South Zone Fire Operations District Manager, Natural Resource Specialist ; NRS

South Zone Fire Operations District Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 6 (NRS6)

Recruitment #2026-1-7870
Full‑time, Permanent, Represented position

Location:

Southeast Region – Clarkson, Ellensburg, Naches, or Dallesport, WA
Salary: $6,735.00 – $9,065.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/13/26. 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 Southeast Region as an Operations District Manager. Are you passionate about wildland fire, leading a diverse team, and addressing wildland fire impacts on natural resources and communities through thoughtful preparedness and prevention? Do you value prescribed fire as a tool to improve forest conditions and mitigate fuel loading?

If so, this position offers you all of those challenges.

This position is responsible for all facets of the wildland fire management program within the assigned districts. It oversees three fire units with a total permanent staff of 23 and a seasonal staff of 88. The role manages wildfire preparedness, prevention, and prescribed fire implementation. The district has a high fire load within wildland and wildland‑urban interface environments. The manager represents the Department with cooperating agencies and the public.

• A bachelor's degree in a natural resource field or a related natural sciences field AND 5 years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of public administration, business administration, budgeting, economics, and management.
• Knowledge of leadership principles.
• NWCG qualified as one or more of the following: ICT3, DIVS, ATGS, AOBD, FBAN, SOPL, OSCC, ICCI, SOFC, or PSCC.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to negotiate with diverse interest groups such as other agencies, tribes, environmental groups, private industry, local government, media, and the general public.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, public records retention, and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Work 50% office/telework and 50% field. Field conditions require working in inclement weather and mountainous terrain.
• Frequent travel up to 21 days.
• Valid driver’s license, two years of driving experience, and a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted. Driving is an essential function. Finalists will provide a driving record from all states held within the past three years.

• 12 years of wildland fire management and response experience.
• Ability to manage budgets.
• Experience making public presentations.

• Apply online eers.wa.gov (click the APPLY button).
• Letter of interest describing specific qualifications and the required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume detailing experience and qualifications.
• References are optional alists will provide at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
• Do not attach documents with photos or private information (e.g., Social Security number, year of birth).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Potential candidates will be contacted via email at  with interview information and scheduling instructions.

Questions? Contact Wyatt Leighton ghton.gov or 509‑899‑2376; or email DNRrecruiting.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process may call 360‑522‑2500 or email DNRrecruiting.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service (7‑1‑1 or 1‑800‑833‑6384).

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, 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 status by logging into your account. For technical difficulties, call 360‑664‑1960 or 1‑877‑664‑1960 or email Careers Help.gov.