Program Specialist II (FAC Program)

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

16h • $4,833 • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Specialist for Fire Adapted Community (FAC) Programs assists with the agency’s wildland fire mitigation initiatives, including Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP), Community Wildfire Defense Grants (CWDG), Firewise programs, structure hardening efforts and land-use planning. This role provides critical support in the implementation and administration of FAC programs, working closely with the Program Coordinator and other agency staff. The Program Specialist helps with tracking program activities, assisting with reporting and ensuring the smooth execution of tasks related to fire mitigation planning and community resilience efforts. This position collaborates with local jurisdictions, state partners and stakeholders to support the agency’s goal, while also contributing to the preparation of program reports and materials. A solid understanding of wildfire mitigation, community, resilience and response operations is essential for supporting these initiatives. The role may also involve participation in post-fire assessment teams, prevention efforts and information efforts as needed. About the Agency: Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) provides statewide leadership and technical assistance to ensure trees, forests and related natural resources are sustained for the benefit of all. TAMFS is also the lead agency for wildfire response in the state and supports the state’s incident response capability, helping to respond to a range of all-hazard incidents. To learn more about Texas A&M Forest Service, visit tfsweb.tamu.edu

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree with a preferred emphasis in natural resource management, emergency/fire management, fire ecology, range science, agricultural leadership, public administration or a closely related field is required.
• Two (2) years of experience as a Program Specialist I or equivalent experience is required.
• Experience facilitating communications and developing and maintaining relationships with local government cooperators, various stakeholders and the general public is required.
• A valid Texas Drivers’ license or the ability to obtain one withing 30 days of employment is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required for this position.
• This position requires the ability to adapt to a changing environment and handle multiple priorities in addition to working closely with others at times.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree in a program-applicable field is preferred.
• Experience working for or with a wildland fire agency is preferred.
• An ideal candidate exhibits knowledge of FAC concepts, including CWPP, Firewise, NFPA wildfire standards and ICC wildfire codes.
• An ideal candidate has strong written and oral communication skills and can work independently and be self-directed.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the implementation and administration of Fire Adapted Community programs, including CWPP, CWDG, Firewise, structure hardening and land-use planning activities.
• Work closely with the Program Coordinator, agency staff, state partners and local jurisdictions to support program activities, ensure alignment with division goals and facilitate communication across stakeholders.
• Work with local jurisdictions on CWPP and Firewise Site development; align and track progress of local developers; liaise with agency departments to ensure program quality and timely completion.
• Help track program progress, prepare reports and ensure accurate documentation of activities, outcomes and expenditures related to FAC initiatives.
• Support outreach efforts and assist in coordinating educational and awareness campaigns to promote wildfire mitigation and community resilience in local areas.
• Participate in post-fire assessments and other response efforts as needed, assisting with data collection, reporting and public information activities related to wildfire mitigation.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance
• retirement benefits
• paid time off
• health and lifestyle programs
• educational incentives
• tuition reimbursement opportunities
• ability to accrue compensatory time off
• overtime on emergency response
• a physical fitness incentive of $500 for passing the arduous test (walk three miles wearing a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less) each year
• guaranteed a minimum of 40-hours work week and full benefits after meeting the 60 day mark
• Exceptional health insurance
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• strong retirement plans

What This Job Offers

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