Program Specialist

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. Essential Functions:A. Operations, Implementation and Resource CoordinationProvides operational oversight and expertise in implementing fire management plans, coordinating resources and providing leadership in fire suppression efforts by commanding and controlling resources during specific or multiple fire incidents, providing fire investigation and enforcement within the Unit, procuring supplies and equipment, providing expertise in Hazard Reduction Agreements and related procedures, rules, laws and practices, and a wide variety of practical and professional applications of forest management. This requires knowledge of the principles and practices of fire management, prevention and suppression; initial attack response; fire behavior, fire planning, maps and aerial photos; the fire incident command system; the standards, equipment, methods and tools used in wildland fire control, prescribed fire and fuels management; the MEPA process and required documentation and reporting; and of the federal, state, county and local laws and regulations related to fire management and forest practices.Also required is knowledge of State procurement and finance policies and procedures; laws, rules and regulations relating to different law enforcement jurisdictions; the principles and techniques of wildland fire investigations; and Montana laws, rules and regulations regarding arson and other fire related statutes. B. Planning and Professional AssistanceProvides professional fire planning and expertise for the Unit's fire management program by preparing and implementing prevention and initial attack plans, providing advice and recommendations to cooperating counties, developing resource management plans for landowners, and providing consultation and professional assistance to contractors and other users of forest resources.This work requires knowledge of fire and forest management principles and practices, wildland fire prevention planning, initial attack planning and dispatch center organization, fire management including wildland fire suppression methods and techniques, fire behavior, county cooperative agreements, local governing boards and county planning, resource management legislation applicable to fire management including SMZ, BMP and HRA, a variety of forest and land management principles, practices, methods and procedures, and knowledge and skill in written and verbal communication methods and techniques, marketing, public speaking, fire prevention program objectives and project planning. C. Supervision & TrainingProvides direct supervision to seasonal staff. This involves recruitment and selection, assigning and reviewing work, training, establishing performance standards and evaluating performance, handling corrective action, and recommending termination if necessary.This work requires knowledge of supervisory principles and practices, DNRC and State Personnel policies, procedures, and precedents, organizational theory, employment law, and program requirements. D. Forest ManagementProvides professional and technical expertise and assistance in carrying out the Unit's forest management programs by planning, designing and administering timber sale contracts; writing silvicultural prescriptions and environmental assessments; reviewing fuels treatment plans and logging operational plans; and coordinating hazard reduction, brush and timber stand improvement projects and prescribed fire operations.This work requires knowledge of forest management principles and practices; timber sale layout and planning; contract administration; the Montana Environmental Policy Act(MEPA) process; fuels management; hazard reduction laws, rules and practices; and industrial logging operations. Benefits: Health Insurance Retirement Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays Application Materials Required for this Position Are: State of Montana application Resume Cover Letter QualificationsQualifications: This position typically requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a minimum of an associate's degree or vocational training preferably in Forestry, Fire Science, or a closely related field and one (1) year experience in Fire Program management; or a High School diploma, one year of supervisory experience and four (4) years experience of progressively responsible positions in wildland fire including Incident Command System (ICS), administrative and operational capacities.Requires the ability to attain Incident Commander Type 4 and Strike Team/Task Force Leader certification upon hire. It is critical that the incumbent possesses skills and abilities in effective communication, both orally and written.Requires knowledge of the principles and practices of Wildland Firefighting; emergency management; natural resources; adult education and training; and fire management including suppression, protection, and prevention.Requires knowledge of State and Federalfire protection and natural resources laws including the Department's legal responsibilities to personnel, cooperative personnel, and volunteers; wildfire and structural fire protection techniques relating to WUI; volunteer group organization and management; local government organization, jurisdiction and authorities; equipment management and maintenance; fire budgeting, billing and auditing methods and procedures; communication systems; safety management methods and procedures. The position also requires knowledge of supervisory principles and practices, DNRC and State Personnel policies, procedures, and precedents, organizational structures, employment law, and program requirements. The position requires skill in the use and operation of tools, equipment and vehicles used in wildland fire control, forest management activities and field operations.Requires a thorough knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including; word processing, spreadsheets, databases and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Requires the ability to coordinate extensive and complex amounts of personnel and equipment to meet the needs of fire suppression and support forces during fire actions on multiple jurisdictions; the ability to make independent decisions with minimal supervision, to express views and provide clear direction both in writing and through verbal communications; and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, government officials, and agency employees. Communications and decisions are frequently conducted under duress and with fire personnel having different backgrounds and management priorities.