DNR Hiring Seasonal Firefighters, 30 Full-Time Positions

OLYMPIA, WA — The Department of Natural Resources is looking for men and women to fill 30 new, permanent positions in wildland firefighting alongside several seasonal openings. The full-time jobs are for leadership roles and require previous experience. Responsibilities include fighting wildfires in the summer, and leading forest restoration and fire prevention work in the off-season. Other tasks include prescribed burns and performing wildfire risk assessments for homes and communities.

DNR said jobs are available across the state and pay up to $53,904 per year. Applications for the full-time positions are due by December 1.

Qualifications (Full-Time):

• Fully qualified to be a single resource boss, such as a heavy equipment boss, firing boss, crew boss, helicopter crew boss, felling boss or engine boss
• Experience supervising or leading wildland firefighting personnel
• Knowledge of burn permit and fire regulations, smoke management, fire prevention programs, fire investigation and fire suppression
• Can meet the arduous level physical fitness standard: walking 3 miles in 45 minutes while carrying a 45 pound pack
• The ability to work with the public, sometimes under stressful situations
• A high school diploma or equivalent
• A valid driver’s license, 3 years driving experience, and a driving record free of serious traffic violations

Apart from the supervisory roles, DNR is hiring for several seasonal wildland firefighting positions with no experience required. Applicants must be able to perform strenuous outdoor work and be willing to take direction. DNR said seasonal jobs generally last three to four months, beginning in mid-June and ending in mid-September. The positions pay up to $2,977 per month, and the application window is open until Spring.

Qualifications (Seasonal):

• 18 years old when hired (typically mid-June)
• Have a high school diploma or GEDwhen hired (typically mid-June)
• Have a valid driver’s license, 2 years of driving experience and an acceptable driving record with no serious traffic violations. We cannot accept the following:
  • License suspension/revocation due to reckless driving, hit and run, leaving an accident scene, failure to appear, DUI or other vehicle-related felony
  • More than 3 moving violations in the past 12 months
  • More than 4 moving violations in the past 24 months
• Able to operate a manual transmission
• Able to buy regulation boots for $250 – $350 (reimbursed up to $350 with a receipt after purchase)

Those seeking temporary positions can apply online until April 1. DNR will only accept one application per year. Applicants interested in permanent, full-time positions must apply by December 1.

Learn more about DNR's wildfire division.