Program Assistant Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• High school diploma and a two-year degree; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered case by case.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience, including fireline leadership, Incident Command System (ICS) training, and related fire program experience, or equivalent.
• Ability to attain Incident Commander Type 4 and Strike Team/Task Force Leader certification upon hire.
• Knowledge of wildland firefighting principles and practices, natural resources, adult education and training, and fire suppression, protection, and prevention.
• Knowledge of state and federal fire protection and natural resources laws, including wildfire and structural fire protection techniques relating to the wildland-urban interface (WUI).
• Knowledge of volunteer group organization and management, local government organization and authorities, equipment management and maintenance, and fire budgeting, billing, and auditing.
• Knowledge of communication systems and safety management methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory practices, DNRC and state personnel policies and procedures, organizational structures, employment law, and program requirements.
• Knowledge of computer software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Skill in using and operating tools, equipment, and vehicles used in wildland fire control, forest management, and field operations.
• Ability to coordinate extensive and complex personnel and equipment needs for fire suppression and support across multiple jurisdictions.
• Ability to make independent decisions with minimal supervision and provide clear direction verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, government officials, and agency employees.
• Ability to communicate and make decisions under duress with fire personnel who may have different backgrounds and management priorities.
• Ability to complete an annual arduous Wildland Fire Work Capacity Test: walk three miles over level ground carrying a 45-pound pack in no more than 45 minutes.
• Ability to work extended hours in an office or fire environment when required.
• Ability to think calmly and clearly, make rapid decisions, respond appropriately, and coordinate multiple activities during hectic fire suppression conditions.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise concurrent activities within the Unit Fire Program.
• Coordinate and supervise wildland fire initial-attack personnel and equipment.
• Carry out fire suppression, pre-suppression, and prevention activities.
• Coordinate fire resources, personnel, and equipment readiness with other organizations and agencies.
• Provide leadership and expertise during fire suppression activities.
• Supervise and train engine crews and other fire personnel as directed by the Fire Management Officer.
• Develop and coordinate training programs, including county fire training.
• Assist with Unit fire prevention duties and plans and contribute to the Fire Prevention Plan.
• Provide wildland fire planning and professional assistance.
• Investigate and enforce forest-use laws, rules, and policies.
• Educate and inform the public about fire prevention and fire management practices.
• Maintain relationships with adjoining DNRC units, National Forests, tribal and federal agencies, and surrounding counties.
• Administer seasonal activities related to wildland fire protection and fire-related program projects.
• Oversee or support maintenance of buildings, grounds, and vehicles.
• Assist with forest improvement and other forest management duties.
• Manage Good Neighbor Authority or Trust Land activities as assigned.
• Keep Unit activities compliant with applicable fire management and forest practices laws and regulations.

Benefits

• Work/life balance.
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, with vacation leave increasing with service.
• Longevity pay with continued state service.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus flexible spending accounts.
• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
• Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution retirement plans, plus an optional 457(b) plan.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Career progression and professional development.
• State employee discounts.
• Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.