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The CENTER FOR INTEGRATED RESEARCH ON THE ENVIRONMENT (CIRE) invites applications for a FIRE OPERATIONS TECH.  The Fire Operations Tech (FOT) will serve in an integral role on a team completing a joint project between the Center for Integrated Research on the Environment (CIRE) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The FOT 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.

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.

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.

The FOT works closely with university faculty, Air Force property managers, project Points of Contact, public land managers and nonprofit organizations to implement projects throughout the U.S. 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.

Minimum Required Experience

• High school diploma (or equivalency) in addition to six (6) months of fire management experience or completion of a fire management 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 or ability to obtain class B commercial license within six (6) months.

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. 
• Experience with ArcGIS, GPS mapping and compiling field data.
• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field preferred.

About the Center for Integrated Research on the Environment

The mission of the Center for Integrated Research on the Environment (CIRE) is to promote the development of Montana’s science and technology resources at the University of Montana in Natural Resource Management and Ecology and Cultural Resource Management and Human Affairs.  It is specifically designed to work with federal, state and tribal administrations and agencies to collect, analyze, and apply environmental and cultural resource data, as well as to implement land rehabilitation and maintenance for management of public lands within a nationwide capacity.  CIRE applies best practices for sustainable use of land and water resources, innovative technologies, effective monitoring, education and training. CIRE is a center designed to handle a large Cooperative Agreement (CA) with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) with research tasks encompassing natural and cultural resource issues around the world.  The agreement is for a period of 5-years, June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2019, with an expenditure limit of $45 million. CIRE currently operates off another CA with the Alaska District of USACE and various other DoD-funded pursuits.

Position Details

POSITION TITLE:                    FIRE OPERATIONS TECH

POSITION NUMBER:              294600

DEPARTMENT:                       Center for Integrated Research on the Environment (CIRE)

WORK SCHEDULE:                 Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), 12 months/year. Position requires an alternative work schedule due to wildland firefighting.

SALARY:                                $21.00/HR – Current employee’s rate of pay for this position will be determined by the staff compensation plan and will minimally be this posted salary. For questions and details regarding the staff compensation plan, email the Compensation Department.

UNION AFFILIATION:               None

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:        Six months minimum

BENEFITS INCLUDE:               Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, 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 (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via "New Resume/CV" button below

A COMPLETE APPLICATION INCLUDES:

1. LETTER OF INTEREST – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position.
2. DETAILED RESUME – listing education and describing work experience.
3. PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

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