Firefighter 3 - Fire Operations Specialist

State of Montana • Missoula, MT

1d

About The Position

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.
The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained.
Core Values:
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Forestry and Trust Land Division recognizes that building a collaborative, professional, and inclusive work environment is critical to fulfilling our mission of managing, protecting, and promoting stewardship of Montana’s forests and lands for the benefit of current and future generations and our trust beneficiaries. We hold ourselves to these high standards as we are accountable to the people of Montana.
We value and respect each other.
We create collaborative work environments.
We build and maintain strong relationships.
We practice accountability.
We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work.
Job Overview:
The position of Fire Operations Specialist- on the Missoula Unit is based in Missoula, MT. The position is responsible for the implementation and coordination of fire prevention, community preparedness and suppression programs within the assigned area of responsibility. This position serves as critical mid-level management of Fire Program resources including the supervision of wildland fire initial attack personnel and equipment.
High importance is the development and maintenance of successful working relationships with other wildland fire suppression organizations and key community partners.
The Fire Operations Specialist reports to the Missoula Unit Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO) and assists in the supervision of seasonal fire staff.

Requirements

• This position requires a high school diploma and a minimum of fire (5) years of progressive experience including fireline leadership, Incident Command System (ICS) training and related fire program experience.
• Requires the ability to attain Incident Commander Type 4 and Strike Team/Task Force Leader certification upon hire.
• It is critical that the incumbent possesses skills and abilities in effective communication, both orally and written.
• Requires knowledge of the principles and practices of Wildland Firefighting; emergency management; natural resources; adult education and training; and fire management including suppression, protection, and prevention.
• Requires knowledge of State and Federal fire protection and natural resources laws including the Departments legal responsibilities to personnel, cooperative personnel, and volunteers; wildfire and structural fire protection techniques relating to WUI; volunteer group organization and management; local government organization, jurisdiction and authorities; equipment management and maintenance; fire budgeting, billing and auditing methods and procedures; communication systems; safety management methods and procedures.
• The position also requires knowledge of supervisory principles and practices, DNRC and State personnel policies, procedures, and precedents, organizational structures, employment law, and program requirements.
• The position requires skill in the use and operation of tools, equipment and vehicles used in wildland fire control, forest management activities and field operations.
• Requires a thorough knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including; word processing, spreadsheets, databases and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• This position will require annual completion of an arduous Wildland Fire Work Capacity Test which includes walking three miles over level ground, with a 45lb. pack in no more than 45 minutes.
• Position requires incumbent to maintain a Montana Driver’s License.
• Requires the ability to coordinate extensive and complex amounts of personnel and equipment to meet the needs of fire suppression and support forces during fire actions on multiple jurisdictions; the ability to make independent decisions with minimal supervision, to express views and provide clear direction both in writing and through verbal communications; and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, government officials, and agency employees.
• Communications and decisions are frequently conducted under duress and with fire personnel having different backgrounds and management priorities.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.
• A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.
• In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card".

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and perform fire program operations, planning, training, interagency coordination, preparedness and prevention services within the Missoula Unit jurisdictional areas to protect lives, property and natural resources on state and private lands.
• Fire Pre-Suppression
• Fire Suppression
• Staff Management
• Community Fire Preparedness & Prevention
• Facility & Equipment Maintenance
• Trust Land Management Support:
• Prescribed Fire
• Forest Improvement & Miscellaneous Trust Land Management Projects

Benefits

• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays
• Health, Dental, Prescription, and Vision Coverage
• Retirement Plans
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here, https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service to learn more and see if you may qualify!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED