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

Dallesport-Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML) - Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA). Location: Southeast Region- Dallesport, WA. Relocation Compensation may be available and considered.

Do you enjoy the challenge of wildland firefighting? Do you see yourself helping to lead a 20-Person Initial Attack Handcrew while working in Washington's most diverse geographic region? DNR is looking for a bright, quick-thinking, motivated individual to fill the role of our Hand Crew Squad Boss, Wildland Fire Management Lead (WFML).

Duties and Responsibilities:

Community Resilience and Fuels Management: Prescribed Fire Support – Leads crew 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 - Leads crew 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 crew to conduct non-commercial thinning and slash abatement, project layout, and compliance in coordination with State Lands and Landowner Assistance staff.

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 Fireline supervision of the hand crew, which responds to grass, brush, and forest fires and is 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 such as Incident Commander Type 4 and 5, Task Force Leader, air-to-ground contact, single resource boss, firefighter, timekeeper, or public relations contact. These duties involve field work requiring physical performance, calling for above average endurance and superior conditioning.

Preparedness: Under the guidance of the Crew Superintendent and Crew Foreman, plans and implements training for seasonal crews and interagency cooperators. Instructs training for seasonal and permanent staff, interagency cooperators, and private contractors as appropriate. Ensures safe working practices are followed and holds regular safety meetings and After-Action Reviews with the seasonal staff.

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. Assists crew with guidance on various position task books, training records, and evaluations. Assists in conducting Fire Unit training and participates as instructor or lead at the Statewide Fire Training Academies.

Special Requirements: Must pass a work capacity test annually at the arduous level as required by NWCG. 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%). Position requires a large amount of travel (up to 50%). A current, valid driver's license and two years of driving experience required.

Requirements: Knowledge of wildland fire suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition, NWCG Firefighter Type 1 certification, valid driver's license with 2+ years driving experience, annual work capacity test at arduous level, ability to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions

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

Application Deadline: 2026-11-08