Wildland Urban Interface Specialist I

~ Fulfilling the service component of a land-grant university system, Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) is a proud member of The Texas A&M University System. ~

Celebrating 100 years of service, this state agency was created in 1915 by the 34th Texas Legislature. Each state in the nation has a state forestry agency, but Texas was the first to establish its state forestry agency as part of a land-grant college.

TFS is recognized as the leader in defining forestry for the future of Texas and the nation. Applied programs include forest and tree development; wildfire prevention, mitigation, and protection; urban and community forestry; and a host of innovative forest sustainability programs. TFS works to ensure the state’s forests, trees, and related natural resources are conserved and continue to provide a sustainable flow of environmental and economic benefits.

Position Overview

Texas A&M Forest Service seeks a Wildland Urban Interface Specialist I.

Responsibilities

• Complete mitigation and wildfire prevention programs that include Community Wildfire Protection Plans, Firewise Communities, Risk Assessments and hazardous fuel reduction.
• Support and lead cities, counties and fire departments to implement mitigation and wildfire prevention programs.
• Provide subject matter expert technical assistance to a wide range of cooperators.
• Complete Public Information and Fire Prevention duties within assigned Branch.
• Serve on Department Committees.
• Complete ArcGIS maps and use the Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal in support of hazardous fuel reduction projects, completion of CWPP and Firewise Communities, serve on Post Fire Assessment Team and Fire Prevention teams.
• Ensures mitigation and prevention programs are completed in a cost effective manner and within budget.
• Completes all administrative tasks in accordance to applicable laws, rules, procedures and guidelines.
• Ensures that programs are tracked with the completion of timely reports.
• During large scale wildfire outbreaks and all hazard incidents will be engaged in public information, mitigation, prevention and fire suppression or emergency response efforts.
• Will work within the NIMS/ICS environment.
• Employee expected to complete duties with minimal guidance and oversight.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Required Education:

• Bachelors degree in Forestry, Range Science, Natural Resource Management, Fire Management, Fire Ecology, Agricultural Leadership or closely related field.

Preferred Education:

• Masters degree in Forestry, Agricultural Leadership, Range Science, Fire Management, Fire Ecology or closely related field.

Required Experience:

• None.

Preferred Experience:

• Familiar with Texas A&M Forest Service programs and operations.
• Experience working with ArcGIS or student internship experience in the natural resource field or communication field or public education or wildland firefighting. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Required Knowledge:

• Computers and technology used in Texas A&M Forest Service (word processing, spreadsheets). 

Preferred Knowledge:

• Working practical knowledge in developing and completion of Community Wildfire Protection Plans and working with communities towards obtaining recognized Firewise Community USA status.
• Completing proactive WUI programs (Firewise practical programs and Ready, Set, Go), conducting WUI Risk Assessments and wildfire prevention programs.
• Working knowledge of GIS and the Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment.

Required Ability:

• Work independently and be self-directed.
• Develop and maintain relationships with various cooperators, stakeholders and the general public.
• Work with all forms of the news media.
• Work with GIS applications.
• Work within NIMS/ICS environment at wildfires and at all-hazard incidents.
• Travel and attend required training programs.
• Multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Required Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills working with a variety of people.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.

Preferred skills:

• Wildland fire service terminology, wildfire suppression operations, wildfire prevention campaigns, fire information and all-hazard incident response.

Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:

Required:

• Valid Texas Drivers license.

Preferred:

• Current Hold current NWCG credentials. Certified SAF Forester. Certified ISA Arborist.

Other Requirements:

• Emergency Fire and All-Hazard Response will be required.
• Applicants need to upload a Cover Letter, Resume, Transcript and References.

~ Texas A&M Forest Service is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. ~