Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, Austin Fire

City of Austin

2d • $28 - $34 • Hybrid

About The Position

Under limited supervision, research, coordinate, and deliver wildfire mitigation education and safety programs. Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Assists with coordination, development and delivery of wildfire education programs and training to support Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP). Engages community involvement to address all elements of the Fire Adapted Community’s (FAC) objectives of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, supporting safe and effective wildfire response, fire adapted communities, and fire resilient landscapes. Develops presentations and educational materials for community wildfire safety including coordinating with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysts to develop area risk models. Liaison with internal and external city department partners, agencies, and community resources for joint efforts in wildfire education and training. Assists with assessment and development of wildland fire prevention strategies based on documented fire causes. Assists in development and delivery of online wildfire safety and evacuation plans and communication strategies for communities. Assists with mitigation training and wildfire prevention, including prescribed burns. Reviews, interprets, and educates on wildfire-related policies, codes, regulations, ordinances, plans, and proposals for compliance. May provide leadership, guidance, and technical support to others. The Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Fuels provides support for the coordination and implementation of multiple programs, such as Community Wildfire Protective Plans, Firewise Communities, Fire Prevention, Fuels Mitigation and Defensible Space. The emphasis for this position will be on facilitating Fire Resilient Landscapes on public and private lands. This position manages efforts in meeting targets for reduction of wildfire risk and also directs and coordinates special projects. This position fosters community-wide initiatives and cooperative partnerships to advance and promote wildfire mitigation best practices. They present at public meetings and serve as a technical advisor for partners and the public related to wildfire. This position frequently coordinates and collaborates with stakeholders and ensures project compliance with existing regulations, codes, and policies. WMS implements trainings and develops materials to facilitate wildfire mitigation best practices.

Requirements

• Knowledge of wildland fire behavior.
• Knowledge of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firewise USA, Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP), and Fire Adapted Communities (FAC) standards.
• Knowledge of National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) practices and standards.
• Knowledge of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) code.
• Knowledge of Home Ignition Zone (HIZ), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Wildfire Risk Reduction and Responding to the Interface principles.
• Knowledge of applicable wildfire federal, state, local, and county laws, rules, regulations, codes, and guidelines.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in both written and verbal communications.
• Skill in delivering presentations and training.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees, citizens, public safety agencies, and community organizations.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to train others.
• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, plus two (2) years of relevant experience.
• One (1) additional year of experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.
• Must be able to obtain International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Wildfire Risk Reduction qualification, Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) certification, or National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Wildfire Mitigation Specialist certification within one (1) year of acceptance of position.
• Valid State of Texas Class “C” Driver License.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to analyze fire resistive construction methods, and defensible space.
• Experience in community education, outreach, engagement and collaborating with non-governmental organizations and volunteer groups.
• Understanding of central Texas ecosystems and applicable wildfire mitigation best practices.
• Experience investigating and responding to inquiries from the public and other city departments.
• Experience managing contracts, projects, grants, and requests for proposals.
• Ability to read and interpret applicable codes and site plans.
• Possesses technical aptitude with interpreting geospatial reporting tools and tracking software.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Responsibilities

• Assists with coordination, development and delivery of wildfire education programs and training to support Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP).
• Engages community involvement to address all elements of the Fire Adapted Community’s (FAC) objectives of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, supporting safe and effective wildfire response, fire adapted communities, and fire resilient landscapes.
• Develops presentations and educational materials for community wildfire safety including coordinating with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysts to develop area risk models.
• Liaison with internal and external city department partners, agencies, and community resources for joint efforts in wildfire education and training.
• Assists with assessment and development of wildland fire prevention strategies based on documented fire causes.
• Assists in development and delivery of online wildfire safety and evacuation plans and communication strategies for communities.
• Assists with mitigation training and wildfire prevention, including prescribed burns.
• Reviews, interprets, and educates on wildfire-related policies, codes, regulations, ordinances, plans, and proposals for compliance.
• May provide leadership, guidance, and technical support to others.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees