Jobs open: Wildland firefighters needed

Firefighters are constantly on the look out to stay save when they battle a wildfire. LCES – Lookout, Communication, Escape Route, Safety Zone. Photo DNR

Would you make a good firefighter? Do you know someone who would? DNR is looking for courageous, motivated men and women to join us in our efforts to protect 13 million acres of Washington lands from wildfire this upcoming summer.

The work of seasonal wildland firefighters is strenuous, yet rewarding. We provide the training, safety clothing and protective gear. You must bring enthusiasm and the ability to perform strenuous outdoor work, safely and productively. You must also be willing to accept direction and act responsibly.

Though important, these jobs are seasonal. You can typically expect to work three to four months beginning mid-June and ending in mid-September. However, you can be hired in early May and work through October. The experience and training that you take with you can form the foundation for a successful lifelong career in forestry and other natural resource professions.

Qualifications

• Must turn 18 years old at or before the time of hire (typically by May to mid-June)
• Must have a high school diploma or GED at or before time of hire (typically by May to mid-June)
• Must 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 buy lace-up boots with Vibram soles and constructed entirely of heavy leather that extends a minimum of 8 inches above the heel cup (inside of boot).DNR will reimburse (when deemed necessary) up to $270 (with original receipt) for the cost of pre-approved boots.

To apply

When you apply for this position, your application cannot be edited after it is sent, and you can only apply once a year. Therefore, it is important to meet all of the above qualifications before applying. The application that you fill out on DNR’s jobs webpage will ask questions on basic information, education, past work history, references and include a simple questionnaire.

Each of our regions has an independent application process. Be open to applying to all of the geographic regions. The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to be successful.

For tips on preparing for an interview, check out http://careers.wa.gov/onlineresources.html.

Learn more about firefighting with DNR at our website: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/FightingFire

DNR’s wildfire mission

Administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, DNR is the state’s largest on-call fire department, responsible for preventing and fighting wildfires on 13 million acres of private, state and tribal-owned forestlands in Washington. During fire season, DNR’s wildfire force includes more than 1,300 trained employees. DNR also participates in Washington’s coordinated interagency approach to firefighting.

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