Prescribed Fire Program Manager

Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District•Moraga, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Prescribed Fire Program Manager coordinates the planning and execution of prescribed fire operations within the Moraga-Orinda Fire District under the direction of the Fire Chief. The position works with regulatory and government agencies, non-governmental organizations, landowners, and other external partners to achieve program goals. It plans, develops, implements, and monitors a comprehensive prescribed fire program and organizes training for District staff. The role develops and manages prescribed fire projects, plans, smoke management documents, permits, and project records; monitors fire weather and fuel conditions; and supervises crews during project preparation, burning, mop-up, and patrol. It coordinates burn notifications and public information, supports incident action planning, makes burn-day go/no-go recommendations, and evaluates and documents project outcomes. The manager also maintains the program cache and equipment, pursues grants and other resources, monitors regulatory compliance, and develops program goals and budget requests. This is a part-time, non-exempt, non-benefitted position. The schedule is 20 hours per week, or up to 40 hours per week if seasonal, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Work is in person at the MOFD Administration Office in Moraga, with flexible hours and occasional evening and weekend work.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Five years of experience in emergency operations, prescribed fire operations, or public safety, including direct experience in prescribed fire or wildland fire operations; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Possess and maintain a current valid California Class C Driver’s License.
Obtain a California Prescribed Fire Burn Boss (CARX) qualification within one year of appointment.
Complete S-234 Ignition Operations or S-219 Firing Operations.
Hold ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, and ICS-400 certifications.
Knowledge of business computer applications, particularly data management, mapping, and reporting.
Knowledge of prescribed fire planning, operations, and evaluation; ICS, SEMS, and NIMS; fire behavior, fire weather, fuels, and smoke management principles.
Knowledge of laws and regulations governing prescribed fire, including air district smoke management requirements, PFIRS, CEQA, and CalVTP.
Knowledge of fire management technology, including Google Earth and ArcGIS mapping software, local government operations, and basic budgetary principles and practices.
Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, Board members, public officials, agencies, volunteers, and the public.
Ability to analyze complex administrative and operational problems, evaluate alternatives, and reach sound conclusions.
Ability to collect, evaluate, and interpret narrative and statistical information; coordinate multiple activities; meet deadlines; and work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to prepare clear, accurate, concise reports, procedures, and other written materials and to exercise independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
Ability to identify program resources and needs, develop recommendations, learn and retain local geography and resources relevant to wildfire mitigation, and represent the District in meetings.
Ability to safely operate a forklift, Kubota RTV, UTVs, and other equipment used in prescribed fire operations.
Ability to communicate ideas clearly and make effective oral and written presentations.
Physical ability to stand, walk, carry, stack, pile, bend, climb, reach overhead, crouch, push and pull heavily, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work outdoors with exposure to noise, heavy equipment, inclement weather, smoke, heat, and hazardous materials.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, or in a higher-level fire position, with responsibilities associated with that rank.
Experience as a member of a Hotshot Crew, including wildland fire suppression and other crew assignments.
Experience in a crew-level supervisory position directing and overseeing crew operations.
Training in emergency operations, prescribed fire operations, and public information.
Current or prior NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2), Firing Boss (FIRB), or California Prescribed Fire Burn Boss (CARX) qualification.
Experience with smoke management planning.

Responsibilities

Develop, coordinate, review, and evaluate prescribed fire plans, smoke management plans, and related documents.
Develop prescribed fire projects and coordinate them with the District’s Operations Battalion Chief.
Use mapping software to plan and document prescribed fire projects.
Build relationships with local and regional public agencies, school districts, homeowners’ associations, landowners, and other groups regarding prescribed fire and fuels management.
Develop a strategic prescribed fire program to reduce hazardous vegetation and maintain District shaded fuel breaks.
Write and obtain approval for Smoke Management Plans, Rx Fire Plans, and CAL FIRE LE-7 burn permits.
Use PFIRS to prepare smoke management plans, request acreage allocations, and update project status for the California Air Resources Board and Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
Manage and maintain the District’s prescribed fire program cache and ensure equipment is in working order for prescribed fire and potential emergency operations.
Monitor fire weather and wildland fuel conditions within the District.
Supervise District, cooperating agency, contract, and other crews during project preparation, burning, mop-up, and patrol.
Coordinate advance notifications to neighbors, the public, and partner agencies, and provide planned-burn information to the public and media as directed by the Fire Chief.
Coordinate with the Incident Commander on the Incident Action Plan and make burn-day go/no-go recommendations based on prescription parameters, weather, fuel moisture, and resource availability.
Conduct pre- and post-burn monitoring, evaluate project objectives, and document results.
Organize and deliver prescribed fire and wildland fire training for District staff.
Maintain relationships with regional, state, and federal agencies; review applicable legislation and regulations; support District compliance; and pursue grants and other resources.
Develop program goals, objectives, and budget requests; administer expenditures within budget; conduct cost control; and promote efficient use of funds.
Maintain adequate program materials and equipment, records and files, and prepare periodic and special reports.
Make presentations to groups regarding wildfire fuels management and prescribed fire.
Maintain required wildland and prescribed fire qualifications and currency, and participate in job-related training.
Perform other duties as assigned.