Air Resource Specialist, Wildland Fire Program Coordinator 1 (Wfpc1)

Air Resource Specialist, Wildland Fire Program Coordinator 1 (WFPC1)

Recruitment #2024-5-A381/A382

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position

Location flexibility may be available and considered: Olympia, WA.

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $5,088.00 - $6,838.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Wildland Fire Management Division. We are seeking TWO Air Resource Specialists to expand the Plans and Predictive Services Section! These positions will work on a team with Washington DNR's two wildfire and smoke meteorologists to administer the Washington Smoke Management Plan and advance wildfire smoke science in the state. You will be responsible for prescribed burn smoke decision-making, prescribed burn coordination, community outreach, ambient air quality monitoring, and wildfire smoke forecasting. We are seeking candidates with excellent communication skills and a team-focused mentality to enhance environmental justice, protect public health, and foster sustainable ecosystems within Washington. Additionally, you are encouraged to get actively involved in wildfire operations by pursuing and maintaining incident qualifications such as Air Resource Advisor.

The Smoke Management Program is currently responsible for administering the Washington Smoke Management Plan (SMP) by coordinating all silvicultural burning within the state. The program is expanding its responsibilities by adding dedicated smoke forecasters (YOU), developing a deployable air quality monitoring program, and performing research to advance the science of smoke forecasting. You will frequently work with federal partners (National Weather Service/US Forest Service/EPA), state partners (Department of Health, Department of Ecology), and numerous local partners to advance public health and safety in Washington.Responsibilities:

Applies knowledge of fire behavior, weather, topography, community smoke acceptance, and forest health restoration needs in a collaborative and consultative capacity with the goal of maximizing forest burning that can occur within Clean Air Act compliance.

Through interagency coordination, establishes best practices for producing and disseminating wildfire and prescribed fire smoke information to the public.

Coordinates with agency partners on the installation and deployment of air monitors ahead of or during smoke events that result in poor air quality.

Provides support to the Fire Regulation Program and Fire Training Programs.Required Qualifications: 

• A bachelor's degree in a natural resource-related field and two years of experience with wildland fire,

OR An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.

• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.

• Knowledge of air quality policy in Washington and from the EPA, and experience applying environmental quality rules/guidelines.

• The ability to work with diverse and competing interest groups to accomplish agency program goals, ability to plan and prioritize workload to meet work deadlines with minimal direct supervision.

• Understanding of forest rules, prescribed burning, and basic wildland fire calculations (fuel loading, fuel consumption, smoke production and dispersion, etc.).

• DNR Core Competencies:

• Personal Accountability

• Value Others

• Compassionate Communication

• Inspire Others

• Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• 80% Office, 20% field which includes providing and attending trainings and meetings offsite as well as visits to burns and active wildfire incidents. When in the field, the incumbent must work in uneven, unstable footing, often in mountainous terrain, while working alone.

• Infrequent travel to field sites, training locations, and conferences 10-20% of days.

• A valid unrestricted driver's license and have two years of driving experience. 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 three years.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with programming languages, geospatial applications, or scientific/social research.

• The ability to work toward and maintain qualifications as a fire investigator, FBAN, Air Resource Advisor, or other ICS specialty.

• Bachelor's degree in meteorology and/or atmospheric science.

• Additional Behavioral Competencies

• Customer Focus

• Relationship building

• Communications effectiveness

• Tact and diplomacy

Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position

• If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don't hesitate to apply! Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).

• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.

• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.

• References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers- you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.

• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).

• Complete all supplemental questions.

• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Questions?  Please contact Matthew Dehr at matthew.dehr@dnr.wa.gov 360-529-6541 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

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.

Our Vision

- Our actions ensure a future where Washington's lands, waters, and communities thrive.

Our Mission

- Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being

• Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.

• Public Service

• We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.

• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving

• We solve our state's most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.

• Leadership and Teamwork

• We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness

• Work/life balance

• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women's Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)

• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more

• Leadership that empowers and supports employees

• Professional development opportunities

• Educational and career development aid

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional Information:

This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

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

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 prior to 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 needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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 (855) 524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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