Many of the duties performed on these jobs require considerable physical exertion; working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, working long hours, and extended periods of time away from home. Duties include but may not be limited to the ability to carry up to 60 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk and/or climb. A work capacity test or “pack” test that measures the physical fitness of candidates is administered as part of the selection process. Candidates are required to pass at the “arduous” level for a firefighter crew member or natural resource worker position. Below is a chart describing what the work of a wildland firefighter may include:

Time/Work Volume:

• long hours (minimum of 8 hour shifts or more)
• irregular hours and days
• shift work
• multiple and consecutive assignments
• pace of work typically set by emergency situations
• living out of a backpack for 2 or more weeks

Physical Requirements:

• using shovels, Pulaskis, and other hand tools to construct fire lines
• lifting and loading boxes and equipment
• driving/riding for long hours
• flying in helicopters/fixed wing airplanes
• working both independently and in teams
• wearing PPE (hard hat, boots, eyewear, ear plugs, fire shelter, etc.)
• extensive walking, climbing, hiking, kneeling, stooping
• pulling hoses
• providing rescue or evacuation assistance

Environment:

• 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
• night time working with headlamps

Physical Exposures:

• light (bright sunshine, UV)
• burning materials
• extreme heat
• airborne particles
• smoke, fumes, gases
• falling rocks and trees
• allergens
• loud noises
• wildlife, insects, poisonous plants
• trucks and other large equipment
• close quarters, same people, limited/disrupted sleep
• hunger, irregular meals, dehydration

DNR provides fire crew members with required safety clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This clothing is expected to be worn during regular work hours and must be worn while firefighting. Crew members are required to wear lace-up boots with Vibram soles and constructed entirely of heavy leather that extends a minimum of 8 inches above the heel cup (inside of boot). DNR will reimburse (every three years) up to $270 (with original receipt) for the cost of pre-approved boots. Other clothing, such as rain-gear, coats, hats etc., must be provided by the individual.

Job training will be provided for all firefighter positions at DNR.  This training will take place at the agency’s fire academy.  The academy provides meals and lodging for all participants and has a duration of 7-14 days.

• Must be age 18 and possess a high school diploma or G.E.D at the time of hire.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.
• Must have an acceptable driving record free of serious traffic violations (for specifics see application form below).
• Ability to act promptly and use good judgment in emergencies, and deal tactfully  and professionally with the public.
• Must pass the DNR work capacity test or “Pack Test” during the selection process and prior to starting work.
• Ability to operate a manual transmission in a fire truck.
• Must complete and pass IS-700 and ICS-100 courses (see supplemental information below)

WILDLAND FIRE FIGHTER JOB DESCRIPTION 

• Prepare themselves for fire duty, maintain assigned equipment and vehicles for fire readiness.
• Safely respond to wildland fire to suppress and prevent them from spreading.
• Perform entry-level wildland fire duties including hand-line construction, water handling, general suppression and prevention activities or training.
• When not engaged in wildland fire preparedness and suppression, Wildland Firefighters will perform tasks such as thinning and pruning trees for forest health, fuels management and protection of wildlife; and maintain recreation sites, buildings, grounds, roads and equipment.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Wildland Firefighter is an entry-level position. Previous natural resource experience is not required.
• Upon hire, basic wildland fire training is provided.
• Certificate of completion for the I-100 and IS-700 courses (due on or before the WCT)

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous natural resource experience.
  • Experience and knowledge of safe chainsaw operation
• Previous firefighting experience.
  • Knowledge of wildland fire pre-suppression, suppression  tactics and fire behavior recognition
  • Experience with firefighting safety techniques, practices, terminology, equipment, fire weather, communications, maps/compass/GPS skills and situational awareness
  • Experience of water delivery hydraulics, equipment usage, pumps and tools
• Trained to a NWCG “Red Card” qualification level of Firefighter 2
• Efficient organizer and effective communicator, especially in stressful situations
• Training in the safe operation of 4-wheelers, off road vehicle operation

