The University of Montana Jobs (1)

The Seasonal Fire Operations Tech (SFT) will serve in an integral role on a team completing a joint project between the Center for Integrated Research on the Environment (CIRE) the US Air Force (USAF) Wildland Fire Branch (AFWFB).

The SFT will support daily activities of the team at Beale AFB, CA. This position requires work on active military training ranges with potential risk for unexploded ordnance and other related hazards.

In addition, regular travel (up to 15 weeks per year) to other Air Force installations to perform similar tasks throughout the area of responsibility is required.

The main difference between this position and the Fire Operations Technician position is that the person in this position will be responsible for supervising seasonal field staff as necessary.

Major Duties Include :

Fire Operations

• Primary responsibilities of the position are serving on prescribed fire and fuels projects in positions for which qualified.
• Technically administers all aspects of the prescribed fire / fuels plan, ensuring that preparation, ignition, holding, mop-up, and rehabilitation are completed to the specified standards.
• During the implementation of prescribed fires plans, fuels projects, and wildfire response plans, monitors fire behavior, evaluates fire effects, identifies potential problems and makes recommendations.
• Supports wildfire suppression efforts in initial attack and in follow-up actions to safely and effectively control wildfires in accordance with the identified appropriate management response.
• Operates / maintains a variety of motor vehicles to transport equipment, supplies, crew members, etc.
• Act as the lead firefighter on a type 6 wildland fire engine.
• Assist the assistant module lead and lead fire tech with project completion.

Prescribed Fire / Fuels Management Plans

• Participates in drafting prescribed fire / fuels management plans following the interagency template.
• Prepares and reviews plans and / or plan components such as annual operating plans, training plans, fire suppression plans, safety plans, and individual project plans.

Wildland Fire and Safety Training

• Ensures own and others welfare and safety in all aspects of project implementation. Identifies training needs of the module and participates in prescribed fire and fuels management, and wildland fire and safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression.
• Leads and participates in preparedness reviews, proficiency checks and drills, safety sessions, and after-action reviews.

Heavy Equipment and Fleet Management

• Assist with heavy equipment management and possess necessary qualifications to do so.
• Assist as directed with fuels management under the supervision of the lead fire tech.
• Track, manage, and facilitate fleet usage for all module members, seasonal employees, and module guests.
• Track all equipment repairs and maintenance.

The SFT works closely with university faculty, Air Force property managers, project Points of Contact, public land managers and nonprofit organizations to implement projects throughout the The individual will leave this position with highly specialized abilities related to managing fire programs on Department of Defense properties.

Required Skills

• Meet requirements for the NWCG standards for Firefighter Type 2, which includes an annual pack test at arduous level and fire line refresher (maintained annually)
• Ability to interact with individuals and special interest groups with diverse and potentially conflicting viewpoints regarding natural and cultural resource management priorities
• Ability to supervise seasonal field staff as necessary

Minimum Required Experience

High school diploma (or equivalency) in addition to six (6) months of wildland fire experience or completion of a fire school;

or any combination of experience and education that provides the competencies necessary to successfully discharge the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position.

• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to gain contractor level DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in highly structured organizations, such as governmental agencies, the military or corporations, with established lines of authority, procedures and protocols.
• Operation of heavy equipment in wildland fire and forestry practice is desired.
• Experience with wildland fire suppression, familiarity with California ecosystems and fire regimes.
• Heavy equipment and / or agricultural operation and maintenance.

About the Center for Integrated Research on the Environment

CIRE offers expert task-based execution and research in natural resource management, wildland fire operations, and cultural resource management to our Federal, Tribal, State and private-sector partners via cooperative agreements, grants and partnering opportunities.

Position Details

Position Title : Seasonal Fire Opps Tech / CIRE (Temporary)

Position Number : 920R01

Department : Department Name w / Hyperlink to Website

Work Schedule : Full-time, Seasonal FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 0930-1830, Variable due to Wildland Firefighting.

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Union Affiliation : None

Probationary Period : Six months minimum

Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, and wellness program

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

ADA / EOE / AA / Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities.

For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women.

Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References : References not listed on the application materials may be contacted;

notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing : Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility : All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required Form I-9).

How to Apply

A complete application Includes :

Letter of Interest addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position.

A general letter salutation such as Dear Search Committee or Dear Hiring Manager is acceptable

• Detailed Resume listing education and describing work experience
• Professional References names and contact information for three (3) professional references