Fuels Management Administrator

Montgomery County Maryland; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kansas Forest Service seeks a Fuels Management Specialist to help Kansas communities assess wildfire risk and implement fuels reduction strategies, including prescribed fire, public education, and outreach. You will collaborate with state agencies, NGOs, fire departments, and landowners to develop projects and deliver training.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma plus five years of relevant experience, with preference for a Bachelor’s in Natural Resources and NWCG FFT1+

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and five years of relevant experience.
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources or closely related field.
• Experience with fuels reduction, prescribed fire planning, and community outreach.
• NWCG FFT1+ certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess and provide wildfire risk reduction strategies through fuels management, prescribed fire, and public education.
• Work with community leaders, public agencies, conservation organizations, fire departments, and landowners to develop and implement projects.
• Assist with outreach, planning and implementation of fuels reduction grants.
• Coordinate fuels management programs with communities, public agencies, NGOs, fire departments, and partners across Kansas.
• Build relationships with communities and partners through field days, conferences, workshops and other outreach opportunities.
• Develop and implement fuels reduction projects on public and private lands, particularly in the Wildland Urban Interface or high wildfire risk areas.
• Coordinate prescribed fire efforts with Kansas Forest Service and partner organizations across the state.
• Provide leadership for prescribed fire and fire prevention training workshops and educational events.
• Represent the Kansas Forest Service through public appearances, media interviews, and other opportunities to promote wildfire prevention and fuels management.

Skills

Communication skills

Planning

Outreach & training

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources

Tools

NWCG FFT1+ certification

Job description

About This Role

As the Fuels Management Specialist, you will assist communities across Kansas assess and provide wildfire risk reduction strategies through fuels management, prescribed fire, and public education. You’ll work alongside community leaders, public agencies, conservation organizations, fire departments, and landowners to develop and implement projects to make Kansas communities and landscapes wildfire resilient.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Assist with outreach, planning and implementation of fuels reduction grants focused on communities and areas with high wildfire risk.
• Coordinate fuels management programs with communities, public agencies, NGOs, fire departments, and other partners across Kansas.
• Build relationships with communities and partners through field days, conferences, workshops and other outreach opportunities.
• Develop and implement fuels reduction projects on public and private lands, particularly in the Wildland Urban Interface or areas with high wildfire risk.
• Coordinate prescribed fire efforts with Kansas Forest Service and partner organizations across the state.
• Provide leadership for prescribed fire and fire prevention training workshops and educational events.
• Represent the Kansas Forest Service through public appearances, media interviews, and other opportunities to promote wildfire prevention and fuels management.

This is an opportunity to combine sound land management while reducing wildfire risk and fuel loading on Kansas public and private lands.

About Us

The Kansas Forest Service is the 5th-oldest state forestry agency in the country, established in 1887, and is housed within K-State Extension. The Kansas Forest Service serves Kansans across the state by providing expertise, education, and assistance to help protect and improve Kansas’s forest resources. Our work supports landowners and communities, helps prevent and respond to wildfires, promotes healthy and resilient forests, and connects Kansans with the knowledge and resources they need to care for the state's natural resources.

At the Kansas Forest Service, we value a welcoming, collaborative workplace where employees can build connections with colleagues across the state while doing meaningful work for the people of Kansas. We recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and life and encourage employees to make use of their accrued leave and other earned benefits. Because our employees work in communities across Kansas, we also prioritize time to work together, including twice-yearly in-person meetings, abundant professional development opportunities, and connection through activities such as our agency book club. Learn more about us at https://www.kansasforests.org/about/

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and five years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of work experience and education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources or closely related academic field.
• NWCG (National Wildland Coordinating Group) qualifications at FFT1 level and above.
• Knowledge regarding fire ecology, fuels reduction strategies and prescribed fire planning and implementation.
• Strong communication skills, ability to clearly define projects along with procedures for implementing fuels reduction projects.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to detail.
• Experience developing informational materials, coordinating outreach and delivering workshops and training.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to manage deadlines effectively.

Additional Role Information:

• Valid driver's license

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Application Window

Applications close on: October 2, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$48,000 - $60,000