ENGINE LEADER / SQUAD BOSS JOB DESCRIPTION

• Generally perform a leadership role within a crew; and, candidates are required to have 3 months of previous natural resource work experience.  Engine Leader / Squad Boss duties may include:
• Supervising and/or leading crews on the fire line, fire suppression and prevention, operating and maintaining small motorized equipment, operating light or heavy trucks (e.g. 1-ton 4×4, 2-3 person fire engine).
• Marking and measuring timber, cutting brush on survey lines, leading small crews to maintain roads and recreation facilities, and operating and maintaining small hand and power tools.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must have three months of natural resource labor experience.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Three months firefighting experience.
• Current Red Card rating of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).
• Strong leadership skills.

FIRE FIGHTER – salary range is: $2,407 – $2,789 per month or $13.83 – $16.02 per hour.

ENGINE LEADER / SQUAD BOSS salary range is: $2,878 – $3,333 per month or $16.54 – $19.16 per hour, maximum salary, depending on time spent in the position.

• Overtime is paid at the rate of time and one-half in excess of 40 hours worked.
• For all hours worked under the Incident Command System, two dollars ($2.00) is added to an employee’s regular hourly rate of pay.
• Typical work is an 8-hour day, five days a week. Positions may require response during off-duty hours for emergency fire suppression needs.
• Returning agency employees may be eligible for health and dental coverage.

REQUIRED PRIOR TO INTERVIEWS BEING SCHEDULED:

For applicants meeting position qualifications and who may be considered for an interview, you will be required to provide a current Employment/Commercial driving record issued from every state you possessed a driver’s license in during the last three years. Details on how to obtain this record from Washington State can be found on the Department of Licensing website at: www.dol.wa.gov.  You will have two weeks (14 days) from the request date to provide the driving records. If you do not provide a copy of all driving records for the last three years within that two week period, your application will not be considered.  You may attach a current, 3 year driving abstract to this application.  

REQUIRED AT TIME OF INTERVIEW:

• A copy of your driver’s license

REQUIRED ON OR BEFORE THE WORK CAPACITY TESTING:

• Certificate of course completion for IS-700 and I-100. General information about these courses is included in this announcement.
• Completed Waiver and Release Form.
• Completed Health Screening Questionnaire (HSQ).

REQUIRED UPON HIRE: 

• Employees must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Firefighter Crew Member and Engine Leader / Squad Boss candidates (regardless of work experience with DNR) who receive a contingent employment offer, must provide copies of their certificates of completion for these two courses prior to or on the day of the work capacity testing. Failure to do so will disqualify candidates for employment in these positions. If you have previously taken and received credit by DNR for these courses, you will not have to retake the courses or submit a certificate of completion.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE WORK CAPACITY TEST (“PACK TEST”)

During the DNR Work Capacity Testing for wildland Firefighters and Engine Leader / Squad Boss, safety is of primary importance and concern. An element of safety is personal physical fitness and is important for co-worker safety, personal safety and health and for efficient fire line operations. The “Pack Test” is a work capacity test that measures aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. Firefighters and other various positions assigned arduous duty must be prepared to work in steep terrain; and in extreme temperatures, altitude, and smoke-while maintaining reserve work capacity to meet unforeseen emergencies.

Firefighter and Engine Leader / Squad Boss candidates must pass the arduous fitness level by completing a 3-mile hike with a 45lb pack in 45 minutes. The test is Pass/Fail only. Failure to pass will disqualify candidates for employment in these positions.

WORK CAPACITY TEST (“PACK TEST”) TRAINING

Prior to reporting for work, applicants are strongly encouraged to train for arduous level work capacity.  However, before you begin to train for testing or before substantially increasing your level of activity please review the health screening questionnaire (HSQ) and consult your health care provider if necessary.  You may contact DNR Recruiting at DNRRecruiting@dnr.wa.gov  for a copy of the HSQ.

For more specific information about DNR Uplands Regions and how to contact those regions, please visit http://www.dnr.wa.gov/about/dnr-regions-and-districts