What are the responsibilities and job description for the PRINCIPAL FIRE CONTROL OFFICER position at State of Rhode Island?
Class Definition
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
To assist a superior within the Division of Forest Environment in the planning, coordination, and implementation of a program of forest fire prevention and control; to train, supervise and review the work of forest ranger staff in the coordination and implementation of training, prevention, pre-suppression, suppression, prescribed fire, inventory management, equipment readiness, fire property programs, local grants, the enforcement of state forest fire laws and management area rules and regulations, and emergency response; to do related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general supervision of a superior with considerable latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgment; receives instructions for assignments, and work performance is reviewed through meetings and written reports for results obtained.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Supervises, plans, coordinates and reviews the work of forest ranger staff and subordinates.
Illustrative Examples of Work Performed
To assist a superior within the Division of Forest Environment in the planning, coordination, and implementation of a program of forest fire prevention and control.
To train, supervise and review the work of forest ranger staff in the coordination and implementation of training, prevention, pre-suppression, suppression, prescribed fire, inventory management, equipment readiness, fire property programs, local grants, the enforcement of state forest fire laws and management area rules and regulations, and emergency response.
To train and supervise the work of a forest ranger staff and subordinates engaged in patrolling the forest areas of the state in a fully equipped and specialized forest fire patrol truck.
To investigate and detect fire hazards, forest fires, and provide the initial response to on-going fires.
To operate forest fire suppression units such as patrol trucks and fire trucks.
To transport, via backpack, portable pumps and to set up and operate the same.
To investigate causes of forest fires. To review and compile written reports concerning the causes and extent of fires.
To facilitate interagency cooperation in the detection and apprehension of persons responsible for starting or causing forest fires, and to testify in court as an expert witness for the state, when necessary.
To supervise the operation and maintenance of divisional radio equipment to maximize radio equipment readiness for emergencies.
To supervise and coordinate programs of wild fire prevention education in local schools.
To training local volunteer fire departments in the techniques of fire prevention education, and to oversee the development of necessary training aids.
To supervise and ensure compliance in the collection of forest fire weather data, utilizing equipment such as: wet and dry bulb thermometers, psychrometers, precipitation gauges and wind gauges.
To coordinate and participate in continuous in-service training programs including, but not limited to, wild fire behavior, fire size-up, suppression methods and wild fire organization.
To participate in advanced first aid and cardio pulmonary resuscitation courses on a continuing basis.
To train and remain current in the techniques of emergency first aid and rescue techniques, for the benefit of the public and fellow workers.
To schedule and oversee the construction, repair and/or maintenance of buildings including fire towers.
To inspect specialized firefighting equipment, to ensure readiness in the event of fire emergencies.
To support law enforcement in enforcing a variety of state laws and regulations pertaining to the protection and conservation of the natural resources of the state, by seeking voluntary compliance, reporting violations, reviewing and writing detailed reports.
To supervise the maintenance of an inventory of forest firefighting equipment that is on loan, by law.
To participate in conservation meetings and exhibits.
To foster positive working relationships in the workplace.
To keep records relating to work assignments, attendance, absences, and such other matters as are required in the performance of supervisory duties.
To do related work as required.
