Assistant Wildland Fire Management Officer

North Unit – Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO), Wildland Fire Management Specialist (WFMSpec)
Location: Pacific Cascade Region – Menlo or Chehalis, WA
Work Hour flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,517.00 – $6,075.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/14/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:

• Plans and implements wildland fire training for seasonal crews and interagency cooperators.
• Supervises 3 seasonal engine crews and 1 engine supervisor or heavy equipment operator.
• Assists with developing the Unit’s annual preparedness review. Plans and prepares drills and training exercises on a regular basis for seasonal staff.
• Ensures safe working practices are followed.
• Tracks crew training and ensures position task books are completed accurately.
• Assists in developing an operations plan for the fire unit based on fire suppression and preparedness program deliverables.
• Recommends seasonal fire staffing levels, analyzes training needs required to meet Incident Command System and appropriate NWCG position qualification and readiness levels.
• Develops and implements annual project work plans for staff. Coordinates work plan activities with other program managers and specialists.
• Suppression duties in the local unit can vary from acting as initial attack Incident Commander (IC), generating transition plans to incoming IC’s or teams, attending Agency Representative meetings, or drafting and inspecting turnback standards.
• Establishes Unified Command and works cooperatively with other fire protection authorities when working on joint jurisdiction fires. Works closely with other agencies and/or management teams in coordinating fire suppression activities in and adjacent to the district.
• Reviews and authors initial incident reports, fire situation narratives, investigation, and accomplishment reports.
• Often required to work long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, day or night. These duties may involve fieldwork requiring physical performance calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning.
• Participate in statewide fire suppression activities.
• Assist with providing supervision and oversight for staff in fire suppression at the unit level.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience.  Please clearly communicate in your Application materials that your skills align with the position and qualifications. 

• Any Single Resource Boss qualification.
• Certified NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 or higher.
• 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.
• Experience in computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, Word, and PowerPoint.

Required Competencies: 

• Encourages team unity through sharing information or expertise, working together to solve problems, and putting team success first.
• Accustomed to tailoring communication to the needs and preferences of others.
• Creates a positive work environment where all staff are motivated to do their best.
• Safely performs work at all times. Avoids shortcuts that increase health and safety risks to self or others.
• Maintains an open, approachable manner and treats others fairly and respectfully.
• Preserves others’ self-confidence and dignity and shows regard for their opinions.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.

Desired Qualifications:
These qualifications are not required. However, they can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application materials.

• Qualified as NWCG Strike Team Leader;
  OR has any two Single Resource Boss qualifications;
  OR 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 adaptation to technology advances.
• Skills in evaluating others’ abilities and assessing training needs.
• Facilitative skills to work with groups of people to solve issues.
• Ability to empower employees to create an effective workforce.
• Ability to increase effectiveness by focusing on situational awareness, communication skills, teamwork, task allocation, and decision-making within a framework of standard operating procedures.