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

Ahtanum-Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML) Recruitment #2026-9-A005
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Location: Southeast Region- Yakima, WA
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.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within the Southeast Region in Yakima, WA. Do you enjoy the challenge of wildland firefighting? Do you see yourself being a part of a 20 Person Initial Attack Handcrew and traveling across Washington's most diverse geographic region? DNR is looking for bright, quick-thinking, motivated individuals to fill the role of Ahtanum-Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML).

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 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 oversite 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.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
Must pass a work capacity test annually at the arduous level as required by NWCG.
Position assigned duty station is the Ahtanum 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.
Position requires a large amount of travel (up to 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.

Application Requirements:
Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (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.

Requirements: Knowledge of wildland fire suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition, Certified as a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type 1, current valid driver's license with two years driving experience, able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions, pass annual work capacity test at arduous level, bachelor's or associate's degree in Fire Science/Natural Resource preferred, NWCG Single Resource Boss-Crew Boss or higher preferred, NWCG Incident Commander Type 4 or higher preferred

Salary: $45,924.00 - $61,332.00 Annually

Application Deadline: 2026-11-08