Program Specialist 1 - Unit Assistant Fire Management Officer

State of Montana; Kalispell (MT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Montana, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Kalispell Unit, seeks an Assistant Fire Management Officer to lead wildland fire initial attack personnel and equipment, ensuring safe and effective fire management for the Unit.

The AFMO will coordinate with County, State, Tribal and Federal agencies, supervise engine crews, and assist with fire prevention, training, and related programs. This role reports to the Kalispell Unit Fire Management Officer.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise unit fire activities and resources.
• Lead fire suppression operations and incident response.
• Coordinate pre-suppression and prevention activities.
• Oversee fire-related projects and program delivery.
• Manage personnel and training within the unit.
• Maintain buildings, grounds, and vehicles.
• Coordinate Good Neighbor Authority and Trust Land activities.
• Supervise staff and provide training and feedback.
• Impact unit readiness and safety decisions.

Job description

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations .

The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained.

Core Values

• We value and respect each other.
• We create collaborative work environments.
• We build and maintain strong relationships.
• We practice accountability.
• We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work

Position Overview

This Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO) position is located at the Kalispell Unit and is a crucial position that will provide leadership both off and on the line to the Unit Engine Crews. This position may also help with various Forestry Division or Trust Land Management Division (TLMD) duties.

This position has primary responsibilities to coordinate, implement, and supervise wildland fire initial attack personnel and equipment to provide a safe and effective fire management capability for the Unit. Work assignments require cooperation and coordination with County, State, Tribal and Federal agencies, the general public, permanent and seasonal employees, and private contractors. The position administers seasonal activities related to wildland fire protection, the maintenance of buildings, grounds, and vehicles, and fire-related program projects of the Unit. The position is responsible for implementing operational activities associated with fire suppression and prevention; providing wildland fire planning and professional assistance; supervising and training fire crews; developing and coordinating training programs; investigating and enforcing forest use laws, rules, and policies; educating and informing the public of fire prevention and fire management practices. The incumbent may attend county fire meetings and plan and coordinate county fire trainings.

One of the priorities for the Kalispell Unit is our cooperator relationships, therefore, the AFMO will help build and maintain relationships with the adjoining DNRC Units, surrounding National Forests, other tribal and federal agencies, and surrounding counties. This position will directly supervise the engine crews as directed by the Fire Management Officer (FMO). This position assists with Unit fire prevention work, duties, and plans. Consequently, the Unit AFMO will provide input in developing the Fire Prevention Plan. This position will assist forest management duties concerning forest improvement, as well as other duties assigned. This position reports directly to the Kalispell Unit Fire Management Officer and assists in supervision of 6.1 seasonal and permanent FTE .

Essential Functions (Major Duties and Responsibilities)

• Fire Management and Coordination:
• Fire Management Program: The incumbent has the responsibility to plan, coordinate, and supervise several concurrent activities within the Unit Fire Program or where assigned.
• Fire Suppression
• Fire Pre-Suppression
• Fire Prevention
• Project Work and Fire-related Programs:
• Personnel
• Building, Grounds and Vehicle Maintenance
• Trust Land Management / Good Neighbor Authority:
• This position may be responsible for managing various Good Neighbor Authority or Trust Land activities as directed by the Unit Manager and other Program Managers.
• Management and Supervision of others:
• Supervision and Training
• Scope and Effect:
• Actions and decisions of this position affect operational aspects of the Unit's fire management programs including the implementation of fire management plans, coordination of resources, and providing leadership and expertise in fire suppression activities. Decisions concern choices between numerous and varied alternatives during specific or multiple fire incidents, the delivery of technical and professional assistance to the public and forest land users, and coordinating manpower and equipment readiness levels with other organizations and agencies. Decisions often commit the department to particular and costly courses of action that are critical in fire suppression activities and directly affect firefighter and public safety. The incumbent is responsible for keeping the