Coastal Region Fire Management Specialist - DPR65044334

Natural and Cultural Resources; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is seeking an Environmental Specialist I to lead ecological burning programs and supervise a regional fire team. The role involves developing burn prescriptions, conducting ecological burns, monitoring effects, and coordinating with regional staff to ensure safe, science-based burning.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s degree in a natural resource field and practical experience with prescribed fire, fire management principles, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or closely related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience also acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Collect and manage data and geospatial maps for prescriptions, burn units, reporting, and planning.
• Assist with and lead prescribed burns, including site monitoring before, during, and after operations.
• Support the planning, installation, and maintenance of fire control lines.
• Purchase, maintain, and track fire equipment for regional fire crews.
• Coordinate prescribed fire activities with partner agencies on park lands and cooperating agencies lands.
• Work with program staff to plan and deliver NWCG fire trainings that support certification of Division burn bosses and coordinate additional experiential fire training opportunities.
• Operate, drive, and maintain fire vehicles according to Division standards.
• Perform wildland fire suppression, mop-up, and mitigation duties as requested and assigned.

Skills

Geospatial data management

Prescribed fire knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences

Job description

Agency Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources Division Parks and Recreation Job Classification Title Environmental Specialist I (S) Position Number 65044334 Grade NC12

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

Description of Work

Many state parks contain fire-dependent natural communities that require periodic burning to stay healthy and resilient. The Division uses prescribed fire to maintain these ecosystems and aims to restore fire-adapted habitats across the state parks system.

This position serves as the Regional Fire Management Specialist responsible for implementing the regional ecological burning program. Key duties include preparing burn prescriptions, leading ecological burns, monitoring fire effects, and recommending fire management strategies. The role also collaborates with staff across regions and supervises a Regional Fire Team to ensure safe, effective, and science-based ecological burning.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect and manage data and geospatial maps for prescriptions, burn units, reporting, and planning.
• Assist with and lead prescribed burns, including conducting site monitoring before, during, and after operations.
• Support the planning, installation, and maintenance of fire control lines.
• Purchase, maintain, and track fire equipment for regional fire crews.
• Coordinate prescribed fire activities with partner agencies on park lands and cooperating agencies lands.
• Work with program staff to plan and deliver NWCG fire trainings that support certification of Division burn bosses and coordinate additional experiential fire training opportunities.
• Operate, drive, and maintain fire vehicles according to Division standards.
• Perform wildland fire suppression, mop-up, and mitigation duties as requested and assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences. Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. Recruitment Range: $47,703.00 - $65,591.00 To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Applicants meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required.

Preferred: Demonstrated experience in on the ground prescribed fire implementation. Knowledge of fire management principles, burn prescription development, fire protection practices, firefighting equipment, and ecological burning techniques. Knowledge of conservation principles and best practices for protecting park resources. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Division staff, partner agencies, environmental organizations, park support groups, the public, and neighboring landowners. Understanding of the management of natural resource-based parks, natural areas, and nature preserves.

Position/Physical Requirements

Typical work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm; projects at parks may require many additional hours of travel. Must be able to perform work inside and outside in various environmental conditions with or without a reasonable accommodation. Must have the ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects with or without a reasonable accommodation. Must have a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment. This Position is designated as Essential/Mandatory and is required to work adverse weather events and may be called to work special events.

• Class A CDL
• CPR Certification
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Single Resource Boss (ex: Engine Boss, Firing Boss, Heavy Equipment Boss, Crew Boss)
• North Carolina State Certified Burner Certification
• Certified in S-112 Chainsaw Operations Training - perform hazardous tree assessments and if necessary, tree removal within the park.

This position will be located at a park in the Coastal Region with regional responsibilities spanning several counties. Nature Research Center 121 W. Jones St. Raleigh, NC 27601

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

• Bachelor's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution.
• OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Division Description

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all its citizens and visitors through conservation, recreation and education. Conservation: To conserve and protect representative examples of North Carolina's natural beauty, ecological features, recreational and cultural resources within the state parks system; Recreation: To provide and promote safe, healthy and enjoyable outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the state; and Education: To provide educational opportunities that promote stewardship of the state's natural and cultural heritage. To explore NC State Parks visit: https://www.dncr.nc.gov/visit/state-parks Click here to learn about employee perks and benefits. Click here to see the Total Compensation Calculator.

Supplemental and Contact Information

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence. We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

Application Process: Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application. The hiring process may take several weeks. Be sure to complete the application in full. Applicants are unable to submit more than one application to an individual posting. Only one application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM on the night prior to the closing date.

Degree/College Credit Verification: Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.

Veteran's and National Guard Preference: Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application. Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations: Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Employment Eligibility: It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

CONTACT INFORMATION: N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Division of Parks & Recreation 121 W. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 919-707-9360

EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today!

State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience: The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting.