The Washington state Department of Natural Resources is recruiting wildland firefighters for this summer to perform pre-suppression and suppression related activities as a member of a hand crew or wildland fire engine crew.
Applicants must be 18 years old before, have a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license with two years of driving experience, an acceptable record with no serious traffic felonies and pass a criminal background check.
Individuals must be willing and capable of performing strenuous outdoor work safely and productively, as well as accepting direction and acting responsibly. The duration of the position is generally 3-5 months depending on the geographic location and intensity of the fire season.
Work typically begins mid-June through mid-September, though there is a possibility that the season could start as early as May and ending as late as October.
Many of the duties performed on this require working long hours outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions. Duties include but may not be limited to the ability to carry up to 45 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk and/or climb. A work capacity test or “pack” test that measures the physical fitness of candidates is administered as part of the selection process. Applicants are required to pass at the arduous level for a firefighter or natural resource worker position.
Job training will be provided for all firefighter positions at DNR. This training will 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.
DNR provides crew members with required safety clothing and protective equipment. Crew members are required to wear Vibram soles and constructed entirely of heavy leather that extends a minimum of 8 inches above the heel cup. The department will reimburse up to $270, with original receipt, for the cost of boots.
Visit the DNR’s jobs website to complete the application. Each of the department’s six regions has an independent application process and applicants are encouraged to apply at all locations.
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