Description

Salary: $3,301.00 - $3,692.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. The hiring authority reserves the right to make hiring decisions at any time. It is in the applicant’s best interest to submit material as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The fire season is quickly approaching! The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is in search of hardworking, dedicated, responsible and reliable team members to join our Wildland Fire Engine Crews here in Northeast Region. As a member of one of our engine crews you will perform pre-suppression and suppression related activities.

Firefighting is hard work and requires long hours and time away from home. You must be willing and capable of performing strenuous outdoor work safely and productively. Working for the DNR as a Wildland Firefighter is extremely rewarding. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other fire professionals including area fire districts, federal and other state partners; giving you exposure to a variety of learning opportunities, agency operations and the ability to build cohesive relationships across the state of Washington. You will experience a different level of collaboration within the DNR that will offer a lifetime worth of skills for your future career path. The experience and training gained as a member of an engine crew can form the foundation for a successful career in forestry and other natural resource professions.

The duration of these positions is generally 3-6 months with work beginning as early as May and ending in late September (note: the season has the potential to begin as early as April and run as late as October). Upon hire, basic wildland fire training is provided. This training will usually take place at the agency's fire academy. The academy provides meals and lodging for all participants and has a duration of 7-14 days.

Duties

What to Expect as a DNR Firefighter:

• Prepare for fire duty, maintain assigned equipment and vehicles for fire readiness.
• Safely respond to wildland fire to suppress and prevent them from spreading.
• Perform entry-level wildland fire duties including hand-line construction, water handling, general suppression and prevention activities or training.
• When not engaged in wildland fire preparedness and suppression, Wildland Firefighters will perform tasks such as thinning and pruning trees for watersheds and protection of wildlife, and maintain recreation sites, buildings, grounds, roads and equipment.
• Many of the duties performed on these jobs require considerable physical exertion; working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, working long hours, and extended periods of time away from home. Duties include but may not be limited to the ability to carry up to 60 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk and/or climb.

Below is a chart describing what the work of a wildland firefighter may include:
Hours and Benefits:

• Overtime is paid at the rate of time and one-half in excess of 40 hours worked.
• For all hours worked under the Incident Command System, two dollars ($2.00) is added to an employee's regular hourly rate of pay.
• Returning agency employees may be eligible for health and dental coverage.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to act promptly and use good judgment in emergencies, and deal tactfully with the public.
• Ability to carry up to 60 lbs., run, bend, twist, walk and/or climb. Must pass the DNR work capacity test or "Pack Test" during the selection process and prior to starting work.
• Basic firefighting knowledge. Must complete and pass IS-700 and ICS-100 courses (see information below).
• Must be age 18 and possess a high school diploma or equivalent at the time of hire.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain in ALL weather conditions, including extreme heat, rain, snow, etc.
• Position is required to travel. Requires large majority of time in the field traveling between fires.
• A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Must have an acceptable driving record free of serious traffic violations (for specifics see application form below). (UPDATED 3/15-moved to desired qualification).
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence
• Employees must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States upon hire.

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:

• Previous natural resource experience.
• Experience and knowledge of safe chainsaw operation.
• Previous firefighting experience.
  • Knowledge of wildland fire pre-suppression, suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition.
  • Experience with firefighting safety techniques, practices, terminology, equipment, fire weather, communications, maps/compass/GPS skills and situational awareness.
  • Experience of water delivery hydraulics, equipment usage, pumps and tools.
• Trained to a NWCG "Red Card" qualification level of Firefighter 1.
• Efficient organizer and effective communicator, especially in stressful situations.
• Knowledgeable about safe operation of 4-wheelers, off road vehicle operation.
• Experience working in a team environment for long hours and in close quarters for weeks at a time.
• Experience working under stressful and challenging environmental conditions.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application and all supplemental questions to be considered for the position. 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 NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

If selected for an interview you will be required to:

