Project Manager – Fire Safety & Wildfire Mitigation

Are you ready to work within a dynamic team environment and have a big impact on the community?  We are currently seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as the Fire Safety and Wildfire Mitigation Project Manager. In this position, you will conduct land use application reviews, address wildfire-related reviews, and approve wildfire mitigation plans for individual developments. This position requires excellent communication skills as you will be the point of contact on matters relating to code requirements, adopted codes, and ordinances for compliance. If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging opportunity, we encourage you to apply for this position. This is a non-supervisory position.

Hiring Range: $98,000.00 - $107,200.00 annually

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 4:30pm, or a 4 - 10 schedule that is varied; subject to change. 

Please be advised this position may close on or after 01/08/2025, without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.

This position ensures compliance with adopted codes through review of architectural plans, entitlement documents, site development plans, written documents, and building permits; possess a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of current laws, rules, codes, and regulations affecting fire, life safety, and wildfire mitigation. Performs a full range of highly technical and complex professional and administrative work housed in the Planning and Community Development Department. Provides technical assistance to County Officials, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Emergency Management, developers, homebuilders, homeowners, fire departments, forestry consultants, and others related to fire safety.

• Generates plan review comments and reports; performs detailed analysis of potential fire hazards and coordination of various fire protection systems; coordinates fire and life safety aspects of design in conformance with the County Code.
• Conducts land use reviews, addressing wildfire-related issues; reviews and approves wildfire mitigation plans for individual developments.
• Evaluates performance-based design and alternative methods and materials by reading and reviewing corresponding documents, reviewing required codes and standards, and understanding fire dynamics.
• Reads and interprets complex building plans and specifications.
• Develops, designs, plans, coordinates, implements, and administers the wildfire mitigation partnerships, incorporating code enforcement, public awareness and education, and land planning components. 
• Explains technical information and code requirements by oral, written, and graphic means.
• Communicates findings to the customer or stakeholder in detailed and accurate documentation.
• Negotiates and develops mutually acceptable solutions to code conformance problems and life safety issues with architects, engineers, contractors, and the public.
• Assists with field inspections on new construction projects.
• Conducts building, fire/wildfire code and fire/wildfire planning reviews and analyses.
• Advises design professionals, contractors, business owners, staff, and the public on matters related to code requirements, adopted codes, and ordinances for compliance. 
• Represents the County to various wildfire-related collaborative organizations at the Local, State, and Federal levels.
• Serves as the point of contact for mitigation partnerships with outside agencies, stakeholders, and communities. Coordinates the County Community Wildfire Protection Planning (CWPP) process.
• Attends meetings and serves on a variety of committees and boards, including technical planning and review groups. Serves as the County’s lead technical expert on defensible space and home hardening.
• Remain current on trends, science, research, legislation, and policy that may have an impact on County practices in and around the developing and built environments.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.
  
 Supervision Received: Receives General Supervision: This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of the International Fire Code (IFC), International Building Code (IBC), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. Understanding of and practical application of the codes and standards. 
• Knowledge of the scope and application of Local, State, and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to assigned functional areas.
• Knowledge of and expertise with marking defensible space and conducting home assessments to evaluate wildfire risk.
• Familiarity with local fire protection district organizations, land use practices, wildfire hazard mitigation, and community practices.
• Must exercise considerable and sound judgment and initiative in combining a broad scope of professional planning and content knowledge and sophisticated, analytical judgments to solve various complex, technical problems; must work independently and in teams.
• Ability to reduce complex planning theories, concepts, principles, and methodologies to layman's terms and provide accurate information in a comprehensive, concise, and effective manner, often under controversial circumstances. Ability to interpret, apply, and communicate technical information.
• Ability to effectively navigate and resolve complex situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to read and comprehend department and County rules, regulations, policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication and public speaking skills, negotiation skills, and ability to cultivate and sustain effective working relationships with County staff, elected officials, Federal/State officials, the public, and other stakeholders to elicit engagement. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to write concise, logical, and grammatically correct analytical reports.
• Ability to operate computers and standard office equipment, working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering, fire science, natural resources management, fire protection engineering, architecture, or related field. 
  • Four years of related professional experience may substitute for the required degree.
• Five years of related experience, including experience in fire systems review, wildfire mitigation, forest management, or land development experience.   
• Experience in the application of the IFC and IBC related to emergency access, fuels reduction, water supply, fire protection, occupancy classification/separation, and means of egress.
• Experience or education in design and/or plan review of fire protection systems, including the Home Ignition Zone.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must obtain and maintain necessary certifications/licenses as applicable to position.
• International Code Council - ICC Fire Plans Examiner required.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Duties are performed in a field and office environment. Potential for working in stressful and dangerous situations including but not limited to steep terrain, inclement weather, hazardous traffic, tree-felling operations, wildland fire responses, fire suppression, and prescribed burn events. Exposure to smoke, dust, dangerous machinery, loud noises, hot and cold temperatures, and outdoor working conditions. Works with potentially dangerous equipment and tools; may work with hazardous materials. 

The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.

Salary : $85,780 - $128,750