2026 PACIFIC CASCADE REGION Initial Attack 20 Person Handcrew

2026 Pacific Cascade Region Initial Attack

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is searching for hardworking, dedicated, responsible, and reliable team members to join our Pacific Cascade Region Handcrew as Wildland Firefighters. As a member of one of our Wildland Fire Hand Crews, you will perform pre-suppression and suppression-related activities. Firefighting is hard work and requires long hours and time away from home. You must be willing and capable of performing strenuous outdoor work safely and productively.

Working for the DNR as a Wildland Firefighter is extremely rewarding. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other fire professionals including area fire districts, and federal and other state partners; giving you exposure to a variety of learning opportunities, agency operations, and the ability to build cohesive relationships across the state of Washington. You will experience a different level of collaboration within the DNR that will offer a lifetime worth of skills for your future career path. The experience and training gained can form the foundation for a successful career in forestry and other natural resource professions.

The duration of these positions is generally 3-6 months with work beginning as early as May and ending in late September (note : the season has the potential to begin as early as April and run as late as October). Upon hire, basic wildland fire training is provided. This training will usually take place at the agency's fire academy. The academy provides meals and lodging for all participants and has a duration of 7-14 days.