Coastal Region Fire Management Specialist - DPR65044334

State of North Carolina • Wake County, NC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), Division of Parks and Recreation, is hiring a Regional Fire Management Specialist to implement the regional ecological burning program. The position supports the health and resilience of fire-dependent natural communities in state parks through prescribed fire and restoration of fire-adapted habitats. The specialist prepares burn prescriptions, leads ecological burns, monitors fire effects, recommends fire management strategies, and supervises a Regional Fire Team to ensure safe, effective, science-based burning. The role is based at a park in the Coastal Region, with responsibilities spanning several counties.

The position works with Division staff and partner agencies to coordinate prescribed fire, training, equipment, and fire operations. It also performs wildland fire suppression, mop-up, mitigation, and associated duties as assigned. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though park projects may require substantial additional travel time. This is an essential/mandatory position that may require work during adverse weather events and special events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental, or natural resource sciences, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver’s license issued in the United States, or ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in various environmental conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Within 12–24 months of hire, ability to obtain and maintain a Class A CDL, CPR certification, an NWCG Single Resource Boss qualification, North Carolina State Certified Burner Certification, and S-112 Chainsaw Operations Training certification.
• Must be able to work adverse weather events and may be called to work special events.
• Applicants must provide education, work experience, and certificates or licenses in the application to receive consideration for qualifying credit.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated hands-on experience implementing prescribed fire.
• Knowledge of fire management principles, burn prescription development, fire protection practices, firefighting equipment, and ecological burning techniques.
• Knowledge of conservation principles and best practices for protecting park resources.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Division staff, partner agencies, environmental organizations, park support groups, the public, and neighboring landowners.
• Understanding of management of natural resource-based parks, natural areas, and nature preserves.

Responsibilities

• Collect and manage data and geospatial maps for burn prescriptions, burn units, reporting, and planning.
• Assist with and lead prescribed burns, including site monitoring before, during, and after operations.
• Support the planning, installation, and maintenance of fire control lines.
• Purchase, maintain, and track fire equipment for regional fire crews.
• Coordinate prescribed fire activities with partner agencies on park lands and cooperating-agency lands.
• Work with program staff to plan and deliver NWCG fire trainings supporting certification of Division burn bosses, and coordinate additional experiential fire training opportunities.
• Operate, drive, and maintain fire vehicles according to Division standards.
• Perform wildland fire suppression, mop-up, and mitigation duties as requested and assigned.
• Supervise a Regional Fire Team.
• Recommend fire management strategies based on monitoring and program needs.

Benefits

• Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for employees with student loans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level