Wildfire Mitigation Specialist

Definition

These are full-time opportunities with many benefits! As a Missoula County employee, you will be part of a team that is committed to positively impacting the community. The pay range for this position is $26.10 - $29.65 per hour DOE. These are 4+ year grant-funded positions. Every effort will be made to continue to fund these positions post award.

The Wildfire Program Department is seeking two WILDFIRE MITIGATION SPECIALISTS to join their team. The Wildfire Mitigation Specialist performs professional wildfire hazard mitigation duties for Missoula County. This role is a key resource in managing and reducing fuel loads in wildfire-prone areas, particularly within the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) and a vital resource in the coordination, development, and delivery of educational programs and training to support the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). Responsibilities include coordinating with property owners, participating area agencies, and neighborhoods to plan, promote, review, approve, and inspect wildfire hazard mitigation activities and enhance community resilience through effective communication and educational strategies. The skills and interests of the applicants will determine the primary focus of the position (Fuels or Education).

Details: We are accepting completed application submissions until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2024. It is in your best interest to apply by this date.
To Apply:

• Please complete all sections of the online application, even if a resume is requested.
• Please include with a complete application the following attachments: A letter of interest, a resume, and documentation of Firefighter 2 (FFT2) certification as defined by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).
• Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
• Complete job description available upon request to the Department of Human Resources.

Representative Examples of Work

Fuel Assessment and Planning

• Fuel Assessment: Assess fuel types and conditions in wildfire-prone areas to determine appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Plan Development: Develop and implement fuel reduction plans to minimize wildfire risks and are aligned with the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)

Educational Program Development

• Design and deliver educational programs: Develop and implement educational programs aimed at reducing wildfire risks and enhancing public awareness.
• Content and presentations: Create content and presentations to support community efforts in wildfire mitigation and home hardening techniques.
• Training modules and workshops: Lead and assist in creating training modules and workshops aligned with the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).

Program Coordination

• Stakeholder Engagement: Work with landowners, agencies, and other stakeholders to promote wildfire prevention, mitigation, and risk reduction strategies.
• Home Assessments: Conduct home assessments and provide advice to property owners on mitigation options.
• Participate in CPT activities: Support the activities of the Community Preparedness/Prevention Team (CPT), a sub-group of the Missoula County Fire Protection Association (MCFPA).
• Lead wildfire prevention activities: Assist in organizing and leading wildfire prevention efforts, including prescribed burns and other mitigation strategies.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required. Bachelor’s Degree in fire science, natural resource management, forestry, ecology or related fields preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience in Community Risk Reduction or Wildland Fire Management, including involvement with one or more tasks or program areas such as Preparedness, Hazard Mitigation, or Wildfire Response.
• CERTIFICATES : Firefighter 2 (FFT2) certification as defined by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). Must be able to obtain NFPA Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Certification within one (1) year of employment.
• SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Clearance through a criminal background check. Possession of a valid Montana driver’s license.

Physical/Environmental Demands

Field and Office Work: The work is performed in both field and office settings with extensive fieldwork. Remote Site Travel: Requires travel to remote sites and field locations, involving walking and standing on rough or uneven terrain in all seasons. Physical Effort: Ability to lift and carry moderately heavy items (20-50 lbs). Flexible Hours: Work schedule may include meetings and events outside normal working hours.
Located halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and home to the University of Montana, Missoula is an academic center situated in an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Depending on the season, you can hike, ski, fish, float rivers, ride mountain bikes, or just sit back and marvel at the surrounding scenery. Join us in scenic, sophisticated, and service-oriented Missoula!
Missoula County covers over 2,618 square miles of mountain lands varying in topography and climate from temperate river valleys to snow-capped peaks. Five large valleys and two major rivers wind through this mountainous region.
Missoula County is large and diverse, featuring everything from the spectacular scenery of Clark Fork River running through town to lush ranches and a growing economy of small business. Skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, mothers and fathers, business owners, vacationers, fisherman, retirees, students, and many others have grown to love Missoula County's boundless opportunities.

This summary outlines the benefit programs; actual benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.

Missoula County will reward your contributions to our community with competitive compensation and generous benefits, including but not limited to:

Excellent Medical Health Benefits– Group health benefits, including dental and vision coverage, are available to eligible County employees. The medical health benefits premium is covered for full-time employees. The County contribution is pro-rated on hours paid for part-time employees. The employee pays the premium portion for dependent coverage. Family health benefits coverage is $258.00 per pay period.

Medical deductible is $500 for an individual and $1,000 for a family.

Flexible Benefits Plan– Pre-tax out-of-pocket medical expenses and day care expenses.

Voluntary Life Insurance Coverage, Long and Short-Term Disability, Critical and Accident Insuranceare offered through Mutual ofOmaha.

Public Employees Retirement System– Montana public employees of the state, university system, local governments and certain employees of school districts are covered by the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New members to the PERS have an opportunity to choose between two retirement plan options: the Defined Benefit Plan or the Defined Contribution Plan.

Sheriffs' Retirement System (SRS)– A public pension plan for all Montana Sheriffs hired after July 1, 1974 and Detention Officers hired after July 1, 2005.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Working for Missoula County may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness. Look here to learn more and understand whether you may be eligible.

Supplemental Retirement Benefitsare offered through Valic or Nationwide.

Sick Leave– Full-time employees accrue 7.38hours per month and are eligible to use sick leave once you have been an employee for 90 days.The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Vacation Leave– Full-time employees accrue 9.24 hours per month and are eligible to use leave after continuous employment for a period of 6 full months. The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Holidays– The County observes eleven legal holidays in even numbered years and ten legal holidays in odd numbered years.

Paid Parental Leave (PPL)-In recognition of the importance of bonding and care of a newborn child or a child placed for adoption, Missoula County 6 continuous weeks of PPL to eligible full-time employees that have been with the county for 180 days. The hours are pro-rated for part-time employees.

Tuition Assistance- Because we value the professional and personal development of our employees, Missoula County is proud to offer reimbursement of certain education expenses.

Closing Date/Time: 11/5/2024 5:00 PM Mountain

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• Missoula County

• 406-258-3293

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