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 experience in wildland fire or prescribed fire operations, with a focus on chainsaw skills, effective communication, and a commitment to working with diverse populations. They will:

• Operate chainsaws and heavy equipment (skid steers, chippers, and other resources 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.
• Operate and maintain motor vehicles, ATVs/UTVs, fire engines and small engines.
• Assist with cache management and other logistics assignments as needed.
• Collect and download post-burn data using personal data assistants.
• 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.
• Candidates demonstrating proficiency and growth throughout their six-month term will be strongly considered for future employment or details with the Gravitas Peak Prescribed Fire Module https://www.gpwfm.org. The Module prepares young firefighters for competitive employment with the Nation’s land management agencies and a path to success and independence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Qualified FFT2 (Firefighter Type 2).
• Annual completion of arduous physical fitness standard (pack test), and Annual Refresher RT-130.
• Completed S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations.
• Faller 3 Trainee (FAL3-t) Basic Faller Trainee within one month of hire.
• Safe and proficient use of chainsaw, including troubleshooting and maintenance.
• 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:

• Qualified FFT1 (Firefighter Type 1) or FFT1-trainee with two years experience in wildland or prescribed fire operations, including leadership experience.
• Completed S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior.
• FAL3 (Basic Faller).
• Degree in natural resource management or related field.   
• Strong mechanical ability.
• Experience with heavy equipment operation (skid steer with masticator), hauling trailers with truck, and ATV/UTV.
• Proficiency with Avenza and GPS. 

Compensation:

Pay: $18/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. 

At-will six-month position, with potential to renew and extended. Preferred start date 02 June, 2020. The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule can vary. Up to 200 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, with a target of filling of 22 May 2020. 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.