a regular basis to the firefighters. Coordinates work planning activities with other program managers and specialists. (e.g., fuel reduction, pre-commercial thinning, brushing roads, etc.). Ensures vehicles and equipment are serviced regularly. Inspects, evaluates, and recommends the potential need for replacement of fire equipment, supplies, and vehicles to the Crew Superintendent and Foreman. 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 the crew with guidance on various position task books, training records, and evaluations. Attends Fire Trainings to meet the Unit’s goals and personal fire training plan. As assigned, assists with required annual firefighter training and needs and maintains certifications as required by the job position and to assist in current training of the crew. Assists with administration of Work Capacity Tests (pack tests). Assists in conducting Fire Unit training and participates as instructor or lead at the Statewide Fire Training Academies or other trainings. Prepares lesson plans and timelines for a variety of professional trainings for participants from DNR, Interagency Cooperators, and the general public. May lead or assist in presenting annual Operator Safety Training sessions for private fire contractors. Plans drills and training exercises for the Hand Crew. Analyzes and documents training needs required to meet Incident Command System and appropriate NWCG position qualifications, certifications, and readiness levels. Ensures completion of all required agency and NWCG documentation. Ensures annual IQS information is sent to Region Training Coordinators. Perform Other Duties as Assigned May function as Crew Supervisor in either the Crew Superintendent’s or the Crew Foreman’s absence. If qualified, may act as Crew Foreman or Superintendent. May assist with fire prevention and fire regulation program, as assigned. May participate in prescribed fire operations for the DNR or other agencies. Assists other programs such as Recreation with public use issues, campground maintenance, and recreation projects, as assigned. May assist in performing tasks involving timber presale preparation as assigned by the timber sale unit, including general sale layout, road location, surveying, marking and cruising timber, prescribed fire, and fuels reduction. Perform Physical Fitness Training Following DNR’s Physical Fitness Training Policy (P020‑007), the position requires passing annual work capacity tests at the arduous or moderate levels as NWCG requires. 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. Qualified as a NWCG Firefighter Type 1. 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 and shows regard 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 ensure requests are followed. DNR Core Competencies: Personal Accountability Value Others Compassionate Communication Inspire Others Commitment to Excellence Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment: Work is performed in the office setting (30%) of the time, and unimproved natural areas of the state (70%). Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. The outside environment varies from hot, dry, heat‑related illness type conditions in summer, to cold, wet, hypothermic‑type conditions closer to wintertime. These duties may involve fieldwork requiring physical performance calling for above average endurance and superior conditioning. Position requires a large amount of travel (50%). This includes travel alone between fires, work centers, proposed work sites, and ongoing supervisory tasks as well as meeting with partners and cooperators. This includes driving in snowy, icy conditions with poor to little visibility, to driving in conditions while surrounded by smoke and fire. This position requires both night and overnight travel. 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 work capacity test annually at the arduous level required by NWCG. Desired Qualifications: Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel. Experience in forest fire protection regulatory programs. 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 Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.). 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 Values: Integrity—Staff who work at the Department of Natural Resources are principled and consistent on behalf of all Washingtonians. Respect—Employees value and respect the public DNR serves, and one another. Professionalism—The Agency is committed to professionalism and civil conduct. Joy—DNR’s work involves some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities impacting Washington, which staff meet with curiosity and gratitude. 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. 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 Questions? Please contact Josh White at View email address on click.appcast.io / View phone number on click.appcast.io for Newaukum Hand Crew, or Bailey Ferguson at View email address on click.appcast.io / View phone number on click.appcast.io for Lacamas Suppression Module, or email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Washington Department of Natural Resources