Fire management officer (fmo), wildland fire mgmt unit mgr (wfmum)/wfm specialist in-training

Description

Fire Management Officer (FMO), Wildland Fire Mgmt Unit Mgr (WFMUM) / WFM Specialist In-Training Recruitment #2026-9-3036 Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA) Location: Southeast Region - East Wenatchee Relocation Compensation may be available and considered Salary: $4,517.00 - $6,708.00 Monthly Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 09/28/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within Southeast Region as Chelan Fire Unit Fire Management Officer (FMO). This position supports the agency mission by providing wildland fire management services to, and on behalf of, the public. This critical service protects public resources, natural resources, and public safety. Working collaboratively across jurisdictional boundaries and with engaged communities, we safeguard what we value. All of Washington is adapted and prepared, and our landscapes are healthy and resilient. We prevent wildland fire, use fire where allowable, and safely suppress unwanted fire. Washington’s forested landscapes are in an ecologically functioning and resilient condition and meet the economic and social needs of present and future generations.

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.

Duties Responsibilities:

• Coordinate Chelan Fire Unit Fire Protection and Suppression Program. Protects human life and natural resources on department protected lands while minimizing resource loss and fire costs as outlined in RCW 76.04.015,016.
• In an effort to reduce unwanted acres burned, places a high level of readiness and preparedness on safely and effectively attacking and rapidly suppressing new fire starts in the Chelan Fire Unit.
• Coordinates the unit’s pre-suppression availability agreements such as personnel and Dozer/Faller agreements with private contractors and WFD.
• Coordinates Forest Land Response Agreements (FLRA) with rural fire district partners for suppression availability.
• Implements interagency fire suppression agreements (IAA) for wildfire suppression on non-forested lands.
• Supervises 4 Wildland Fire Management Specialists (3 AFMO’s & 1 HC Superintendent) and is indirectly responsible for the supervision of 3 Wildland Fire Management Supervisors, 1 Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator, and up to 7 Engine Leaders, as well as up to 37 Seasonal Fire Fighters in daily activities including training, pre-suppression, suppression, and fire regulation enforcement.
• Sharing communications and information is critical to maintaining positive relationships with our partners. Regularly attends Fire Chief meetings, Co-op Groups, conference calls, and other agency meetings to maintain the highest level of interagency relationships.
• Take the lead role in delivering the Region’s Fire Regulation & Prevention Programs in the Chelan Fire Unit.
• Ensure the silvicultural burning program (RCW 76.04.205) (WAC 332-24-201,205,211,221) is implemented in a fashion that establishes consistency with the Smoke Management Plan in the Chelan Fire Unit.
• Lead staff to actively engage with the public and landowners to deliver the Region's Regulation and Prevention message.
• Participates in the CWPP planning process.

Performs other duties as assigned. May function as Acting Fire Operations District Manager in the DM’s absence. Attend required meetings and trainings; ensures a clean, safe, and secure work area for self and others. Responsible for maintaining, clearing, and keeping all assigned equipment and vehicle in good working order.

Qualifications

This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 3-24 month training plan. If you complete all elements of the training steps in less time, we may waive the remaining time required. Candidates will be considered as Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec) In-Training or Wildland Fire Management Unit Manager (WFMUM), depending on qualifications.

Required Qualifications:

You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec) In-Training (Salary range: $4,517 - $6,075 per month): Certified as a NWCG Single Resource Boss and Incident Commander Type 5. Supervisory experience. Experience in leases and contract negotiations.
• Wildland Fire Management Unit Manager (WFMUM) (Salary range: $4,980 - $6,708 per month): Wildland fire management experience. Minimum qualification at Task Force Leader / Strike Team Leader and Incident Commander Type 4 or higher. Two years of supervisory experience. Experience in leases and contract negotiations.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

Field and Office: Position’s assigned duty station is the Fire Unit work center. Work is performed in an office setting (up to 30%) and alone in isolated unimproved natural areas within the unit (up to 70%). The position must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Often required to work long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, holidays, day or night. These duties may involve fieldwork requiring physical performance calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning.

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.