Summer Wildland Firefighter Engine Leader

2026 SUMMER WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER ENGINE LEADER

Full-time, Exempt, Non-represented positions

Salary: $4,185.00 – $4,778.00 Monthly

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

What to Expect as a DNR Engine Leader:

• The Engine Leader performs a leadership role within a crew. Candidates are required to have 3 months of previous natural resource work experience. Engine Leader duties may include:
  • Supervising and/or leading crews on the fire line, fire suppression and prevention, operating and maintaining small motorized equipment, and operating light or heavy trucks (e.g., 1-ton 4×4, 400 gal., 3-4 person fire engine).
  • Marking and measuring timber, cutting brush on survey lines, leading small crews to maintain roads and recreation facilities, and operating and maintaining small hand and power tools.
• Prepare for fire duty, and maintain assigned equipment and vehicles for fire readiness.
• Safely respond to wildland fires to suppress and prevent them from spreading.
• Perform entry-level wildland fire duties, including hand-line construction, water handling, general suppression, and prevention activities or training.
• When not engaged in wildland fire preparedness and suppression, Engine Leaders and crew will perform tasks such as thinning and pruning trees for watersheds, protecting wildlife, and maintaining recreation sites, buildings, grounds, roads, and equipment.
• Many of the duties performed on these jobs require considerable physical exertion, working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, working long hours, and extended periods away from home. Duties include, but may not be limited to, the ability to carry up to 60 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb.

Required Qualifications: 

• Must be 18 years of age or older by your available hire date.
• Engine Leaders are required to have a basic fundamental understanding of the Wildland Fire Management activities, including Fire Suppression, Mitigation, and Prevention. This knowledge and skill sets are achieved through successful demonstration and practical experience working for one or more fire years as Wildland Firefighters. Additionally, a fundamental understanding of wildland firefighting strategy and risk management is required to look out for the safety of fire responders and the public.
• Certified as NWCG FFT2.
• Engine Leaders lead a module of crew members on day-to-day activities to be prepared for and during wildland fire response.  This requires the competencies related to being able to effectively communicate with supervisors and lead subordinates in wildland fire organizations.
• Ability to act promptly, use good judgment in day-to-day activities and emergencies, and deal tactfully with the public and interagency partners.
• Must pass the DNR work capacity test or “Pack Test” during the selection process and before starting work. The “Pack Test” is a work capacity test that measures aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and muscular endurance (45lbs, 3 miles within 45 minutes), as well as pass an Annual Refresher (RT-130).
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence
• Employees must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States upon hire.