Wildfire Investigations Manager, (WMS2)

Description Wildfire Investigations Manager, (WMS2) Recruitment #2024-9-A418 Full-time, Washington Management Service (WMS2), Non-represented position Location flexibility: Northeast Region, Northwest Region, Olympic Region, Pacific Cascade Region, South Puget Sound Region, or Southeast Region Salary: $93,012.00 - $108,492.00 Annually To allow for growth and salary progression the full salary range is: $93,012.00 - $114,192.00 Annually Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/9/24. 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 Wildfire Investigations Program, Law Enforcement Division. The Wildfire Investigations Manager is responsible for managing, leading, and directing DNR's statewide wildfire investigation program and supporting fire cost recovery in accordance with authorities provided in Chapter 76.04 RCW. This position reports directly to the Deputy Chief Law Enforcement Officer and is part of the DNR Natural Resources law enforcement division. Forest protection is one of DNR's core duties authorized by the state legislature (Chapters 76.04, 76.06, and 76.09 RCW). DNR is responsible for protecting about 12.7 million acres of private and state land from wildfire. This position is responsible for DNR's statewide wildfire investigation program, enforcement of forest protection laws and rules, and leading DNR's fire cost recovery efforts. The overall goal of this program is to contribute to DNR's objective of providing effective and efficient fire protection by reducing the number of human-caused wildfires. This position is responsible for: fire investigation program strategic and tactical planning; establishing program objectives; establishing agency policy, procedures, and other appropriate guidance directed at ensuring consistent, effective fire investigations; ensuring that program staff are properly trained; supervising and mentoring assigned natural resource investigator staff; serving as the agency's principal expert on wildfire investigation; and meeting high standards of performance and conduct. This position has direct line authority over three natural resource Senior Wildland Fire Investigators (SWFI) and works closely with region management to train and direct fire investigation actions of regional positions that have fire investigation duties assigned as a part of their position responsibilities and others that carry out these responsibilities on an on-call basis. This position works independently and leads teams and/or task forces. This position is distinguished by the depth of knowledge and expert-level experience in wildfire fire origin and causes investigation and cost recovery efforts that far exceed that of the typical wildland fire investigator. Duties Responsibilities: Responsible for DNR's statewide fire investigation program including, but not limited to, strategic and tactical planning, and establishment of program objectives. monitoring implementation results, providing statewide managerial oversight, and determining statewide fire investigation caseload priorities. Ensures that statewide investigation/cost recovery databases are updated and accurate. Wildfire Investigation: Serves as the agency's principal expert on wildfire investigations; Serves as top technical resource for field-based wildfire investigation personnel, executive managers, and local, state, and federal community partners. Identifies and coordinates agency personnel to perform wildfire investigations. Consults with and provides guidance and recommendations to agency staff, field personnel, and agency wildfire investigators. Leads and/or serves on wildfire investigation task forces/teams. Coordinates agency wildfire investigation actions with other local, state, federal, and tribal agencies. Serves as a technical expert and witness on cases before courts and other decision-makers. Reviews and evaluates the work products of agency wildfire investigators for adequacy and compliance with agency requirements and recommends corrective actions or changes needed. Collect evidence, write reports, partner with commissioned law enforcement to create and advise on creating and filing search warrants for criminal and civil fire investigations, testify in criminal and civil court attend administrative hearings, and collaborate with local, county, state, and federal agencies in areas of joint jurisdiction or for special cases. Supervises the seizure and forfeiture of all property. Ensures evidence-holding facilities are available and meet current legally accepted standards for evidence protection. Serves as agency Liaison of the Wildfire Investigation Program for various local, State, and Federal Fire Authorities and Law Enforcement agencies, including USFS Law Enforcement, US Bureau of Land Management, and local tribal law enforcement in their geographic area of responsibility. Criminal Prosecution: Provides direction and guidance to agency fire investigators to ensure enforcement of forest protection laws and rules. Provides advice to field staff and works directly with local law enforcement, local fire agencies, and county prosecuting attorneys regarding potential criminal prosecution of fires suspected to be caused by arson, reckless burning, and other criminal violations of RCW Title 76.04 (Forest Protection). This includes the collection of facts; comprehensive analysis of facts of the case; potential suspect evaluation; assisting in the development of an overall investigative strategy for the case; acting as agency lead to ensure that the investigative strategy is implemented; and development of information critical to preparation and ultimate prosecution of the criminal case in Superior Court. Fire Cost Recovery: Serves as DNR’s expert and top technical resource for the fire cost recovery process. Administers and coordinates statewide fire cost recovery activities carried out by assigned staff and region staff for fires costing less than $100,000. As appropriate, works with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office (AGO) to recover costs from fires costing in excess of $100,000. Review input from assigned staff and region staff and evaluate the adequacy of the work. Interprets