Mountain Region Fire Management Specialist - DPR65044336

State of North Carolina • Wake County, NC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation, is hiring a Regional Fire Management Specialist to implement the ecological burning program in the Mountain Region. Many state parks contain fire-dependent natural communities that need periodic burning to remain healthy and resilient. The Division uses prescribed fire to maintain these ecosystems and restore fire-adapted habitats across the state parks system.

The specialist prepares burn prescriptions, leads ecological burns, monitors fire effects, recommends fire management strategies, and supervises a Regional Fire Team. The position works with staff across regions and partner agencies to ensure safe, effective, science-based prescribed burning. It is based at a park in the Mountain Region, with responsibilities spanning several counties.

The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though park projects may require many additional hours of travel. The position involves indoor and outdoor work in varied environmental conditions. It is designated Essential/Mandatory; the employee must work during adverse weather events and may be called in for special events. Within 12–24 months of hire, the employee must 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental, or natural resource science, or a closely related curriculum, from an appropriately accredited institution; alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in various environmental conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able 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.
• Must have a valid U.S.-issued driver’s license or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• Within 12–24 months of hire, must obtain and maintain a Class A CDL, CPR certification, NWCG Single Resource Boss qualification (such as Engine Boss, Firing Boss, Heavy Equipment Boss, or Crew Boss), North Carolina State Certified Burner Certification, and S-112 Chainsaw Operations Training.
• Must work during adverse weather events and may be called to work special events.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience implementing prescribed fire on the ground.
• 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 prescriptions, burn units, reporting, and planning.
• Assist with and lead prescribed burns, including conducting site monitoring before, during, and after operations.
• Support 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 agencies’ 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.
• Prepare burn prescriptions, monitor fire effects, and recommend fire management strategies.
• Conduct hazardous tree assessments and, when necessary, tree removal within the park after completing required chainsaw training.

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