Forest Fire Protection Section Chief

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is hiring a Forest Fire Protection Section Chief to oversee policy, personnel, and budget activities within the Forest Fire Protection Section. This role involves strategic advising on wildfire management, staff supervision, and interagency coordination. The position requires travel and offers remote work options post-onboarding, based on program needs. A comprehensive benefits package and career growth opportunities are provided.
Introduction
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Forestry is accepting applications for a Forest Fire Protection Section Chief to direct and administer all policy, personnel, and budget activities within the Forest Fire Protection Section in the Bureau of Forestry Field Operations.
This position has statewide duties and may be headquartered at any DNR facility based on business need, space availability and management approval.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.


Remote work will be available, after the initial onboarding period. The exact amount is based on program need. Frequent travel throughout the assigned region and occasional travel across the state will be required.


Find a meaningful and rewarding career with the DNR! The DNR excels at protecting and managing natural resources while supporting the economy and the well-being of our residents. We strive to hire, develop, and retain a talented workforce representative of the people of Wisconsin we serve. We offer training and career growth opportunities, a comprehensive benefits package, and are searching for people with diverse backgrounds to join our dynamic and team-oriented environment.


Position Summary
This position serves as a senior strategic advisor to Division leadership on wildfire risk, readiness, and policy, and is expected to proactively shape Division-wide approaches to fire management, workforce capacity, and interagency coordination. Section chief positions within the Division are expected to perform their duties in service to the entire Division and with the full scope of the Forestry program in mind. This position is responsible for developing, directing, coaching, mentoring and supervising permanent and LTE staff. This position serves on management teams in the division and agency and is expected to be an active contributor. Customer and partner groups may include forestry and non-forestry DNR staff, citizens, citizen groups, industry leaders, tribal governments, governmental and educational representatives. This position also plays a critical role in active participation on teams and coordination with partners nationally and regionally, including GLFFC (Great Lakes Forest Fire Compact), NMSFA (Northeast-Midwest State Foresters Alliance), and our federal agencies.
This position is responsible for managing and administering forest fire operations, cooperative fire, fire suppression, fire prevention, prescribed fire, training related to wildland fire, wildland urban interface, and forestry law enforcement related to forest management and forest fire investigation. This position serves as Incident Commander in the Forest Fire Command Center during major forest fires or natural resource incidents within Wisconsin. It also serves on the All Hazards Incident Management Team (IMT) in a command and general staff capacity.
This position is key to public safety and security and requires the incumbent to meet and maintain the physical fitness test standards required for all Department protective status positions.


Please review the Position Description for more detailed duties of this position.


Salary Information
Starting pay for this position is between $47.81 to $53.41 per hour ($99,444.80 to $111,092.80 annually).
This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. Pay on appointment will follow the provisions of the State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan.
This position is within the Natural Resources Program Manager classification within Pay Schedule/Range 81/02.


The State of Wisconsin offers an exemplary benefits package with:



Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.
Excellent and affordable health insurance options (starting at $45/month for single and $111/month for family coverage).
Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.
For more info, see our Total Rewards Calculator.

Job Details
Background Checks: The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants prior to job offer. Please note that a criminal charge or conviction on your record will not necessarily disqualify you from state employment. In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, the DNR does not discriminate on the basis of arrest or conviction rec