• Function within a team environment to accomplish overall ecological fire management activities including: planning; fuels inventory and area layout; preparation of tools and equipment; preparation of burn units, such as establishing fuel breaks/line construction; implementation of firing techniques using firing devices; patrolling and mop up assignments. Maintain ecological function of natural systems for the benefit of fisheries and wildlife habitat. Provide for employee and public safety while implementing assigned work projects.
• Ability to operate various types of equipment such as 4-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV & UTV), chainsaws and hand tools in a safe and efficient manner. Ability to provide equipment maintenance and repair to a fire ready condition, including hand tools, chainsaws, water delivery pumps and vehicles. Ability to organize and track inventories of fire line equipment for accountability of equipment and costs.
• Participate in forest thinning operations to reduce and maintain stand densities. Ability to conduct miscellaneous wildlife area duties as assigned during non-fire periods such as visitor signage replacement, repair construction, assistance with planting of food plots, weed control, fence construction and maintenance, etc.
• Ability to provide basic pre- and post-burn monitoring such as fuels inventories and vegetation surveys. This data is required for creating burn plans and monitoring prescribed burn goals and objectives (first and second order fire effects)

Education: Graduation from high school or a GED and three months of natural resource related labor experience.

• Minimum experience of one year working on prescribed fire or wildland fire suppression assignments.
• NWCG Qualified as a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2).
• Must be capable of passing the Work Capacity Test at the Arduous Level (walking with a 45-pound pack, 3 miles in 45 minutes or less).
• Must hold a valid State Driver’s License at time of hire.
• Must be 18 years old at time of employment.

Key Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of fire dependent habitat management objectives.
• Understanding of current associated agency policies, procedures, and rules.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others in preparing and implementing Rx burns.
• Ability to navigate using gps, maps, aerial photos, compass, orthos, radio.
• Ability to traverse unit boundaries and accurately create a map.
• Proficient computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, with aptitude for learning new software programs.

Behavioral competencies:

• Creative and innovative thinking.
• Professional communications.
• Organizational and political awareness.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• Accountability.
• Leadership.
• Ethics and integrity.
• Dependability.

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Training in Portable Pumps and Water Use (S-211).
• Career oriented toward fire ecology/science and achieving resource management objectives using fire.
• First-aid/CPR certification or similar certification such as first responder.
• Experienced leadership, e.g., experience as squad boss or crew boss.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with prescribed burning, preparation and implementation.
• Possess good listening and speaking skills, with the goal of positive interactions with public and interagency resources.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Analytical and observational skills to detect and assess problems in field settings, and ability to develop practical solutions to those problems.
• Experience with the operation and maintenance of essential equipment used in Rx burn or wildland firefighting operations.
• Understanding of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife – Lands Division policies and procedures
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles in field situations including snow.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

• Currently certified at FFT2 under the National Wildfire Coordinating Group specifications and standards having received the following training: Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighter Training (S-130), Advanced Firefighter (S-131), Look Up, Look Down, Look Around (S-133).

Working Conditions
Position is a combination of field and office work.  The incumbent must be capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and be willing to work alone and traverse steep, uneven terrain in all weather conditions. The employee is expected to spend their time working in the field under sometimes difficult conditions.  Weather conditions can vary from freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and terrain is steep and rocky.  Other hazards include poisonous reptiles, insects and plants.
 
The incumbent will be leading and working closely with other Prescribed Fire Team members for extended periods of time. Good leadership and exceptional people skills are essential to success of this position and the Prescribed Fire Team.
 
The incumbent must be able to drive a vehicle on primitive roads during all weather conditions in 4-wheel drive trucks, an ATV or UTV. The incumbent utilizes agency radio equipment and/or cell phone for communication in the field. Office duties require use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g. desks, files, cabinets, computers, telephones, fax machines, copy machines, etc.). Field duties require frequent use of GPS, topographic maps, aerial photos, compass, clinometer and chain.  Field duties also require use of hand and motor-driven cutting equipment such as hand tools and chainsaws.
 
How to Apply:
To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)
• A current resume (please make it succinct)
• Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)

Please note:  Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or in lieu of attaching your documents to the online profile.
 
Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirming e-mail.  You will then be notified via e-mail of your status during the process.  In addition to the e-mail notifications, you can check the status of your application at any time by visiting your online profile at www.careers.wa.gov.  Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we ask your understanding and encourage you to use the online process and avoid calling for information.   
 
Please note that initial screening will be solely based on the completeness of application materials submitted and the contents and completeness of the “work experience” section of your application in NeoGov. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application may disqualify you from consideration for employment in this position. All information will be verified and documentation may be required.
 
The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.