Klickitat Assistant Fire Management Officer; AFMO), Wildland Fire Management Specialist; WFMSpec

Position Details

Position Title:

Klickitat Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO), Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec). Recruitment #: 2026-7-A070. Full‑time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA).

Location:

Southeast Region – Dallesport, WA. Salary: $4,517.00 – $6,075.00 monthly.

This role supports the Wildland Fire Protection Strategy and the Forest Health Strategic Plan for the Eastern Washington Area, helping meet suppression needs during the active fire season and advancing the 20‑year Forest Health Strategy.

• Plan and implement training for seasonal crews and interagency cooperators under guidance of the Unit Fire Management Officer.
• Instruct seasonal, permanent staff, and private contractors as appropriate.
• Assist in developing the Unit’s annual preparedness review and plan drills.
• Provide safety training and conduct safety meetings and after‑action reviews with seasonal staff.

• Supervise and oversee staff in fire suppression at the unit level.
• Act as Incident Commander for initial attack, generate transition plans, attend representative meetings, and draft turn‑back standards.
• Coordinate with other agencies for joint jurisdiction fires, establish unified command, and facilitate cooperation.
• Collaborate with agencies to coordinate suppression activities adjacent to the district, performing fieldwork as required.

• Supervise two Wildland Fire Management Supervisors, two Seasonal Engine Leads, and six Seasonal Firefighters in daily activities.
• Assign and direct seasonal positions in work activities, including training and regulatory duties.

• Lead crew in site fuels and fire effects data collection, assist with burn plan development, and support prescribed burn implementation.
• Support home ignition zone assessments and participate in community education and outreach events.
• Lead crew in non‑commercial thinning, slash abatement, project layout, tree marking, and GPS data collection; assist with timber sales and forest cruising.

• Ensure implementation of silvicultural burning programs consistent with smoke management and landowner rights.
• Deliver Region’s prevention plan, engaging the public and landowners to promote regulation and prevention messages.
• Reduce unwanted ignitions through public education and collaboration with partnering agencies.

• Act as Fire Management Officer in the manager’s absence.
• Assist in timber presale preparation and prescribed fire operations.
• Participate in unit ordering or receiving and distribution management of supplies and equipment.

• Certified NWCG Single Resource Boss and Incident Commander Type 5.
• Supervisory experience, including fire line supervision.
• Experience supporting higher‑level fire program managers in developing operational plans.
• Experience interpreting agreements and contracts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and PowerPoint.

• Create a positive work environment where staff are motivated.
• Encourage team unity through shared information and problem‑solving.
• Tailor communication to the needs and preferences of others.
• Maintain an open, approachable manner and treat others fairly.
• Respect others’ self‑confidence and dignity.
• Adhere to safety practices and avoid shortcuts that increase risk.
• Commit to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice.
• Perform duties consistently with applicable laws, regulations, and record‑retention requirements.

• Field and office duty: 30% office, 70% in isolated unimproved natural areas; traverse uneven terrain in all weather.
• Field travel up to 50%; frequent overnight travel for meetings, trainings, or fire assignments.
• Maintain an active INVF task book and pursue required qualifications.
• Pass an annual work capacity test at the required level.
• Hold a current valid driver’s license with at least two years of driving experience; no suspended or restricted licenses.

• Health insurance with employer contributions.
• Paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation days.
• Retirement plan contributions.
• Work/life balance and wellness programs.
• Employee resource groups focused on diversity and inclusion.
• Professional development and educational assistance.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal‑opportunity employer. We foster a working environment that respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, veterans, and all other identities are encouraged to apply.