Description
Arcadia Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO), Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec)
Recruitment #2026-2-3195
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Location: Northeast Region- Deer Park, WA
Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,299.00 - $5,783.00 Monthly
CLOSING DATE EXTENDED! Review of applications is ongoing.
We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment anytime after 2/26/26. 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 our Northeast Region as an
Assistant Fire Management Officer – Suppression (Wildland Fire Management Specialist).
The Arcadia Assistant Fire Management Officer – Suppression is one of two primary supervisors for the Arcadia District’s seasonal firefighting team. Under the direction of the Fire Management Officer, the Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO) will have great influence on the quality, image, and message delivered to the general public of Washington State. This position works closely with partners and other agencies, and is a primary leadership role in fire suppression activities.
The Arcadia district contains diverse fuel types that range from agriculture/shrub, steppe/dry ponderosa pine to hemlock/subalpine fir forests. The 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. The Arcadia District conducts suppression actions on approximately 300 fire starts annually and provides training courses to our 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 majority of the wildland fires and in most fire training courses in the Arcadia District. Interagency cooperation includes working with local fire districts, state and federal partners, and is a key function of the position.
Duties
Responsibilities
The AFMO position will include a variety of job duties, including but not limited to being a lead and/or unit instructor for NWCG fire courses for wildland fire training, as well as leading and participating in wildland fire prevention activities and informational outreach events. This position will be responsible for reviewing seasonal firefighter applications, hiring, onboarding, training, and general supervision of approximately 24 seasonal firefighters. Each member of Arcadia Fire Control is also expected to participate in Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determinations, which involves field investigation and in-office report writing.
The Arcadia District is a fast-paced and complex work environment that requires team members who will work within the team goals and dynamics to be successful.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
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NWCG Qualifications: Any Single Resource Boss qualification and NWCG Incident Commander Type 5.
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Supervisory experience, which may include fire line supervision.
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Experience assisting higher-level fire program managers in developing and implementing operational plans.
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Experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, Word, and PowerPoint.
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Experience in interpreting agreements and contracts.
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Effective written and verbal communication skills.
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Encourages team unity through sharing information or expertise, working together to solve problems, and putting team success first.
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Accustomed to tailoring communication to the needs and preferences of others.
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Creates a positive work environment where all staff are motivated to do their best.
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Safely performs work at all times. Avoids shortcuts that increase health and safety risks to self or others.
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Maintains an open, approachable manner and treats others fairly and respectfully.
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Preserves others' self-confidence and dignity, showing respect for their opinions and perspectives.
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Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
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Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
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DNR Core Competencies:
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Personal Accountability
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Value Others
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Compassionate Communication
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Inspire Others
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Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
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Must annually pass the Work Capacity Test at the arduous level.
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Field and Office: Position’s assigned duty station is the Deer Park Work Center. Work is performed in an office setting (30%) and alone in isolated, unimproved natural areas within the unit (70%). Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
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Position requires travel (50%) to the field for project work, fires, supervision, and attending meetings or various trainings. Frequent overnight travel is required for trainings, meetings, and fire assignments.
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A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). 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.
Desired Qualifications:
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An associate's degree in Fire Science, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
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Five years of wildland firefighting experience with at least one year of experience leading wildland firefighters.
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NWCG Qualifications: NWCG Task Force Leader and/or Strike Team Leader, Incident Commander Type 4, Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2), and NWCG Wildland Fire Investigator.
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Commitment to continual learning and adaptation to technological advances.
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Skills in evaluating others’ abilities and assessing training needs.
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Facilitative skills to work with groups of people to solve issues.
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position.
At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. We are invested in acquiring the best and most innovative candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. It is important you consider and clearly communicate within your application materials how your education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience transfer to this position and the qualifications. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please contact us at
DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Don’t hesitate to apply!
Supplemental Information
Application Requirements:
Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact
DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
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Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
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Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
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Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
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References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
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Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).
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Complete all supplemental questions.
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Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.
Questions?
Please contact Daryl Schie at
Daryl.Schie@dnr.wa.gov/509-680-8093 or email us at
DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email
DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
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.
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
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Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
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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.
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Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
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Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:
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Commitment to organizational health and wellness
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Work/life balance
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DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
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Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
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Leadership that empowers and supports employees
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Professional development opportunities
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Educational and career development aid
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
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Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
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A comprehensive benefits package 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.
Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit
www.uscis.gov.
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 before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State 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 with 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.
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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email
CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.
Check us out on:
DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress
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. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring 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 (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note:
If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their 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. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
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.
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.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note:
Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information
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Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note:
Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt
employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
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Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.
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Please describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.
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Are you certified as a NWCG Single Resource Boss and Incident Commander Type 5?
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Do you have supervisory experience, which may include fire line supervision?
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Do you have experience assisting higher-level fire program managers in developing and implementing operational plans?
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Do you have experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, Word, and PowerPoint?
07
Do you have experience in interpreting agreements and contracts?
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Do you have a valid driver's license and at least two years of driving experience?
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Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States?
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Where did you originally hear about this job posting?
- www.dnr.wa.gov
- www.careers.wa.gov
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WA WorkSource office or WorkSourceWA.com
- Governmentjobs.com
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Monster
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Indeed
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LinkedIn
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Twitter
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College/university website/career fair
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Handshake
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Newspaper
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Direct Email Notification
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Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups (BRG)
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Professional/Personal Network
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Job Board
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Job Fair
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Zip Recruiter
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Diversity Jobs
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Facebook
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Other (please specify below)
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If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.