This position reports to two supervisors. Daily operations will be overseen by the Wildland Fire Support Module (WSM) Lead on-site, an employee of the Forest Stewards Guild. Career development plans, training strategies, and administrative/human relations support will be provided by The Forest Stewards Guild. The WSM will assist Air Force installations and interagency partners by providing staffing and support to the Air Force Wildland Fire Branch (AFWFB).

The AFWFB engages in wildfire prevention, fuels management, and wildfire suppression activities. Prevention, fuels management, and suppression allow the Air Force to maintain an effective training and testing tempo by minimizing. the ability of wildfires to adversely affect missions. 

The Forest Stewards Guild Fire Management Program is dedicated to supporting fire as a natural process in fire-adapted ecosystems to improve ecosystem function and increase wildfire resilience. The Guild strives for clear, open, and kind communication and is committed to recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and supporting fire practitioners from traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities. We are dedicated to building a better way to do fire management, that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, that supports work-life balance, and provides an environment that supports growth.

Successful candidates will have extensive experience in wildland fire or prescribed fire operations, with a focus on leadership, chainsaw skills, heavy equipment operation, effective communication, and a commitment to working with diverse populations. They will:

• Assist the Module Lead with supervision of the members of the Wildland Support Module, including Regular and Seasonal Crewmembers,
• Act as a qualified Single Resource Boss (SRB).
• Operate and supervise the use of chainsaws and heavy equipment (skid steers, masticators, and other equipment as needed) for fuels reduction and wildfire prevention.
• Engage in all aspects of prescribed fire including fireline construction, ignition, holding, mop-up, rehabilitation, and monitoring.
• Based on request from jurisdictional authority, support initial attack on wildfire suppression efforts at Kirtland Air Force Base, and potentially other installations as well.
• Operate and maintain motor vehicles, ATVs/UTVs, fire engines and small engines, skid steers, chippers, and other resources as needed.
• Assist with cache management and other logistical assignments as needed.
• Manage the collection and downloading of post-burn data using personal data assistants.
• Assist with the training needs of the WSM crewmembers. Provide coaching and mentorship to crewmembers, as appropriate.
• Manage work assignments with direction from multiple supervisors.
• May work in variable weather conditions, in remote locations, and on difficult or hazardous terrain and / or in other physically demanding environments. This includes potential risk for unexploded ordinance and other related hazards.
• Travel for extended periods of time and work outside of normal business hours.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, including a commitment to principles of Duty, Integrity and Respect.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Qualified Single Resource Boss (SRB) in two positions (e.g. ENGB, CRWB, FIRB, etc.)
• Annual completion of arduous physical fitness standard (pack test), and Annual Refresher RT-130.
• Faller 2 (FAL2) Intermediate Faller.
• Incident Commander Type 4 Trainee (ICT4-t) within six months of hire.
• At least seven years experience in wildfire and/or prescribed fire operations, including fireline leadership.
• Safe and proficient use of chainsaw, including troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Experience using and maintaining firefighting tools, equipment, and small engines.
• Experience with operation/maintenance of heavy equipment (skid steer with masticator, tractor, etc.), chipper, hauling trailers with a truck, and ATV/UTV.
• High school diploma or equivalency.
• Valid driver’s license. Legally eligible to work in the U.S., capable of passing a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) or Trainee (ICT4-t).
• Faller 1 (FAL1) Advanced Faller.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Degree in natural resource management or related field.  
• Experience with collaborative burning with a diversity of partner organizations.
• Experience assisting with scouting and writing burn plans.
• Strong mechanical ability.
• Proficiency with BehavePlus, ArcGIS, Avenza, and GPS. 
• Wilderness First Responder or higher medical qualifications.
• Understanding of risk management with a strong commitment to safety.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, clear verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.
• Knowledge of southwestern fire regimes and fuel types (e.g. piñon, juniper woodlands, ponderosa pine).

Compensation:

Pay: $28/hr. Paid leave and paid holiday benefits are provided. Employer-sponsored health and dental care coverage is available on the first day on the month after 30 days of continuous employment. Flexible Compensation Plan, and Short- and Long-Term Disability are available after 60 days of continuous employment. Employer-sponsored retirement is available after 90 days of continuous employment. Housing is not provided. The Forest Stewards Guild is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

This is an at-will one-year position, with potential to renew. Preferred start date 02 June, 2020. The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule can vary. Up to 300 hours of OT per year are available depending on operational needs.

Location:

The WSM is based on the southeast side of Albuquerque, NM at Kirtland Air Force Base. The base occupies 51,558 acres and employs over 23,000 people. The Assistant Lead will have opportunities for travel to other installations within the operating area and country, as needed.

Apply:

Interested applicants should apply on https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/ForestStewardsGuild Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled. Please contact Jennifer Mueller at jennifer at forestguild.org with questions. She can also be reached at (970) 919-0190 x712, between 8am-12pm MST. Please specify your earliest available start date. Please email fire records to Jennifer's email above.