Fuels Planner

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation•Toppenish, WA

11h

About The Position

The Fuels Planner plans, develops, and implements Fuels Program projects for Fuels Management under the Tribal Forestry Program for the Yakama Reservation. The role works closely with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other resource staff on fuels and fire management functions. Primary work includes preparing and carrying out prescribed fire plans, monitoring fire effects, implementing manual and mechanical fuels treatments, monitoring smoke, and surveying field conditions to identify fuel hazards. The position is placed on a standby rotation during fire season and supports wildland fire suppression when requested. The planner assesses projects and hazardous fuel conditions, gathers information through field surveys, computer modeling, and literature searches, and reports findings to the Fuels Manager to help prioritize treatments. The role contributes to prescribed fire and fuels management plans, establishes and maintains study plots, manages and analyzes fire behavior and fire effects data, and monitors prescribed fire and fuels project implementation. It also provides daily assignments and quality control for Fuels Technicians and Fuels Crew, assists with program budgeting and records, and manages employee time and monthly narrative deadlines. Work is sedentary in the office and active and potentially arduous in the field. Office work involves extended sitting and computer use, as well as general lifting, bending, and reaching. Field work may involve noise, dust, heat, smoke, changing weather, fire behavior hazards, rugged terrain, strenuous emergency activity, and extended work periods. Protective clothing and equipment are required in hazardous environments.

Requirements

Prior wildland firefighting experience on the fire line is mandatory.
Knowledge of and ability to apply Yakama Nation and BIA policies, directives, guidelines, and practices for wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire and fuels treatment operations.
Knowledge of fire effects on natural and cultural resources, fire ecology, local fuel and vegetation types, fire research methods, fire weather, smoke management, fire behavior, and methods for monitoring and predicting fire behavior.
Knowledge and experience in prescribed fire operations, including burning techniques, fuels inventory, burn-plan preparation, prescriptions, firing procedures, holding strategies, site rehabilitation, and related resources.
Knowledge of wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire and fuels treatment equipment, including its care, maintenance, and use.
Knowledge of accepted fire safety practices and procedures, fire-behavior prediction techniques and technologies, and wildland firefighting policies, techniques, and practices gained through substantial service as a primary firefighter or similar firefighting position. This is mandatory.
Oral and written communication skills sufficient to record and transmit findings and observations.
Must provide documentation verifying prescribed fire and wildland fire qualifications and experience.
Must pass the annual NWCG standard fitness pack test for arduous duty.
Must maintain or be pursuing, at minimum, Prescribed Fire Burn Boss 2 (RXB2) qualifications and maintain currency for Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) and Engine Boss (ENGB).
Must be mentally and physically fit to endure extended work periods and ascend, descend, and traverse steep topography across rugged terrain.
Must pass pre-employment background check and drug test.
Must possess a Washington State Driver's License and be able to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving Permit.
Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry, Fire Ecology, Wildland Fire Management, or a closely related field with relevant experience is preferred; a forestry certificate or equivalent combined with extensive prescribed fire qualifications and wildland fire experience may be accepted instead.

Nice To Haves

Enrolled Yakama Preference; all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry, Fire Ecology, Wildland Fire Management, or a closely related field with relevant experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct project assessments to determine the presence or absence of hazardous wildland fuels, gather and analyze fuel-condition and fire-behavior information, and report results to the Fuels Manager.
Review project plans and recommend appropriate monitoring levels.
Establish and refine study plots to assess fire and suppression effects on ecosystems, including plot characteristics, visit frequency, measurements, data storage, and analysis techniques.
Participate in drafting prescribed fire and fuels management plans using the interagency template, including reviewing alternatives and preparing plan segments.
Create, update, and use databases to model and analyze fire behavior and fire-effects observations; ensure data quality, storage, and archival procedures.
Serve in qualified positions on prescribed fire and fuels projects and technically administer prescribed fire plans, including preparation, ignition, holding, mop-up, and rehabilitation.
Monitor fire behavior and fire effects during project implementation, identify potential problems, and make recommendations.
Conduct field reconnaissance of treatment units, summarize findings, and recommend prescriptive criteria.
Identify and provide training needs for prescribed fire and fuels management programs.
Participate in wildland fire and safety training, proficiency checks, drills, safety sessions, and after-action reviews.
Maintain personal and team safety during assignments and support wildland fire suppression as requested.
Operate motor vehicles to transport equipment, supplies, and crew members, and use specialized firing equipment.
Provide daily project assignments to Fuels Technicians and Fuels Crew and ensure quality control.
Assist the Fuels Manager with program budget development and record retention.
Manage employee time in iSolved and ensure employees meet monthly narrative deadlines.
Participate in standby rotation during fire season.