Spillman Unit AFMO, Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec)

Position Overview

Spillman Unit AFMO, Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec) – Recruitment #2026-1-6573.
Salary: $4,299.00 - $5,783.00 Monthly
Location: South Puget Sound Region – Belfair, WA
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA). Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available.
Relocation Compensation: may be available and considered.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity in the South Puget Region as an Assistant Fire Management Officer.
As the Spillman Assistant Fire Management Officer, you will oversee fire suppression staffing—supervising 2 permanent fire techs and 18 seasonal staff members—while supporting community fire prevention, resiliency, preparedness, training, suppression, and regulatory efforts. In coordination with regional DNR staff, local fire departments, and state and federal agencies, you will help build a safe, innovative, and high-standard fire program. The Spillman Unit, nestled in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains with scenic access to natural landscapes and recreational amenities, offers a unique work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Implementing the fire unit operations plan.
• Developing permanent staff to lead critical positions in the suppression program and planning seasonal hiring.
• Planning and developing annual fire training for unit employees.
• Collaborating with the FMO, Division, and agency partners to develop and implement Wildfire Ready Neighbors, Firewise, and Fire Adapted Community Programs.
• Working within cooperative agreements with other agencies to support mutual aid for training and suppression activities.
• Coordinating and maintaining the unit’s state-owned equipment inventory system.
• Participating in wildland fire suppression assignments in the region and beyond.
• Serving as an incident commander on Type 3, 4, and 5 wildland fires within the unit and region.
• Writing and reviewing incident reports, narratives, and investigation reports.
• Assigning and implementing fire prevention activities to promote fire safety awareness.
• Implementing the fire unit’s regulatory program.
• Providing reviews of unit Forest Fire Protection Assessments (FFPA) as directed by the FMO.
• Consistently considering the Risk Management Process in high-pressure and fast-paced situations.

Required Qualifications

• Any NWCG Single Resource Boss qualification.
• Incident Commander Type 5.
• Supervisory experience, which may include fire line supervision.
• Experience assisting higher-level fire program managers in developing and implementing operational plans.
• Experience interpreting agreements and contracts.
• Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to foster team unity, adapt communication to diverse needs, and create a positive and safe work environment.
• Commitment to following safe work practices and avoiding shortcuts that increase risks.
• Maintaining an open, approachable manner and treating others fairly and respectfully.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and public records requirements.
• DNR Core Competencies: Personal Accountability, Value Others, Compassionate Communication, Inspire Others, Commitment to Excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Qualified as NWCG Strike Team Leader OR holding any two Single Resource Boss qualifications OR having two years’ experience as a Single Resource Boss.
• Incident Commander Type 4.
• Associate degree or higher in Fire Science, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
• Commitment to continual learning and adaptation to technological advances.
• Ability to evaluate others’ skills and effectively address training needs.
• Facilitative skills for resolving group issues and empowering employees to create an effective workforce.
• A focus on situational awareness, communication, teamwork, task allocation, and decision-making within established procedures.

Benefits & Perks

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness.
• Strong work/life balance.
• Access to DNR Employee Resource Groups (including Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.).
• Participation in statewide Employee Business Resource Groups.
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees.
• Professional development and educational/career advancement opportunities.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility.
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments.
• A comprehensive benefits package including employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.