Description

Wildland Fire and Forest Health Specialist, Wildland Fire Operations Technician 2
Recruitment #2022-10-7821
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Southeast Region- Dallesport, WA

CLOSING DATE EXTENDED! Review of applications is ongoing. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time. It is in the applicant’s best interest to apply as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Do you enjoy the challenge of leading wildland firefighters and making a difference in forest health and fire prevention? Do you see yourself being part of an initial attack unit in some of Washington’s most diverse geographic regions? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is looking for a skilled, quick-thinking individual to fill the role of the Wildfire and Forest Health Specialist (WFOT2) in the Klickitat Fire Unit. This position is perfect for those that enjoy hazard-risk mitigation, wildland fire leadership, working towards making a difference in the overall forest health picture in Washington, and working in a dynamic team environment or working alone.

Duties

Responsibilities:
This position serves several important roles for the agency; providing support for the Wildland Fire Protection Strategy and the Forest Health Strategic Plan for EWA. The position helps meet wildland fire suppression needs and associated activities supporting suppression efforts during the active fire season; primary function during active fire season will be serving as an engine leader. Additionally, this position plays a key role in meeting the state’s forest health deliverables, primarily in support of the 20-year Forest Health Strategy.

Major Job duties include:

• Using the Risk Management Process in high pressure situations to make sound and timely decisions
• Commitment to safety and adherence to agency policies
• Making recommendations in regards to seasonal firefighter recruitment strategies and hiring
• Supervision of seasonal firefighters
• Serve in the Assistant Fire Unit Manager role in their absence
• Work independently to structure forest health work and meet deadlines
• Assist Service Forester with project layout and assessment.
• Prescribed fire support
• Assist with Community Resilience projects.
• Communicating hazard risk assessments with members of the public and agency partners
• Serve as the face of the agency in interactions with the public regarding wildland fire and forest health
• Assist with instruction of NWCG courses
• Train and mentor firefighters both formally and informally
• Building strong working relationships with interagency partners
• Fostering teamwork
• Building rapport with the public
• Working in extreme outdoor conditions

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel.
• Proven ability in computer applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, and Global Positioning Systems.
• Certified as any NWCG Single Resource Boss- or the ability to obtain certification within 12 months.
• Good writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with the public, sometimes under stressful conditions.
• Ability to act promptly and use good judgement in emergencies.
• Knowledge and/or experience of:
  • DNR Burn Permit Regulations
  • Smoke Management
  • Regulatory Education
  • Fire Regulation and Enforcement
  • Fire Prevention Programs
  • Fire Investigation
  • Fire Suppression
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Conditions of Employment:

• The fire suppression and prescribed fire work is strenuous outdoor work in all weather conditions. Must be able to traverse uneven and mountainous terrain e.g. very steep terrain; rocky, loose, or muddy ground surfaces; thick vegetation; down/standing trees; wet leaves/grass; varied climates (cold, hot, wet, dry, humid, snow, rain; high altitudes; heights; holes and drop offs; very rough roads; open bodies of water; isolated/remote sites. Might need to work in close quarters, with limited/disrupted sleep.
• This position will be assigned an agency vehicle. Position requires significant driving and field visits within geographic assigned area.
• Must complete and pass IS-700 and ICS-100 courses.
• Must pass the DNR work capacity test or "Pack Test" at the arduous level prior to starting work and annually thereafter.
• Must be 18 years of age at time of hire and possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must have a valid 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. Must have an acceptable driving record free of serious traffic violations.
• Employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to complete their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines (be fully vaccinated against COVID-19) or be approved for a medical or religious exemption and accommodation as a condition of employment. Please note, any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status or having an approved medical or religious exemption and accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved exemption and accommodation. “Fully vaccinated” means the following: An employee is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax) or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson (J&J)/Janssen) authorized for emergency use, licensed, or otherwise approved by the FDA or listed for emergency use, or otherwise approved by the World Health Organization.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Bachelors or Associates Degree from an accredited institution in a Fire Science, Natural Resource, or related field.
• Hold multiple single resource boss qualifications and/or Incident Commander Type 4, Strike Team Leader/Task Force Leader, and Wildland Fire Investigator.
• Knowledge of and experience with:
  • Prescribed Fire Operations
  • Burn Plan Writing
  • GIS
  • Fire Effects and Fuel Load Monitoring

Supplemental Information

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. 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.
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 Core Values:

• 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.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those 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 benefit 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.

Application Requirements:

• 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 to be considered for the position.
• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Complete all supplemental questions.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

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.

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

Questions? Please contact Jordan Wilson at jordan.wilson@dnr.wa.gov, 509-856-5567 email or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

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.