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 per month

• Manage all facets of the wildland fire management program in the assigned districts.
• Oversee three fire units, a permanent staff of 23 and seasonal staff of 88.
• Lead wildfire preparedness, prevention, and prescribed fire implementation.
• Represent the Department with cooperating agencies, the public, and other stakeholders.
• Address wildland fire impacts on natural resources and communities in high‑fire‑load environments.

• A bachelor’s degree in a natural resource or related natural science field and five (5) years of relevant experience; OR a combination of education and experience that is equivalent.
• Knowledge of public administration, business administration, budgeting, economics, and management principles.
• Knowledge of leadership principles.
• Northwest Forest Certification (NWCG) qualification as one or more of: ICT3, DIVS, ATGS, AOBD, FBAN, SOPL, OSCC, ICCI, SOFC, or PSCC.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to negotiate with diverse interest groups (agencies, tribes, environmental groups, private industry, local government, media, and the public).
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Ability to perform duties in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and public records requirements.
• Personal Accountability, Value Others, Compassionate Communication, Inspire Others, Commitment to Excellence.

• Twelve (12) years of wildland fire management and response experience.
• Experience managing budgets.
• Experience making public presentations.

• Apply online eers.wa.gov (click “APPLY”).
• Letter of Interest describing how your experience meets the required, desired, and special qualifications.
• Resume detailing your experience and qualifications.
• References are optional at submission; finalists will be asked to provide at least three current professional references.
• Do not attach documents with photos or private information (e.g., Social Security number, year of birth).
• Complete all supplemental questions in the online application.
• Applicants may be contacted via email by ; monitor your email and junk folder.

Email: DNRrecruiting.gov
Phone: 509‑899‑2376 (Wyatt Leighton)

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, veterans, military spouses, and individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plans; paid holidays; sick leave; vacation.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
• Access to employee resource groups, leadership development, and work‑life balance programs.