Wildfire Training Program Manager

Statewide Fire Training Program Manager (WMS1)
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $86,784.00 – $101,208.00 Monthly
To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $86,784.00 – $106,548.00

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 5/2/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Wildfire Division is actively seeking a Statewide Fire Training Program Manager to work at a statewide scope and scale in the Plans and Information Section, overseeing both wildfire training administration and the academy program. The duty station is in the beautiful state capital of Olympia, Washington. Many outdoor activities come with living on the southern end of the Puget Sound: kayaking, sailing, paddle-boarding, hiking, running, and biking. The region surrounding Olympia has a warm-summer, Mediterranean climate and averages 50 inches of precipitation annually. The schools are paramount, and the artesian water is historic. This position is part of a team of eight. The Statewide Fire Training Program Manager is key to providing professional management over a growing program responsible for training up to 400 firefighters a year through the academy program and overseeing the continued training of all DNR employees involved in fire response. The duties of the position are in direct support of the agency’s wildfire protection system.

Responsibilities:

• Manages a staff of nine personnel; two are direct reports, and seven are indirect reports.
• Develops training and academy spending plans and recommends cost-saving measures and tracks expenditures to ensure spending aligns with the plan, including grant proposals; supports DNR lean business practices.
• Organizes, resources, and provides oversight for the state-wide training program for up to 1,600 DNR firefighting personnel, and training for those outside of DNR who participate in wildfire response or on fire teams; supports national and state standards, and the Washington State Wildland Fire Protection 10-year Strategic Plan.
• Performs as the state subject matter expert on all training activities, including administration, certification, and qualification; supports leadership responsibilities.
• Advises senior management on budget decision packages, courses of action, and risk management principles concerning all training and academy activities for the department.
• Evaluates and qualifies personnel within DNR and efficiently supports the department’s fire suppression program.
• Implements a training program necessary to continue a level of up to 250 ground and other National Guard resources when activated under the “Emergency Declaration” of the governor.

Required Qualifications: 

• A bachelor’s degree in a natural resource, training, or education field of study;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• 3 years of experience to include: leading teams, spending plan development and expenditure tracking, and developing training plans for personnel and programs.
• Intermediate writing skills to include manuals and procedures.
• Wildland fire suppression experience and NWCG qualified in any position above FFT1.
• Proficient in computer knowledge (Microsoft Office, project management software, IQS or other training certification management software, etc.).
• Experience leading and managing geographically dispersed operations-based organizations, including personnel, motorized equipment, facilities, and budgeting.
• Ability to multitask and respond appropriately and effectively to emergency and/or high-intensity situations.
• Ability to make safe and cost-effective decisions daily and work effectively with assigned personnel, Department/Regional Leadership, partners and cooperators, and vendors.