Program Specialist I

Texas A&M University; Town of Texas, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Texas A&M Forest Service is seeking a Program Specialist I to oversee the Helping Hands program for an assigned area, transferring donated equipment to rural volunteer fire departments and managing the full life-cycle of donated property.

The role includes supervising one seasonal employee, routine travel to pickup and deliver items, and collaboration with field staff. You will use FireConnect to process requests and maintain records while supporting surplus inventory management.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Project Management or related field, or equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Two years of experience in program operations/delivery or related area.
• Preferred: Supervisory experience; familiarity with fire service operations.

Responsibilities

• Administer all functions of the Helping Hands Program within the assigned area; manage donated gear and inventory; oversee disposal of unserviceable items and transfer of fulfilled requests.
• Serve as the primary point-of-contact for volunteer fire departments and donors; coordinate pickups and deliveries; build relationships to support ongoing donations.
• Maintain files, process purchases and travel transactions; use FireConnect to manage applications, inventory records and customer interactions; assist with surplus intake and property preparation for auction.
• Manage agency credit cards in accordance with policies; assist and support other agency programs, including emergency response.

Skills

MS Office

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Judgement

Attention to detail

Self-motivation

Supervisory experience

Project management

Supply chain

Warehouse management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Management / Supply Chain / Project Management

Tools

FireConnect

Job description

Job Title

Program Specialist I Agency Texas A&M Forest Service Department Fd Assistance Programs - Helping Hands

Proposed Minimum Salary

$4,500.00 monthly

Job Location

Mcgregor, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Program Specialist oversees all aspects of the Helping Hands Program for an assigned area, transferring essential equipment to rural volunteer fire departments through coordinated donation and distribution efforts. This includes managing the full life-cycle of donated property - from intake, inventory, coordination of distribution and disposal - with most distribution carried out in collaboration with field staff. The position provides day-to-day supervision of one seasonal employee. Routine travel is required to pick up donated items, deliver equipment when needed and meet with prospective donors. The Program Specialist will also support Fleet Acquisition and Disposal (FAD) operations, particularly in surplus inventory management and preparation for auction. Work is performed with the FireConnect web application to process requests, maintain records and manage program documentation.

Responsibilities

• Administer all functions of the Helping Hands Program within the assigned area, including receiving and processing of donated gear and equipment, maintaining accurate inventory records and overseeing disposal of unserviceable items. Coordinate the transfer of fulfilled requests through close collaboration with field staff. Oversee vehicle title research and processing, direct SCBA testing activities carried out by contractors and manage warehouse operations. Maintain stock levels in partnership with other warehouses and initiate supply purchases as needed. Supervise assigned staff and guide daily work activities.
• Serve as the primary point-of-contact for volunteer fire departments and donors within the assigned area. Respond promptly to inquiries by phone, email and in person, providing clear communication to understand specific needs related to equipment requests. Meet routinely with donors and departments to coordinate donation pickups and deliver equipment when needed. Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and donors, ensuring a positive experience and fostering ongoing support for the program. Travel regularly within the assigned area to support donation development and address customer needs.
• Maintain accurate and organized files in both electronic and paper formats. Process purchases and travel transactions, track receipts and prepare daily cash logs. Use the FireConnect web application to manage program applications, update inventory records and document customer interactions. Assist with FAD responsibilities by supporting surplus intake, maintaining Property Transfer Record (PTR) files and preparing property for auction in line with agency procedures. Operate vehicles and equipment as needed for transport, maintenance and warehouse operations.
• Manage and account for all agency credit cards in accordance with applicable laws, policies, rules, procedures and guidelines.
• Assist and support other agency programs and activities, including participation in emergency response.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Texas A&M University System strives to support the health and wellness needs of our diverse workforce. Texas A&M Forest Service offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and health and lifestyle programs as well as educational incentives and tuition reimbursement opportunities.

Education and Experience

Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Project Management or related field of study, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Required Experience: Two (2) years of experience in program operations/delivery or related area.

Preferred Experience: Experience in business management, project management, supply chain or warehouse management. Supervisory experience. Familiarity with fire service operations and need.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required Knowledge: Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Knowledge: Working knowledge of agency fire department assistance programs.

Required Skills: Sound judgement. Attention to detail. Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills. Highly self-motivated.

Required Abilities: Work independently and effectively in a fast-paced environment and on team projects. Multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses

Required: Valid Texas Drivers license or ability to acquire one within 30 days of employment.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

About the Texas A&M Forest Service

Fulfilling the service component of a land-grant university system, Texas A&M Forest Service is a proud member of The Texas A&M University System. Celebrating 100 years of service, this state agency was created in 1915 by the 34th Texas Legislature. Each state in the nation has a state forestry agency, but Texas was the first to establish its state forestry agency as part of a land-grant college. Texas A&M Forest Service is recognized as the leader in defining forestry for the future of Texas and the nation. Applied programs include forest and tree development; wildfire prevention, mitigation, and protection; urban and community forestry; and a host of innovative forest sustainability programs. Texas A&M Forest Service works to ensure the state’s forests, trees, and related natural resources are conserved and continue to provide a sustainable flow of environmental and economic benefits.

Career Site Benefits

Texas A&M Forest Service Career Site Benefits - Besides getting to work for a highly-acclaimed state forestry agency with top-notch staff, there are many tangible benefits that go along with working with Texas A&M Forest Service. Exceptional health insurance is a huge economic benefit for employees. In addition to medical and life insurance, there are also options of dental, vision, long-term disability, and more. Paid vacation and sick leave and strong retirement plans round out a great benefit package.