Spillman Unit AFMO, Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec)

Position Overview

Spillman Unit AFMO, Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec) – Recruitment #2026-1-6573. Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA). Location: South Puget Sound Region- Belfair, WA. Salary: $4,299.00 - $5,783.00 Monthly. Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 2/2/26, so it is in your best interest to apply soon. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity in our South Puget Region as an Assistant Fire Management Officer. You will join as the Spillman Assistant Fire Management Officer responsible for fire suppression staffing, supervising 2 permanent fire techs and 18 seasonal staff members, and supporting community fire prevention, resiliency, preparedness, training, suppression and regulation. This role involves close coordination with regional DNR staff, fire departments, and other state and federal agencies while upholding Wildland Core Values of Duty, Respect, and Integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Implementing fire unit operations plan
• Developing permanent staff to lead critical positions in the suppression program and developing seasonal hiring plans
• Planning and developing annual fire training plans for unit employees
• Working with the FMO, Division, and other agency partners to develop and implement Wildfire Ready Neighbors, Firewise, and Fire Adapted Community Programs
• Cooperating 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 both regionally and out-of-region
• 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 unit fire prevention activities to promote fire safety awareness
• Implementing the fire unit’s regulatory program
• Providing required reviews of unit Forest Fire Protection Assessments (FFPA) as directed by the FMO
• Consistently applying the Risk Management Process in high-pressure or fast-paced situations to ensure sound and timely decisions

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 in interpreting agreements and contracts
• Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, Word, and PowerPoint
• Ability to foster team unity by sharing information, solving problems collaboratively, and prioritizing team success
• Excellent communication skills tailored to diverse audiences
• Commitment to creating a positive work environment where all staff are motivated to perform at their best
• A strong safety mindset that avoids shortcuts and minimizes health and safety risks
• Maintaining an open, approachable manner and treating others fairly and respectfully
• Dedication to preserving others’ self-confidence and dignity
• Commitment to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices
• Adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and record retention policies
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Preferred Qualifications

• Qualified as NWCG Strike Team Leader OR possessing 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 adapting to technological advances
• Skills in evaluating abilities and assessing training needs
• Facilitative skills for working with groups to solve issues
• Ability to empower employees and build an effective workforce
• Capacity to enhance effectiveness through situational awareness, strong communication, effective teamwork, proper task allocation, and decisive action within standard operating procedures

Benefits & Perks

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (including Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council; Women’s Employee Resource Group; Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package with employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. For more information, visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html