Program Specialist 1 - Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations. TheDNRCbelieves employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained. Work Unit Overview: The Forestry Division of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) ensures the sustainability of Montana forests, rural lands, and communities through cooperative wildland fire protection and sound forest management practices; protects the state's natural resources from wildfire, insect pests, and disease; sustains or improves the natural resources of private forestland for the good of all Montanans; promotes and supports conservation practices on all lands in Montana; enforces the State's forest practices laws in a manner that is both fair and consistent to all parties and that complies with the intent of the legislation; and encourages the maintenance, planting, and management of trees and shrubs in Montana communities. The Division consists of the Fire Protection Bureau, the Forestry Assistance Bureau, the Forestry Division Business Office, and six area offices located throughout the state. Job Overview: The Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator (FACC) primarily focuses on leading the development and implementation of a unit level program for community preparedness, fire prevention, fire information, and public outreach supporting both the current operational needs and the strategic initiatives of their Land Office, the Fire Protection Program, and the Forestry Division. The Libby Unit FACC operates under the supervision of the Libby Unit Fire Management Officer (FMO). Areas of emphasis include fostering fire adapted communities and promoting community preparedness, reducing human caused fires, supporting Libby Unit and Northwest Land Office (NWLO) efforts to create and maintain resilient landscapes using prescribed fire and hazardous fuels reduction, and educating the public. The incumbent may be requested to provide fire information and function in an ICS position or support role during emergency situations and during special projects as assigned. Work assignments are covered by established policies and general program objectives; and the incumbent is responsible for working with the FMO to jointly determine the methods and techniques necessary to carry out assigned responsibilities. Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent. Lead and Manage the Unit Community Preparedness Program: Serve as the principal subject matter expert and point of contact at the Libby Unit regarding matters pertaining to community preparedness, fire prevention, fire information, and public outreach. Provide leadership to and support for DNRC Libby Unit personnel as well as interagency partners to assure. consistent, cost-efficient, adaptable, and sustainable progress toward the overall objectives of the Fire Protection Program Strategy and Forestry Division initiatives and contribute substantially to local efforts fostering the creation of fire adapted communities. Build and maintain the capacity of the DNRC Libby Unit community preparedness program with cooperating partners by leading, managing, and supporting a coordinated system of community preparedness, fire prevention, and public outreach. Support implementation of relevant Community Wildfire Protection Plan(s) (CWPP). Lead and manage their Unit’s efforts to foster fire adapted communities and community preparedness. Consistently and actively seek out collaboration with personnel from Libby Unit, the Forestry Assistance Program and others on responsibilities related to community adaptation and preparedness to maximize our collective effectiveness. Work with internal and external partners to help coordinate and streamline the local area wildfire risk home and community assessment processes. Coordinate, direct, and oversee multiple local fire adapted community campaigns, networks, and projects as necessary. Continually evaluate the effectiveness of fire adapted community programs and projects to ensure objectives are met. Organize, support and lead networks to develop new ideas, connect practitioners, and share strategies to help Sanders County communities become more resilient to wildfire Lead and Manage the Unit Prevention Program: Lead and manage the Libby Unit’s efforts to reduce human caused fires. Coordinate, direct, and oversee multiple local fire prevention campaigns and projects (e.g., Firewise, One Less Spark, and Treasure Our State). Continually evaluate the effectiveness of the Unit fire prevention program and projects to ensure objectives are met and aligned with the NWLO Community Preparedness and Fire Prevention Plan. Provide technical assistance, planning, and interagency coordination pertaining to local wildland fire prevention efforts to DNRC and cooperator personnel during periods of high to extreme fire danger. Provide input on the development of policies and procedures regarding NWLO prevention efforts. Program Budget, Grant Administration: Manage Unit Preparedness and Prevention budget if provided one. Seek opportunities to obtain and administer grants for community preparedness and fire prevention programs, projects, and activities including those implemented by the DNRC or local communities, government agencies, and other grant sub-recipients. Administer contracts and manage budget(s) as needed for prevention and community preparedness programs, projects, and activities. Public Information and Training Delivery: Serve as the Libby Unit’s Information Officer for fire-related activities. Develop, acquire, and deliver training relevant to the community preparedness and fire prevention programs. Communicate with Libby Unit FMO and other FACCs to ensure consistency in subject matter delivery. Application Materials Required: State Application Cover Letter Resume Please apply through the state of Montana website mt.gov Home (mt.gov) HELPFUL HINT:You must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application. BENEFITS: Health Care & Benefits Retirement Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): The required knowledge, skills and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in communications, forestry, natural resources, or related field or four years of progressively responsible experience including communications, education, fire prevention, community preparedness, training, and program management. The incumbent must be able to attain and maintain single resource qualifications to include the following – National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualification/certification as a Engine Boss (ENGB), Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT-5), and Faller level 2. Public Information Officer (PIOF) certification is desired. Required knowledge, skills, and abilities: This position requires knowledge of communication, fire and fuels management, wildland fire prevention, and community preparedness. The position requires knowledge of public information, collaborative teamwork, and project management and administration. The position requires skill in written and verbal communication, as well as public information, education, and outreach. The incumbent must demonstrate ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex information pertaining to wildland fire prevention and community preparedness programs, procedures, activities, and operations. The position also requires a working knowledge of Forestry Division and DNRC policies and practices; strategic planning; research principles and practices; and the Incident Command System. The responsibilities of this position require the ability to coordinate and support the work of technical, professional, and clerical personnel within the Department and from cooperating federal, state and private entities; understand and apply Department policy; make sound decisions; train, direct, motivate, and lead others effectively; maintain effective working relationships; achieve work plan objectives through others; apply general management concepts such as goal-setting and work planning; and develop and administer a variety of functions concurrently. SPECIAL INFORMATION: Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months. ELIGIBILITY TO WORK: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card" Title: Program Specialist 1 - Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator Location: Libby Requisition ID: 24140366