Wildland Urban Interface Coordinator I

Texas A&M University System • San Antonio, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position reports to the Regional Operations Chief - Region 6 with an emphasis on the wildland urban interface areas within the region. Primarily responsible for planning, implementing and providing technical assistance for wildfire prevention programs that include Community Wildfire Protection Plans, Firewise Communities, completing risk Assessments and fuel management/reduction projects. This position will also coordinate with municipal, county and federal agencies on local, regional and state-wide Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) programs and provide proactive technical assistance to community based wildfire prevention programs. Assist with the delivery of conservation education efforts as directed. May be asked to serve in various roles during emergency response efforts including wildfire and all-hazard response, including serving as an agency Public Information Officer (PIO). Region 8 consists of offices in the following cities: Fredericksburg, San Antonio, Victoria, Uvalde.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Range Science, Natural Resource Management, Fire Management, Fire Ecology, Agriculture Leadership or closely related field.
• Entry level - no prior experience required.
• Working knowledge of computers (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as well as presentation and various communication softwares.
• Ability to work independently and be self-directed.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with various cooperators, stakeholders and the general public.
• Ability to work with all forms of the news media.
• Ability to work with GIS applications.
• Ability to travel and attend required training programs.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills working with a wide variety of people.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to walk two miles in 30 minutes or less carrying a 25lb pack.
• Ability to travel and/or work extended hours on short notice as well as ability to respond for 14+ days for emergency response.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Range Science, Natural Resource Management, Fire Management, Fire Ecology, Agriculture Leadership or closely related field.
• Experience as a firefighter, instructor with a recognized volunteer or career fire department or wildland fire agency.
• Experience working in communication fields - traditional, social or print mediums.
• Experience with GIS.
• Basic firefighter or higher.
• Fire prevention certifications for TCFP or SFFMA or any NWCG credentials.
• Complete annual WCT at the arduous level: 3-mile walk carrying 45lbs. in 45 minutes or less.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deliver and/or assist with agency mitigation and prevention programs that include Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP), Firewise Communities, completing WUI Risk Assessments and fuel management/reduction issues.
• Coordinate with and provide technical assistance to municipal, county and federal agencies on agency-offered WUI programs and community based wildfire prevention programs.
• Encourage cities, counties and fire departments to participate in proactive prevention and mitigation programs to adopt a CWPP or achieve recognized Firewise USA community status.
• Assist with the field delivery of fuel reduction efforts, conservation education programs, regional wildfire prevention programs, wildland firefighting training and all-hazard response training programs.
• Ensures mitigation and prevention programs are completed in a cost effective manner, on schedule and within budget.
• Ensure that programs are adequately tracked to meet any specified deliverable(s) and support that with the completion of timely reports.
• Completes administrative tasks in accordance with applicable laws, rules, procedures, and guidelines.
• Serves on the Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) Incident Management, Fire Prevention and Wildlife Urban Interface Mitigation Teams with related training and preparedness.
• Act as PIO, as needed, for wildfire and other all-hazard responses.
• Coordinate all activities with Regional Operations Chief.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance
• retirement benefits
• paid time off
• health and lifestyle programs
• educational incentives
• tuition reimbursement
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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