2026 olympic region summer wildland firefighter engine leader - Bay View

2026 OLYMPIC REGION SUMMER WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER ENGINE LEADER · Recruitment # EL-OLYMPIC · Full-time, Exempt, Non-represented positions · Salary: · $4, $4,778.00 Monthly · Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment ...

Job description

2026 OLYMPIC REGION SUMMER WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER ENGINE LEADER

Recruitment # EL-OLYMPIC

Full-time, Exempt, Non-represented positions


Salary:
$4, $4,778.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The fire season is quickly approaching The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is searching for hardworking, dedicated, responsible, and reliable team members to join our Wildland Fire Engine Crews as Engine Leaders in the Olympic Region.

As an Engine Leader, you will help lead our engine crews in performing pre-suppression and suppression-related activities.

Firefighting is hard work and requires long hours and time away from home.

You must be willing and capable of performing strenuous outdoor work safely and productively while leading a team of 3-4 engine crew members.

Working for the DNR as an Engine Leader is extremely rewarding.

You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other fire professionals, including area fire districts, federal and other state partners, giving you exposure to various learning opportunities, agency operations, and the ability to build cohesive relationships across Washington State.

You will experience a different level of collaboration within the DNR, offering a lifetime worth of skills for your future career path.

This opportunity and the training gained can form the foundation for a successful career in forestry and other natural resource professions.

The duration of these positions is generally 3-6 months, with work beginning as early as May and ending in late September (note: the season has the potential to begin as early as April and run as late as October).

Upon hire, wildland fire training is provided. This training will usually take place at the agency's fire academy. The academy provides meals and lodging for all participants and has a duration of 7-14 days.

Duties

What To Expect As a DNR Engine Leader

The Engine Leader performs a leadership role within a crew. Candidates are required to have 3 months of previous natural resource work experience.


Engine Leader duties may include:

Supervising and/or leading crews on the fire line, fire suppression and prevention, operating and maintaining small motorized equipment, and operating light or heavy trucks (e.g., 1-ton 4x4, 400 gal., 3-4 person fire engine).

Marking and measuring timber, cutting brush on survey lines, leading small crews to maintain roads and recreation facilities, and operating and maintaining small hand and power tools.

Prepare for fire duty, and maintain assigned equipment and vehicles for fire readiness.
Safely respond to wildland fires to suppress and prevent them from spreading.
Perform entry-level wildland fire duties, including hand-line construction, water handling, general suppression, and prevention activities or training.

When not engaged in wildland fire preparedness and suppression, Engine Leaders and crew will perform tasks such as thinning and pruning trees for watersheds, protecting wildlife, and maintaining recreation sites, buildings, grounds, roads, and equipment.

Many of the duties performed on these jobs require considerable physical exertion, working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, working long hours, and extended periods away from home.

Duties include, but may not be limited to, the ability to carry up to 60 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb.

Qualifications


Required Qualifications:
Must be 18 years of age or older by your available hire date.

Engine Leaders are required to have a basic fundamental understanding of the Wildland Fire Management activities, including Fire Suppression, Mitigation, and Prevention.

The knowledge and skill sets are achieved through successful demonstration and practical experience working for one or more fire years as Wildland Firefighters.

Additionally, a fundamental understanding of wildland firefighting strategy and risk management is required to look out for the safety of fire responders and the public.

Certified as NWCG FFT2.

Engine Leaders lead a module of crew members on day-to-day activities to be prepared for and during wildland fire response.

This requires the competencies related to being able to effectively communicate with supervisors and lead subordinates in wildland fire organizations.

Ability to act promptly, use good judgment in day-to-day activities and emergencies, and deal tactfully with the public and interagency partners.

Must pass the DNR work capacity test or "Pack Test" during the selection process and before starting work.

The "Pack Test" is a work capacity test that measures aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and muscular endurance (45lbs, 3 miles within 45 minutes), as well as passing an Annual Refresher (RT-130).

DNR Core Competencies:
Personal Accountability
Value Others
Compassionate Communication
Inspire Others
Commitment to Excellence
Employees must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States upon hire.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
A valid driver's license and two years of driving experience.

Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices).

This position requires driving as an essential function.

Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past two years.

Duties involve field work in hazardous environments on fires, requiring physical performance calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning. Ability to carry up to 60 lbs., run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb while working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions
A typical workday is an 8-hour day, five days a week. Positions require response during off-duty hours for emergency fire suppression needs. This may include working long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, day or night when performing suppression duties.
Requires a large majority of time in the field, traveling between fire assignments and fire training.

The position requires frequent overnight travel and extended work assignments, generally 14 days in length with infrequent travel up to 21 days.

Field duties require the use of hand tools, power tools, GPS, topographic maps, a compass, and an iPad. Must be able to carry appropriate wildland fire tools on field assignments, as needed, to conduct assigned tasks. Day-to-day responsibilities require the ability to safely operate pickup trucks and larger Type 5 Wildland Fire Engines.


Desired Qualifications:
NWCG Qualification of Firefighter Type 1, Incident Commander Type 5, and Engine Boss
U.S. Passport
A high school diploma or equivalent at the time of hire.

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements

To be considered, you must apply online at (Click on the APPLY button above).
Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
References are optional at the time your application is submitted.

Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.

If selected for an interview, you will be required to:

Provide a current Employment Driving Record from each state where you have held a driver's license within the last two years.

Details on how to obtain this record from Washington State can be found on the Department of Licensing website at

Before reporting to the Pack Test, you will be required to turn in a completed Waiver and Release Form and a completed Health Screening Questionnaire (HSQ).

Applicants are strongly encouraged to train for the arduous-level work capacity test.

However, before you begin to train for testing or before substantially increasing your level of activity, please review the health screening questionnaire (HSQ) and consult your health care provider if necessary.

You may contact DNR Recruiting at for a copy of the HSQ.


Work Locations:

The Olympic Region includes 371,000 acres of state-managed lands across Clallam, Jefferson, and the northwest portion of Grays Harbor -lands spanning stunning Pacific Ocean beaches to rainforest valleys, East to the Hood Canal, including the Olympic Experimental State Forest.

Housing may be provided based on availability at our Forks and Port Angeles locations.


Forks location:
Accepting applications.


Port Angeles location:
Accepting applications.


Aberdeen location:
This location is no longer accepting applications.

Questions? Please contact Felipe Barragan at or Rob Anderson at

For more specific information about DNR Uplands Regions and how to contact those regions, please visit

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs economically and socially for current and future generations.

At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington's lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.

With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural, and aquatic lands.

Additional Information

Questions? Email us at

Persons requiring accommodation in the application/testing process, or in this job announcement, in an alternative format may call or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran's preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service.

Please black out your Social Security number before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service

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 of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application/testing process, or in this job announcement, in an alternative format may call or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at or email

More than Just a Paycheck

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket.

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package.

We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:
If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.

Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.

The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).

This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note:

Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis.

Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours.

Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month.

Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis.

Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position.

Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC

Note:

Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so.

However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave.

In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated

01

Please briefly describe why you are interested in joining our Summer Wildland Fire Program and what you hope to gain from this experience.

02

Please describe your leadership experience (military, teams, clubs, crews, supervision, etc.). If you do not have this experience, please type N/A in the text box below.

03

Please describe your knowledge and experience working and/or living in Olympic Region area. The Olympic Region includes the counties of Clallam, Jefferson, and the northwest portion of Grays Harbor. If you do not have this knowledge and experience, please type N/A in the text box below.

04

Will you be 18 years of age or older by your available hire date or no later than June 15 (typical hire dates range from May 1-June 15)?

Yes
No

05

Are you currently qualified as an NWCG Firefighter 2?

Yes
No

06

Do you have a driver's license with a minimum of two years of driving experience?

Yes
No

07

Within the past 2 years have you had any suspension/revocation of license for reckless driving, hit and run, leaving an accident scene, failure to appear, DUI, or other vehicle related felony?

Yes
No

08

Have you had more than 3 moving violations in the past 12 months?

Yes
No

09

Have you had more than 4 moving violations in the past 24 months?

Yes
No

10

Are you willing to work on uneven terrain in ALL weather conditions, including extreme heat, rain, snow, etc?

Yes
No

11

Have you ever been employed as a wildland firefighter by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources?

Yes
No

12

How many years of experience do you have as a wildland firefighter? If you do not possess this experience, please type N/A in the text box below.

13

Do you have a current red card for wildland firefighting? If yes, who issued the red card and when does it expire? If you do not possess a current red card for wildland firefighting, please type N/A in the text box below.

14

Do you have a current 1st Aid/CPR and/or EMT/Paramedic certification? If yes, who issued your certification(s) and when do they expire? If you do not have these certifications, please type N/A in the text box below.

15

List any relevant certifications you currently maintain. Or type N/A.

16

List any relevant certifications you are currently working towards. Or type N/A.

17

Please explain any other training and/or experience you may have that is relevant to the position for which you are applying? Or type N/A.

18

Please provide the date you are available to start full time work schedule and when you will need to return to other obligations after the fire season?

19

Olympic Region has 3 options for work units (listed below), please check only the TOP (1) location that you would be available to work.

Port Angeles/Port Townsend
Forks
Aberdeen/Hoquiam- This location is no longer accepting applications.

20

If you are available and interested in multiple locations listed in the above question, please rank them in order of preference below.

21

Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States?

Yes
No
Unsure

22

Where did you hear about this job posting?

WA WorkSource office or

Monster
Indeed
Zip Recruiter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
College/university website/career fair
Handshake
Newspaper
Direct Email Notification
Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups (BRG)
Professional/Personal Network
Job Board
Job Fair
Other (please specify below)

23

If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.

Required Question