• Provide Certificates of Course Completion for IS-700 and ICS-100 prior to or on the day of the scheduled Work Capacity Test.
  • Failure to do so will disqualify candidates for employment in these positions.
  • These courses are free.
  • If you have previously taken and received credit by DNR for these courses, you are NOT required to retake or resubmit the certificates of completion.
• Complete and Pass the Work Capacity Test “Pack Test” The Pack Test is a work capacity test that measures aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and muscular endurance.
  • Firefighter candidates must pass the Work Capacity Test by completing a 3 mile walk with a 45 pound pack in under 45 minutes.
  • PRIOR to reporting to the Pack Test, you will be required to turn in a completed Waiver and Release Form and a Completed Health Screening Questionnaire (HSQ). Applicants are strongly encouraged to train for the arduous level work capacity test. However, before you begin to train for testing or before substantially increasing your level of activity please review the health screening questionnaire (HSQ) and consult your health care provider if necessary. You may contact DNR Recruiting at DNRRecruiting@dnr.wa.gov for a copy of the HSQ.
  • During the DNR Work Capacity Testing, safety is of primary importance and concern. An element of safety is personal physical fitness and is important for co-worker safety, personal safety and health and for efficient fire line operations.

Work Locations:
The Northeast Region is comprised of two Zones, and has four individual units.

The East Zone of Northeast Region is comprised of the North Columbia and Arcadia units, and serves areas such as Colville, Kettle Falls, Chewelah and the greater Spokane area. The East Zone is the most active zone in the state for fire response, averaging 340 – 375 fire starts per year. It is a dynamic area that contains a wide variety of terrain and fuel types, from fast moving urban interface fires to remote timber fires. The Colville area offers a lot of services and amenities with a small town feel, while the Spokane areas allows you to enjoy a fast pace city environment while providing a wide array of easily accessible outdoor recreation activities.

This location is no longer accepting applications: Arcadia – located in Deer Park, WA, serves areas such as Spokane, Pend Oreille and Lincoln counties. They staff 12 wildland engine crews that include 10 exempt Engine Leaders and 38 Firefighters.
Questions about Arcadia, please contact:

• Brock Schuh at brock.schuh@dnr.wa.gov
• Daryl Schie at daryl.schie@dnr.wa.gov
  

This location is no longer accepting applications: North Columbia – located in Colville, WA, serves areas such as Colville, Chewelah, Hunters, and Kettle Falls. North Columbia staffs 7 wildland fire engine crews that include 6 exempt Engine Leaders and 21 Firefighters.
Questions about North Columbia, please contact:

• Paul Nelson at paul.nelson@dnr.wa.gov

The West Zone is comprised of the South Okanogan and Highlands units, and serves Okanogan and Ferry Counties. The West Zone on average has 50 to 80 fires per year. Okanogan County is located close to the Canadian Border, and provides great outdoor recreational activities and areas available for crew members including the Loomis State Forest and the Pasayten Wilderness area.

Highlands – located in Loomis, WA, serves areas in North Okanogan and Ferry Counties, such as Loomis, Tonasket, Oroville, Curlew and Republic. The Highlands unit runs 12 engines comprised of 11 exempt Engine Leaders, and 33 Firefighters.
Questions about Highlands, please contact:

• Jimmy Nick at jimmy.nick@dnr.wa.gov

South Okanogan – located in Omak, WA, serves areas such as Omak, Okanogan, Conconully, Brewster, Pateros, Twisp, Winthrop, and Mazama. The South Okanogan unit runs 10 engines which include 8 exempt Engine Leaders and 30 Firefighters.
Questions about South Okanogan, please contact:

• Don Smith at don.smith@dnr.wa.gov
• Kevin Vallance at kevin.vallance@dnr.wa.gov
• Dustin Doyle at dustin.doyle@dnr.wa.gov

For more specific information about DNR Uplands Regions and how to contact those regions, please visit http://www.dnr.wa.gov/about/dnr-regions-and-districts

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs economically and socially for current and future generations. 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. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. Additional Information:
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 prior to attaching. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The 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 of 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.

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

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 NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.