Resource Specialist I

Texas A&M University System; Edinburg (TX); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Texas A&M Forest Service is seeking a Resource Specialist I to attend required training, assist with delivering agency programs to local communities, and operate wildland fire suppression equipment. The role includes responding to wildland fires and other incidents while maintaining professional conduct at all times.

Responsibilities include statewide firefighting duties, assisting with capacity-building programs for VFDs and municipal departments, and supporting other TAMFS initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Preferred: 2-year natural resources related technical degree.
• 1+ years general work experience required.
• Preferred: experience with VFD or wildland fire agency and instructor experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a wildland firefighter and emergency responder statewide, operate heavy firefighting equipment and perform reconnaissance.
• Assist with delivery of Capacity Building programs to VFDs and municipal fire departments and coordinate with TAMFS and other agencies.
• Support program delivery by Regional Fire Coordinators and related specialists; assist in data collection for Fire Risk Assessments.
• Maintain assigned state vehicle and emergency equipment in readiness.
• Support TAMFS programs and manage TAMFS credit cards per policies.
• Participate in TAMFS Incident Management Team and other mitigation teams; respond to emergencies within allowable 30 minutes.

Skills

Multitasking

Teamwork

Water delivery systems

PC-based programs

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2-year natural resources related degree

Tools

GIS

GPS

Wildland fire hand tools

Personal protective equipment

Wildland fire engines

Job description

Job Title

Resource Specialist I

Agency

Texas A&M Forest Service

Department

Alice Task Force

Proposed Minimum Salary

$20.45 hourly

Job Location

Edinburg, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Resource Specialist I will attend all required training, assist with the delivery of agency programs to local communities, operate and maintain wildland fire suppression equipment and respond to wildland fires and other all-hazard incidents. They will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a wildland firefighter and/or emergency responder on a statewide basis. Duties will include operation of heavy fire fighting equipment, use of hand fire fighting tools, and perform ground reconnaissance on wildfires. Employee must meet and annually maintain a physical fitness standard which includes successfully completing a 2-mile walk carrying a 25 pound pack in 30 minutes or less and obtain required NWCG training and Red Card Certification. Employee will carry a communication device to facilitate 24-hour availability. Will be required to respond to dispatcher within 30 minutes of receiving an emergency page, notification, or alert.
• Assist Regional Fire Coordinator with the delivery of the Capacity Building programs to VFDs and municipal fire departments. Support the development and delivery of the programs within Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) and with other government agencies. These programs include: VFD assistance, insurance, and vehicle liability risk pool; Fire Safe; FEPP; VFA cost shares; Helping Hands; training; fire risk assessment; aviation; and TICC.
• Assist in the delivery of programs developed by the Regional Fire Coordinators, Fire Prevention Specialists, Urban Interface Specialists, and Prescribed Burning Specialist. Support the Fire Risk Assessment Coordinator with data collection.
• Maintain assigned state vehicle, transport/dozers and other emergency equipment in a professional state of readiness.
• Provide support for Fire Emergency Response and Forest Natural Resource programs as requested and support other TAMFS programs as requested.
• Manage and account for TAMFS credit cards in accordance with applicable laws, policies, rules, procedures and guidelines.
• Serve on TAMFS Incident Management Team, Fire Prevention Teams, and Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Teams. (percent of time is dependent on severity and frequency of fire seasons)
• Within 90 days of hire must establish a primary residency within 30 minutes travel time of home base to insure timely response for duty as directed.
• Working Conditions: May require exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as wind, sunlight, rain and temperature extremes. May require walking long distances, standing for extended periods, twisting, bending, reaching and kneeling. May require lifting and carrying heavy objects. May require driving motor vehicles for long distances. May require operating computers with monitors for extended periods of time.
• 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. Some additional benefits include the ability to accrue compensatory time off, overtime on emergency response and a physical fitness incentive of $500 for passing the arduous test (walk three miles wearing a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less) each year.

Education and Experience

Required Education: High school graduate or equivalent.

Preferred Education: Graduate with a 2 year natural resources related technical degree

Required Experience: One or more years general work experience.

Preferred Experience: One or more years of experience with a VFD, municipal fire dept., wildland fire agency, or wildland fire suppression. Experience as an instructor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required Knowledge: Water delivery systems. PC-based programs and software.

Required Ability: Multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Ability: Ability to utilize GIS/GPS programs, wildland fire hand tools, personal protective equipment, and wildland fire engines.

Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses

Required: Commercial drivers license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of date of hire.

Preferred: NWCG firefighter and prevention training or equivalent. FFT-1 under NWCG, TPL-1, or Dozer Operator, TCFP or SFFMA Basic Firefighter or higher certification.

Other Requirements

Required: Response to wildland fires. Meet and maintain a moderate physical fitness standard

Preferred: Meet and maintain an arduous physical fitness standard.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.