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Wildland Fire Technician – Forest Tech

Salary
$32,616.00 – $43,344.00 Annually
Location
Spokane County – Other, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Permanent
Department
Dept. of Natural Resources
Job Number
2018-04-4445-04225
Closing
5/2/2018 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
An image without description
Service, Science, Sustainability
Under the leadership of the Commissioner of Public Lands, our work at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is done with the public’s interest in mind, which means transparency and public knowledge.  Our decisions are guided by sound science as we manage state trust lands, native ecosystems and natural resources. We support the vision of a sustainable future by protecting and managing the natural resources so future generations will have them.

DNR manages over 5 million acres of state-owned land that includes forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. We generate revenue that supports public schools, state institutions and county services. But managing lands is only half of our story. We also protect other public resources such as fish, wildlife, water, and provide public access to outdoor recreation. Two of our largest and most important state-wide resource protection responsibilities are fire prevention and suppression, and overseeing forest practices.

The DNR has an annual operating budget of approximately $245 million and has over 1300 permanent employees with approximately 500 additional staff hired during the summer fire season.

We have some of the most talented people in the industry.  We honor diversity in the workplace and support one another with respect and trust.  We invite you to learn more about our culture, our careers, and why some of the top forestry and natural science professionals have joined Washington DNR by visiting our DNR website.

Duties
Wildland Fire Technician
Forest Technician
Recruitment # 2018-04-4445-04225

SALARY RANGE:

$2,718 – $3,612 per month

TYPE OF POSITION:       

Permanent, Full-time position. This position is represented by the WPEA.
Important Note:   Once appointed to this position the incumbent will be required to pay union dues or other representation fees within the first 30 days of employment.

LOCATION:                       

Deer Park, Washington

CLOSES:

May 2, 2018
Note:  Recruitment may be extended after May 2, 2018, depending on the quantity and quality of the application pool.

POSITION PROFILE:

Under the direction of the Fire Control Unit, the Fire Technician position has great influence on the quality, image and message delivered to the general public of Washington State.  This position works closely with stakeholders and other agencies, and plays a leadership role in fire suppression activities.  The majority of the duties will include administering and approving burn permits, interpreting/applying fire regulations and IFPL restrictions, conducting wildland fire investigations, and fire suppression.  This position will act as a Wildland Fire Investigator regularly.  The Fire Technician will work closely with fire suppression resources to suppress and prevent the spread of wildland fire.  Other duties will include but are not limited to being a lead and/or instructor for NWCG fire courses for wildland fire training, leading and participating in wildland fire prevention activities.

The WADNR Arcadia District is responsible for wildfire suppression, prevention and regulation in all or parts of four counties (Spokane, Pend Oreille, Stevens and Lincoln) including one hundred thousand acres of state trust land and Fish and Wildlife Refuge lands. The Arcadia District, in a typical year conducts initial attack on approximately 230 wildfire incidents, processes approximately 400 burn permits request and provides numerous training courses with local cooperators. A large part of the Arcadia district is located in the Wildland Urban Interface of the greater Spokane area.  Interagency cooperation occurs on the vast majority of fires and  in most  fire training courses within the Arcadia District. This interagency cooperation includes working with local fire districts, State and Federal partners and is an important function of this position. The Arcadia district contains diverse fuel types that range from agriculture/shrub steppe, to dry ponderosa pine and hemlock/sub-alpine fir forest.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • NWCG qualified as Fire Fighter Type 1 and Incident Commander Type 5
  • Must pass arduous level physical fitness “pack” test annually
  • Knowledge of  and experience with firefighting techniques, practices, terminology, equipment and other resources for wildland fire management including support needs, communications, safety precautions.
  • Knowledge of fire and aviation weather technology, weather’s effect on various fuel types, knowledge of weather as it influences fire behavior.
  • Knowledge of Department of Natural Resources wildland fire regulatory practices, and burn permit processes.
  • Ability to use MS Office software.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to develop and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships both internally and externally.
  • Ability to professionally represent the agency with the public and all partners.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • NWCG qualification as a Single Resource Boss
  • NWCG qualified as Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)
  • NWCG qualified as Task Force Leader and ICT4
  • Maintains currency in fire regulation training
  • Completed FEMA ICS courses 100, 200, 700, 800.
  • Skilled in supervision, leadership and management of people.

SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
  • The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function.  Employees who drive for state business, whether in a state or privately-owned vehicle, are required to possess a valid license as defined in policy PO02-006 and abide by all other driver responsibility requirements.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or G.E.D. at time of hire.
Supplemental Information
WHO MAY APPLY
This recruitment is open to anyone who meets the required qualifications for this position.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above)
  • You must submit the following:
    • Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
    • Attach your Resume – do not add it into the text of the application, it must be an attachment.
    • The names of three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
  • Carefully review your application materials before submitting.
  • You may not reapply for this posting for 30 days.

Application Status – once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account.  Finalists for the position will be contacted by the hiring managers directly.

Note: Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record issued from all states in which they have held a license during the past 3 years.

Questions?  Please contact Randall ‘Jason’ Cirksena at phone number (509) 710-8129/randall.cirksena@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

By submitting the application materials you are indicating that all information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.  You understand that the state may verify information and that untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from applicant pool or dismissal if employed.
This announcement is published by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  The DNR is an equal opportunity employer.  Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1097.  DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TTY) by dialing 711.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:

HOLIDAY
DATE
New Year’s Day
January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day
Third Monday in February
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day
December 25
Personal Holiday
Employee’s selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

 
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
01
Are you NWCG qualified as Fire Fighter Type 1 and Incident Commander Type 5?

  • Yes
  • No
02
Briefly describe your knowledge of and experience with firefighting techniques, practices, terminology, equipment and other resources for wildland fire management including support needs, communications, safety precautions:
03
Do you have a valid driver’s license and at least two years of driving experience?

  • Yes
  • No
04
Where did you originally hear about this job (i.e. friend, newspaper, careers.wa.gov, specific job board website)?

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact