Job Description

Senior Wildland Fire Investigator, Natural Resource Investigator Recruitment #2025-4-5682 Full-time, Permanent, Represented position Location: Northeast Region - Colville, WA Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered Salary: $4,410.00 - $5,929.00 Monthly Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 05/01/2025. 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 with our Wildland Fire Investigations Program within our Law Enforcement Division as a Senior Wildland Fire Investigator . Responsibilities: Duty: Senior Wildland Fire Investigator for Northeast Region Tasks include: Conducts and/or directs wildland fire investigations primarily within the Northeast Region with an emphasis on complex or suspicious fires, within DNR’s jurisdiction. Gathers and preserves evidence, interviews witnesses or other involved parties, develops and maintains case files, testifies at hearings and in courts of law, and provides depositions. Determines if a wildland fire was criminally or negligently caused and coordinates with the Wildfire Investigations Manager for further action. Prepares written reports documenting a summary of case findings and conclusions, as well as cost recovery recommendations as necessary. Provides consultation and strategic planning with Wildfire Investigations Manager, DNR’s region management, and, as applicable, the litigation/prosecution team in case strategy before and throughout civil and criminal proceedings. Assists with criminal investigations when directed by local law enforcement and/or DNR law enforcement, including but not limited to developing and maintaining case information, applying for search warrants and subpoenas, securing and analyzing evidence, obtaining witness statements, and assisting in preparing affidavits supporting criminal charges. Assists government prosecutors during investigation and trial when applicable. Serves as an unarmed Senior Wildland Fire Investigator of wildland fires as a branch of the Law Enforcement program and may assist in investigating wildland fire-related criminal violations on lands protected by DNR to determine origin and cause. Determines criminal liability and cost recovery. Assists law enforcement in the enforcement of criminal fire laws for forest protection of the state (under RCW 76.04) and as regulated under WAC 332-24 for the protection of the public, department personnel, and department property and resources. Assists law enforcement in preparing and applying for search warrants, and/or other legal processes as necessary. May assist, in a limited capacity, in serving search warrants. Remains current on relative statutory changes and federal/state court decisions that affect the wildland fire investigations and forest protection. Liaison between the region management and law enforcement and investigative agencies. Duty: Northeast Region subject matter expert (SME) in origin and cause determination investigations Tasks include: Serves as the subject matter expert for the Northeast Region in conducting origin and cause determination investigations for forest and other fires. Provides origin and cause determinations to Wildland fire analysts and assists with preventative planning measures. Oversees complex civil investigations, providing effective case management through case supervision, managing the collection, retention, and dissemination of wildland fire origin, cause, and suppression cost recovery information for wildland fires for the region and statewide, as applicable. Determines caseload priorities and provides information critical to the prosecution of civil wildland fire-related cases held in district, superior, or other courts. Serves as an SME on multi-jurisdictional wildland fire task forces as requested. Oversees the collection, handling, preservation, and submission of evidence for analysis per DNR’s evidence policies and procedures. Lead investigator over regional wildland fire investigators, ensuring compliance with existing forest protection laws, court rules, agency standards, policies, and procedures related to wildland fire investigations, and cost recovery. Reviews, evaluates, and inspects work performed by other DNR regional wildland fire investigators and provides feedback as necessary. Provides recommendations on the development of policies, procedures, controls, and training programs pertaining to investigation activities. Assists the Region’s cost recovery Fiscal Analysts (Accountants) in the collection of negligent and/or criminal-caused fire costs. Duty: Provides Wildland Fire Investigation Training Tasks include: Assists Wildfire Investigations Manager in providing Wildland Fire Origin & Cause Determination (FI-210) training to both DNR and cooperating interagency personnel selected to be wildland fire investigators. Training is provided for fire investigators at various levels with a focus on fostering teamwork among participants. Evaluates training needs to ensure that the DNR’s regional wildland fire investigators are adequately trained to perform all functions of fire investigations and makes recommendations to Law Enforcement Division Management as needed. Assists in planning, selecting, preparing, coordinating, and implementing the FI-210 training for qualified and in-training investigators and other agency personnel regarding wildland fire incident investigations and basic fire-related laws. Recruits investigators to build a substantial and sustainable wildland fire investigation program. Duty: Other Duties as Assigned Tasks include: Complete tasks as assigned by the supervisor or appointing authority (Chief of Law Enforcement). Required Qualifications: Three (3) years’ experience investigating the origin and cause of wildland fires, including cost recovery efforts and establishing reports; OR Three (3) years’ experience as a lead investigator or detective with a law enforcement agency that includes criminal prosecution and the authority to independently plan and conduct investigations in civil and criminal cases. Experience in the principles, methods, and techniques of wildland fire investigations, civil investigations, public relations, court rules and proceedings, and evidence collection handling and storage. Excellent organizational and communication skills (verbal and written). Ability to think independently and creatively solve complex problems. 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: The position works primarily in remote field locations with steep, uneven, heavily canopied terrain in above-normal temperatures. This position is a statewide resource with an assigned area of primary responsibility. Due to the area of responsibility, there is a need for overnight stays for both efficiency and safety reasons. Must be able and willing to conduct extended wildland fire investigations relating to wildland fire incidents in remote areas. A valid, unrestricted driver’s license and 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. Must complete both Wildland Fire Observations and Origin Scene Protection for First Responders (FI-110) and Wildland Fire Origin & Cause Determination (FI-210) Training within 12 months of hire. Must complete and attain DNR certification of the Wildland Fire Investigator Task Book (INVF) and thereafter maintain INVF certification by completing DNR’s annual wildland fire investigator re-certification training. Must successfully pass DNR’s work capacity test for INVF series at the “light” level annually. Must successfully pass a complete background check before hire to include an in-depth background review, due to the sensitive and confidential nature of this position. Desired Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with a major in Natural Resource Science, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Fire Science, or a closely related field. Expert Witness as a Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Investigator. Successful completion of Basic Wildland Origin and Cause Investigator (FI-210) training or its equivalent. Knowledge and/or experience working under DNR’s Incident Command System. Knowledge of the arson task force format for the wildland fire investigation program. Ability to collaborate and negotiate with diverse community partners and DNR management. Ability to mentor and develop staff capabilities. Application Requirements: Apply online at (Click on the APPLY button above). Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements. Resume: that details your experience and qualifications. References: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. 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. Questions? Please contact John McDonald at john.mcdonald@dnr.wa.gov / (509) 998-2814 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 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 . 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 before 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 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington

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