Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML)

Description

Duties

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 be responsible for day-to-day supervision, oversight of suppression operations, preparedness, hiring, and training for up to 6 seasonal firefighters.

• 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 in 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 firefighters with guidance on various position task books, training records, and evaluations.
• Prescribed Fire Support – Leads and supervises firefighters while conducting site fuels and fire effects data collection and unit preparation, assists with burn plan writing, community outreach, and Rx burn implementation support, including firing, holding, burn boss, etc.
• Community Resilience - Lead and supervise firefighters 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 firefighters while conducting 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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of wildland fire suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition
• Certified as a NWCG Firefighter Type 1
• Employee Empowerment
• Team Effectiveness
• Building/maintaining Cooperative Relationships
• 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 requests are followed
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• The position assigned duty station is the Dallesport Work Center. 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 field work requiring physical performance calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning.
• The 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.
• Must pass work capacity test annually at the arduous level required by current red card qualifications.
• A valid unrestricted driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. 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.

• A Bachelor's or associate’s degree in Fire Science, Natural Resources or related field; or some higher education that required course work in Fire Sciences and/or Silviculture
• Certified as an NWCG qualification level of Single Resource Boss-Crew Boss, or higher
Knowledge of employment rules and regulations as they apply to permanent, seasonal career, and seasonal DNR employees

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

• 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.

• 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 that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.