Wildland Firefighter 3 - Fire Operations Specialist

$53,581 - $53,581/Yr

State of Montana - Kalispell, MT

Full-time - Mid Level

Kalispell, MT

Administration of Economic Programs

About the position

The Wildland Firefighter 3 - Fire Operations Specialist position at the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is responsible for coordinating fire prevention, community preparedness, and suppression programs within the Kalispell Unit. This mid-level management role involves supervising fire personnel, managing fire program resources, and developing relationships with community partners to ensure effective fire management and safety in the region.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and perform fire program operations, planning, training, interagency coordination, preparedness and prevention services within the Kalispell Unit.
• Ensure Unit personnel and equipment are ready for fire potential throughout the year by analyzing daily fire indices and modifying work schedules as needed.
• Serve as Unit Duty Officer, responsible for decision-making regarding the implementation of the Unit's fire program during scheduled shifts.
• Provide professional leadership and expertise for the Unit's fire management program and assist in training programs for Unit and Local Government staff.
• Direct fire management duties based on agency needs, including determining tactics and strategy for wildland fire suppression efforts.
• Serve as Incident Commander on complex fires, directing operations and maintaining communication with dispatch and the Unit Duty Officer.
• Conduct daily briefings with fire crews to inform them of current fire conditions and resource availability.
• Assist in recruitment and selection activities for seasonal fire staff, ensuring adequate staffing and compliance with personnel policies.
• Develop and implement the Unit Fire Prevention Plan, addressing specific fire problems and community preparedness education.
• Perform skilled maintenance tasks for facilities and equipment, ensuring operational readiness.

Requirements

• High school diploma and a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in fireline leadership and fire program management.
• Ability to attain Incident Commander Type 4 and Strike Team/Task Force Leader certification upon hire.
• Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of Wildland Firefighting principles, emergency management, and natural resources.
• Familiarity with State and Federal fire protection laws and regulations.
• Experience in equipment management and maintenance, fire budgeting, and safety management methods.
• Ability to coordinate personnel and equipment for fire suppression and support during fire actions.
• Proficient in computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and GIS.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with community wildfire protection plans and evacuation safety procedures.
• Knowledge of fire resistant landscaping principles and ignition resistant construction.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays
• Health, Dental, Prescription, and Vision Coverage
• Retirement Plans
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)