Required Qualifications for Appointment
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES
A thorough knowledge of the principals, practices, methods, techniques and materials used in forest fire prevention, pre-suppression and suppression; a thorough knowledge of wildland firefighting methods; a working knowledge of the techniques commonly used in conservation management; a working knowledge of forestry, soil and water management as related to wildlife habitat and natural resource protection; a working knowledge of forest and forest fire laws and regulations in Rhode Island; a working knowledge of federal and state programs pertaining to forest fire control, use and preparedness; the ability to implement divisional policies and rules and regulations; the ability to train, supervise and review the work of subordinates; the ability to develop and maintain good working relationships; the ability to foster positive public relations and facilitate productive working partnerships; the ability to utilize organizational and interpersonal skills in order to help facilitate an understanding of forest fire prevention and conservation; the ability to use oral and written communication skills to facilitate the education of external and internal customers and facilitate organizational improvement; the ability to make decisions under emergency conditions; and related capacities and abilities;
A thorough knowledge of the principals, practices, methods, techniques and materials used in forest fire prevention, pre-suppression and suppression; a thorough knowledge of wildland firefighting methods; a working knowledge of the techniques commonly used in conservation management; a working knowledge of forestry, soil and water management as related to wildlife habitat and natural resource protection; a working knowledge of forest and forest fire laws and regulations in Rhode Island; a working knowledge of federal and state programs pertaining to forest fire control, use and preparedness; the ability to implement divisional policies and rules and regulations; the ability to train, supervise and review the work of subordinates; the ability to develop and maintain good working relationships; the ability to foster positive public relations and facilitate productive working partnerships; the ability to utilize organizational and interpersonal skills in order to help facilitate an understanding of forest fire prevention and conservation; the ability to use oral and written communication skills to facilitate the education of external and internal customers and facilitate organizational improvement; the ability to make decisions under emergency conditions; and related capacities and abilities;
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education: Such as may have been gained through: graduation from a college of recognized standing with a Bachelor's Degree in the fields of Forestry, Forest Fire Science,
or other related natural resource science with successful completion of coursework in Forestry and Forest Fire Science
Experience: Such as may have been gained through: supervision of subordinates engaged in a forest or conservation program, with experience in directing forest fire fighting operations; employment on a NWCG Wildland Fire Handcrew; a NWCG Wildland Fire Engine Crew or other employment involving complex wildfire incidents; employment involving the supervisory experience implementing programs in the field of forestry or conservation with a federal or state agency, and as a trained member of a volunteer fire department.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
At the time of appointment (or as specified) and continually thereafter
1. Must have successfully completed the NWCG Basic Wildland Firefighting and Wildfire Behavior (S-130-S-190) course.
2. Must be physically qualified to perform assigned duties as evidenced by a physician's certificate, and successful completion of the NWCG Work Capacity Test (Pack Test). Individuals who possess a current valid NWCG Red Card need not take an additional test.
3. In accordance with RIGL 42.28.3-1, no person shall be appointed to temporary, probationary or permanent status, until they shall have been evaluated and tested by a certified psychologist specified by the Director of the Department of Environmental Management and receive a satisfactory rating. The psychologist shall provide a report in writing of his/her evaluation together with pertinent recommendations for the guidance of the appointing authority.
4. Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
5. Within six (6) months, must possess and maintain a Rhode Island Hoisting License (Restricted) issued by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
6. Must meet qualification requirements for commission with special enforcement powers as may be prescribed and delegated by the Director of the Department of Environmental Management.
Supplemental Information
Preferred Qualifications
Qualified NWCG Task Force Leader (TFLD), Strike Team Leader (STLD), Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2
(RXB2); Qualified Incident Commander Type 3, or any Type 3 IMT position; Planning, Logistics, Finance, or
Operations Section Chief.
The descriptions below identify the specific officer designations and assigned roles within the Forest Fire Program,
as described in the State Fire Plan, to meet the training, equipment, prevention, or fire science functions of the
program. These designations also require participation in the NFFPC working teams of the same assigned function,
which is included in the list of illustrative examples of work performed.
Fire Science Officer
The FSO is in charge of various hazard monitoring and planning functions within the Forest Fire Program. The FSO
is responsible for the compilation of monthly, daily, annual reports and maintaining the fire weather and occurrence
data base. The FSO is responsible for the maintenance of weather stations, as well as the updating of fire data.
Hazard assessment and mitigation is led by the Fire Science Officer who is responsible for collecting data, data
analysis, identifying priorities and conducting post assessments. The FSO assists in project implementation by
mapping, conducting pre- and post-assessments on hazard mitigation projects and uses this information to develop
priority projects and work areas and to assist in the implementation of BMPs. The FSO also assists the Prevention
Officer in setting of objectives, creating plans, coordinating of projects, and implementing treatments.