and evaluates agency investigation reports to determine potential effects and risks of various possible legal courses of action. Works in collaboration with the AGO to develop strategy and recommended courses of agency action for subsequent fire cost recovery actions. Initiates cost recovery billings and needed follow-up actions. Provides expert advice to DNR management. Establishes agency policy, procedures, and other appropriate guidance directed at ensuring consistent, effective fire investigations. Manages statewide fire investigation personnel (Senior Wildfire Investigators (SWFIs); provides a full range of supervisory functions. Develops individual work plans, monitors activity evaluates employee performance, provides career and performance counseling, and recommends corrective disciplinary action as necessary. Develop assigned area work plans for SWFI’s; review and approve all SWFI investigative reports for compliance with NWCG standards and mentor as needed. Conducts regular meetings to prepare work assignments and ensure coverage in geographic areas. Coordinates all fire investigation activities statewide. Tracks all fire investigations to ensure successful prosecution or cost recovery. Monitors/evaluates and oversees the Wildland Fire Investigator Budget (PI-380) and projects future budgetary needs. Ensures that program staff are properly trained; plans, coordinates, and instructs FI-210 fire investigation training program to DNR personnel as well as to allied local, state, and federal partners. Develops and maintains training course curriculum, and annually reviews training course material to ensure it is achieving intended results. Conducts fire investigations on complex cases and leads investigations that may transcend region boundaries and/or involve the coordination of multiple investigative contacts throughout the state and where beneficial for training/mentoring less-experienced fire investigators. Coordinates and reviews statewide resource management recommendations and responds to region or agency requests for information and project assistance. Initiate and/or participate in public outreach and education activities. Conducts annual evidence audits and inspections for fire evidence facilities. Provides regular reports to the Deputy Chief on performance measures as well as various work-related issues and accomplishments related to the agency’s strategic plan. Prepares legal services requests seeking programmatic advice or advice specific to individual incidents. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications Required Qualifications: Ten (10) years' experience in fire behavior and wildfire investigations (closely related qualifying education may be substituted for the required experience on a year-by-year basis). Three (3) years' experience investigating the cause and origin 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. Five (5) years' experience supervising professional-level staff. Experience in the principals, methods, and techniques of wildland fire investigations, civil investigations, public relations, court rules and proceedings, and evidence collection handling and storage. Committed to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices. Performs assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention. DNR Core Competencies: Personal Accountability Value Others Compassionate Communication Inspire Others Commitment to Excellence Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment: Must attain DNR certification as a wildland fire investigator (INVF) within 12 months of hire, and thereafter maintain INVF certification by completing DNR's annual wildland fire investigator re-certification training and passing DNR's annual work capacity test for the INVF series. Successful completion of DNR's Basic Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination (Fl 210) Training within 12 months of hire. 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. 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. Approximately 60% of the work is performed indoors in a shared office environment with cubicles. While in an office setting position does not come in contact with any hazardous chemicals other than standard surface cleaners and adhesives. Approximately 40% of the work is performed away from the office, often working in remote field locations with steep, uneven, heavily canopied terrain in above-normal temperatures. The position requires annual passage of the "work capacity test" at the "light" level. The position requires approximately 1 or 2 days away from the duty station per week on average, including overnight travel for investigations, training/mentoring regional staff, meetings, conferences, and teaching within Washington. More extensive travel is typical during the summer wildfire season. Desired Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in natural resource science, business administration, social sciences, or closely related field. Expert witness as a Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Investigator. Successful completion of Basic Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination (Fl-210) course or equivalent. Knowledge of the arson task force format for the wildland fire investigation program. Knowledge and/or experience working under DNR's Incident Command System. Ability to set and maintain a focus on program priorities. Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously. Ability to collaborate and negotiate with diverse community partners and DNR management. Ability to mentor and develop staff capabilities. Ability to communicate effectively through a variety of mediums. Ability to think independently and creatively to solve complex problems. Ability to work well in teams and encourage teamwork in others. 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! Supplemental Information 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 Deputy Chief Tom Martin at thomas.martin@dnr.wa.gov/360-561-7569 or e-mail 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 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. 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. Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress