Job Description

Posting number: 2026-7-A200-05930

Department: Dept. of Natural Resources

Job classification: EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Fire & EMS, Land Use, Natural Resources, Forestry

Work Hour flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4746.00 - $5506.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 07/27/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Northeast Region as a Wildland Fire Heavy Equipment Operator

Do you enjoy the challenge of wildland firefighting? Do you see yourself operating Heavy Equipment to fight fire across Washington’s most diverse geographic areas? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a bright, quick-thinking individual to fill the role of Initial Attack Heavy Equipment Operator in the East Zone of Northeast Region, based out of our Deer Park (Arcadia) location.

The East Zone of the Northeast Region is comprised of the North Columbia and Arcadia units and serves areas such as Colville, Kettle Falls, Chewelah, and the greater Spokane area. The East Zone is the most active zone in the state for fire response, averaging 400-450 fire starts per year. It is a dynamic area that contains a wide variety of terrain and fuel types, from fast-moving urban interface fires to remote timber fires. The Arcadia unit serves areas of Spokane, Pend Orielle and Lincoln counties.

Examples of duties

Responsibilities:
This position will be responsible for the safe and effective operation of Firefighting Bulldozers, Excavators, and Transport Trucks/Trailers. When not assigned to wildfires, Heavy Equipment Operators may act as support staff for Wildland Fire Managers, work as line qualified firefighters, help with Prescribed Fire preparation and implementation, and assist with other Forest Health related work.

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. It is important that you clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• Two (2) years minimum experience in operating dozers or excavators in a forested environment.
• Two (2) years minimum of documented experience operating Class A CDL rated transport equipment to include lowboy trailers, tilt bed trailers, tilt bed transport trucks, etc.

• Team Leadership -- Actively takes steps to build a cohesive and results-oriented team.
• Decisiveness -- Makes timely decisions even when data is limited or when solutions may produce unpleasant consequences. Under emergency or ambiguous circumstances, can produce an effective action plan on a timely basis.
• Tact and Diplomacy -- Responds to difficult, stressful or sensitive interpersonal situations in a way that reduces or minimizes potential conflict and maintains good working relationships among internal and external customers.
• 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.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence
    
    

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Position's assigned duty station is the Deer Park work center. The majority (85%) of work is in the field on wildfires or forest resiliency projects, requiring the ability to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. The position must be able to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• Day travel between wildfires, forest resiliency assignments and work center are frequent. Overnight travel for training and meetings may be required one to three times per year.
• A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). 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.
• Must complete and pass IS-700 and ICS-100 courses.
• Successful completion of Operator Safety Training including knowledge of standard fire orders, situations that shout watch out and LCES.
• Must pass the work capacity test at the level required for all NWCG qualified positions. At a minimum, must be able to pass the moderate work capacity test.
• Employee must possess a Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License with tank vehicle endorsement to be able to drive equipment.
• Pre-employment CDL verification, work history background check, and drug testing will be required as a condition of employment. This position may be subject to pre-employment, random, and reasonable suspicion drug testing.

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

• Fully qualified in multiple NWCG Single Resource Boss positions and ICT4 and maintain that level of certification.
• Proven ability in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, mobile navigation applications and Global Positioning technology.
• Three (3) or more years documented experience in operating dozers in a forested environment with wildland fire experience.
• Three (3) or more years of documented experience operating excavators, skid steers and wood processing equipment in a forested environment.
• Three (3) or more years of documented experience operating Class A CDL rated transport equipment to include lowboy trailers, tilt bed trailers, tilt bed transport trucks, etc.
• PM-310-1 rated Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB).
• Experience with:
  • Burn permit regulations
  • Fire regulatory and enforcement
  • Forest fire prevention
  • Fire investigation
  • Good writing and verbal communication skills
  • General forestry
  • Successful completion of S-236

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

Supplemental information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

• Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
• Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
• Email Communication: 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 these communications.

Questions? Please contact Daniel Stralser at Daniel.Stralser@dnr.wa.gov (509) 675-2586 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

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.

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 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 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 DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as social security numbers. 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 with 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.

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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

WordPress