What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wildfire Mitigation Crew Leader position at Gallatin County?
This position is located in the Emergency Management Department and is responsible for leading and overseeing the day-by-day operations of the fuels crew members. The position reports to the Wildfire Battalion Chief and provides supervision of the fuels crew members. This position is classified as seasonal employment with a 36-week work schedule, and no assignments during the winter season. The role is eligible for benefits.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Trains, leads, and oversees time-limited employees.
- Ensures that all work is performed safely and is the crew safety officer.
- Delegates work assignments; monitor and review quality of work; provides input on performance appraisals; makes recommendations regarding the hiring, training, and retention of staff.
- Works closely with the Preparedness and Mitigation manager and the Wildfire Battalion Chief to develop and implement projects for Wildfire mitigation, and to create Defensible space.
- Maintains fire scene safety in accordance with agency policy and jurisdictional guidelines.
- Ensures all equipment and tools are clean and rehabilitated.
- Assists with ensuring equipment is maintained; ensures squad members maintain valid certifications and training records in accordance with the National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG).
- Assists with development of training programs; provides training, education, and technical expertise in wildland fire qualifications, as assigned.
- Assists with the inspection and maintenance of fire suppression equipment including equipment assigned to the Gallatin County Fuels Crew.
- Understands HIZ-Home ignition zones and how to mitigate hazards within them.
- Responds to and performs fire suppression activities on wildland fires.
- Determines when additional resources are necessary and/or circumstances warrant withdrawal to a safe location.
- Presents and explains the stakeholders the advantage of Mitigation practices, and how defensible spaces are advantageous.
- Produces written documents, such as resource documentation, reporting forms, time tracking records, and other documents required by contracts and agency policy, as assigned.
- May perform as an Initial Attack Incident Commander in Gallatin County’s unified command system, as requested.
- May direct resources from other entities, as needed and assigned.
- May become a Liaison between the homeowners and the Preparedness and Mitigation manager.
Other Duties as Assigned
- Performs a variety of other duties as assigned by the Emergency Management Chief Officer. If the County Commission proclaims a local emergency due to an actual or threatened disaster such as an earthquake, fire, riot, flood, etc., County employees may be required to provide services during the emergency and for a subsequent period of assessment and recovery.
- Knowledge of creating defensible spaces in and around homes in the Wildland Urban Interface.
- Strong situational awareness and ability to read terrain, fuels and make prompt and appropriate decisions.
- Ability to assist in planning the work week and maintaining a schedule for the fuels crew.
- Knowledge of fire ground and emergency operations
- Knowledge of fire apparatus and fire pumps.
- Knowledge of wildland fire operations and Urban Interface
- Knowledge of Incident Command System
- Knowledge of Wildland fire management, planning and practices including prescribed fire, fuel management, fire histories, and fire hazard analysis
- Knowledge of local fire contracts and agreements
- Ability to operate and maintain diverse types of firefighting and emergency equipment.
- Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during work activities.
- Work with homeowners, community stakeholders, state and federal agencies to educate and mitigate potential threats to these communities by wildland fire.
- Ability to remain calm and decisive in chaotic and confusing situations.
- Ability to evaluate emergency situations, determine the appropriate response, and implement the appropriate incident action plan effectively and efficiently.
- Ability to lead others and is skilled in supervisory techniques.
- Skilled in written and verbal communication.
- This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as a laptop, desktop, smartphone, photocopiers, shredders, and filing cabinets.
- Able to use Mobile and portable radios efficiently and clearly.
- Ability to use power equipment, including chainsaw, brush saw, pole saw, chipper, masticator; hand tools; type 6 wildland engine and fire pump.
- Ability to maintain power equipment and perform minor repairs as needed.
- Basic troubleshooting skills for power equipment, fire apparatus, and be able to complete basic repair of the equipment and be able educate the crew on the repairs.
Education/Experience/Training
- The required knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to high school/GED, training in forestry, Basic Fire and Wildland Fire, ICS; and a minimum 2 years of job-related experience as a Fuels Crew Member (or similar programs operated by State, Federal, local agencies, or non-profits) and six months of lead/supervisory experience. Ability to pass Arduous pack test is required within 1 months/ from the date of hire.
- A valid Montana Class D Driver’s License is required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Training or Certifications in Fire Science or forestry.
- NWCG qualifications: ENGB, ICT4, FAL2/3
COUNTY VALUES
Commitment to Service. Employees meet the needs of constituents in a positive, engaged, respectful manner. We have a clear understanding of why our jobs are important and how we make a difference for our citizens. We are engaged in our work and focused on doing it to the best of our abilities.
Teamwork. Employees attain collective goals by building, maintaining, and leveraging internal and external collaboration. We strive to create a positive working atmosphere by recognizing the strengths of our coworkers and partners and put aside personal differences for the benefit of the organization and the people we serve.
Mutual Respect. Employees are open-minded and willing to listen respectfully to and incorporate alternative opinions to build dynamic solutions. We listen to understand and value everyone for what they contribute.
Innovative. Employees maintain a solution-focused perspective and think creatively to take advantage of opportunities, overcome constraints, and anticipate and address long-term needs.
Effectiveness. Employees accurately and thoroughly complete work to improve outcomes and produce the intended result.
Responsibility. Employees are accountable and fulfill their obligations in an open and transparent manner. We take our obligations seriously, make good decisions, and can be depended upon.
Essential Physical Abilities and Working Conditions
- The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position must be able to stand, sit, bend, access stairs and operate equipment in the performance of duties; and lift 75 pounds or more.
- Work may be performed in a variety of environments including exposure to high temperatures, smoky conditions, fuels, fires, traveling and working long hours outdoors.
Please be prepared to attach the following documents when you submit your application materials:
- cover letter
- resume
- three work references.
As a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal history check and background investigation and must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of Montana or attain a Montana driver's license within six months of hire and be insurable under the County's liability policies.
Gallatin County does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
Salary : $27 - $30
