CA-TF5 US&R Plans Section - Technical Information Specialist

Orange County Fire Authority; California (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange County Fire Authority is recruiting for an entry level Technical Information Specialist (TIS) to document, track, and retrieve information for CA-TF5 during incident operations. The role requires non-probationary OCFA firefighters, engineers, or captains and offers placement in a candidate pool for future vacancies.

Selected individuals must complete FEMA Plans/TIS training and other FEMA courses, and be prepared to work in austere environments while coordinating with multiple agencies.

Qualifications

• Must be current OCFA firefighter (non-probationary), firefighter apparatus engineer, or fire captain.
• Demonstrate ability to follow orders and manage personnel.
• Clear written and oral communication skills are required.
• Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Document, track, and retrieve all pertinent information for US&R Task Force during incident operations.
• Participate in rigorous base camp and field operations under hazardous conditions.
• Provide verbal and written interaction with all sections including local, state, and federal officials.
• Work in disaster zones and adverse weather, hazardous atmospheres, and aircraft operations.
• Represent the local, state, and federal government as needed during deployments.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

GPS operations knowledge

People management skills

Problem solving

MS Word and Excel basics

Flexibility in austere environments

Job description

California Task Force 5 (CA-TF5) US&R Plans Section is currently recruiting for the position of Technical Information Specialist (TIS). This recruitment is only open to full-time, Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Firefighters (non-probationary), Fire Apparatus Engineers, and Fire Captains.

This is an entry level position and non-probationary Firefighters are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be placed in a candidate pool, which will be used to fill current and future vacancies. The list may be retained for up to two (2) years.

The ideal candidate should be technically savvy and very motivated. The TIS is responsible for documenting, tracking, and retrieving all pertinent information for the task force during incident operations.

The position requires participation in rigorous physically and mentally challenging base camp and field operations. These operations encompass multiple disciplines of the Plans functional area in extremely varied and potentially hazardous working conditions. Technical Information Specialists require the ability to provide both verbal and written interaction with all sections of the US&R Task Force, including local, state and federal officials. The position also requires working in disaster zones, adverse weather conditions, hazardous atmospheres and military or civilian aircraft (fixed and rotary).

As a member of the US&R Task Force you will be asked to represent the local, state, and federal government under extremely diverse conditions.

Minimum requirements for US&R Plans - TIS

• Current, OCFA Firefighter (non-probationary), Fire Apparatus Engineer, or Fire Captain
• Participation in the OCFA "WEFIT" program
• Have a basic knowledge of US&R and GPS operations
• Demonstrate the ability to follow orders and personnel management skills
• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Have the ability to be flexible, resolve conflicts, and solve problems
• Possess basic working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Be willing to work and live in austere environments for extended periods of time

Position Requirement (post selection)

• Must maintain a basic knowledge of the use of specialized Task Force equipment and support resources related to your position
• Meet and maintain qualifications for Plans/TIS per the FEMA position descriptions
• Completion of the FEMA Plans/TIS course
• Completion of FEMA classes IS100, IS200, IS700, IS800 and FEMA Orientation class
• Completion of GPS Operational and WMD Enhanced Ops classes (online)
• Complete annual FEMA Ethics Training course
• Participate in air operations - helicopter and fixed wing during deployments and/or training
• Attend quarterly training meetings and participation in Task Force Exercises
• Maintain/respond by timely communication with Task Force and Section administration through email and phone
• NWCG Plans related training
• Follow the Federal "Code of Conduct" for US&R Task Forces

Recommended Training (post selection)

• Completion of ICs-300: Intermediate IC for Expanding Incidents

Selected individuals will begin the training process immediately after selection, with required attendance in the FEMA Plans/TIS course in March of 2027.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• Recruitment Closes: Monday, October 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM
• Panel Interviews: Week of October 26, 2026
• Selections Announced: Week of November 2, 2026

CANDIDATE POOL LIST

Placement on the candidate pool list will be established based on successful completion of all recruitment process components. The candidate pool list will remain in effect for a period of one (1) year from the date of establishment or until all names on the list are exhausted. The candidate pool list may be extended or abolished at the discretion of the Assistant Chief of Human Resources.

QUESTIONS

All questions regarding this position should be directed to Fire Apparatus Engineer Chris Hoggatt at [e-mail] or Fire Captain David Newell at [e-mail].

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH NEOGOV

Please contact the assigned recruiter, Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at [e-mail] or [phone].

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at [e-mail] within 72 hours of the need for accommodation.

WITHDRAWING FROM RECRUITMENT PROCESS

If an applicant chooses to withdraw from this recruitment process, he/she is required to submit an email notification to the assigned recruiter, Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at [e-mail] requesting a withdrawal from the process. The email to the recruiter must include the applicant's current phone number.

NOTE

The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.