Wildfire Mitigation Specialist

LINCOLN COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY

Job Title: Wildfire Mitigation Specialist

Title of Supervisor: Management Forester

Position Summary:

The LCPA Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (WMS) is responsible for implementing the Lincoln County Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) protection program. This program includes public outreach, education, and coordination of fire mitigation activities on small private properties and community preparedness. The WMS is responsible for promoting and implementing the priorities and goals identified in the Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) and aligning HIZ activities with agency projects within the wildland urban interface (WUI). The WMS coordinates mitigation plans, activities, and grants through the Firesafe Council, local fire departments, County Emergency Management, and Montana DNRC. The WMS is responsible for implementation and oversight of small private fuel reduction projects to include landowner consent, grant management, and oversight of contractors to ensure contract requirements are met. The WMS will assist with department budgeting and, with guidance from the Grants and Contracts Manager, grant administration and implementation.

Essential Functions:

1. Delivery of county forestry services. As directed by the Executive Director and the Management Forester, manage the county’s hazardous fuels reduction program by providing cost-share fuel reduction and Firewise grant opportunities to private landowners. Represent the county on and provide administrative support to the Lincoln County Firesafe Council and provide educational outreach and services to county homes and landowners.

2. Assist with development and management of the annual budget. Work with the Grants and Contracts Manager and grant agencies to submit grant proposals and meet all grant reporting requirements and administrative duties. Coordinate with county road, park, and air quality departments on projects, and other county/city departments as needed.

3. Establish and maintain contact with private landowners, local fire departments, timber/lumber companies, local contractors, grant agencies, school, key stakeholders, etc.

4. Lincoln County Port Authority Executive Director and Management Forester.

5. Contractors

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Research grant opportunities. Work together with the Grants and Contracts Manager to develop and submit grant proposals, as well as administer and implement awarded grants.

2. Manage fuel reduction projects on private lands within the WUI in accordance with grant requirements, agency regulations, and state laws.

3. Work with local contractors to assure successful forest treatment outcomes on county and private lands.

4. Coordinate with county and state air quality programs to manage slash burning projects.

5. Assist with the department’s annual budget.

6. Implement and maintain the 2023 Lincoln County CWPP and revise as required.

7. Represent Lincoln County and provide administrative support for the Lincoln County Firesafe Council.

8. Advance the principles of Fire Adapted Kootenai and Fire Adapted Montana and oversee the Firewise Program.

9. Participate with the Kootenai Forest Stakeholders.

Job Specifications:

1. Any combination of education and experience that meets the knowledge, skills, and abilities requirements. Must possess a MT driver’s license.

2. Minimum of five years of active wildland fire management, structure protection, structure fire, Firewise/fuel mitigation (HIZ Management). Experience in working and communicating with diverse groups, participating in collaborative groups/projects. Wildland firefighting experience preferred. ArcGIS mapping experience preferred.

3. Thorough knowledge of the Healthy Forest Restoration Act; Firewise; HIZ techniques, management principles, practices, regulations; wildland fire mitigation and industry operations. Knowledge of office and contract/grant management. Ability to coordinate and work with diverse groups from government agencies, industry, and private landowners. Ability to understand the needs and requirements of Lincoln County and represent them to stakeholders. Proficiency in public presentation, office, and field technology. Strong written and verbal communication skills and proficiency with computer technology.

Working Environment:

1. : Requires bending, lifting, and carrying up to 50 lbs, walking or hiking over rough, steep, bushy terrain.

2. Visual requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and good depth perception. Good or corrected hearing is required.

3. Both office and field working conditions. Fieldwork environment during the year includes working in adverse weather conditions, i.e. hot, cold, wet, snowy, etc. Work conditions include working alone and meeting with landowners in remote locations. A considerable amount of driving is required in various weather and road conditions, including unimproved mountain roads.

JOB CLOSES FEBRUARY 26, 2025

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Commute:

• Libby, MT 59923 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Libby, MT 59923: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person