Wildfire Mitigation Officer

Job Description:

Wildfire Mitigation Officer

Description

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to the job, plus seven (7) years of wildfire policy and/or protection-related experience, including two (2) years of experience in a managerial capacity.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:
None.
Notes to Applicants
The Wildfire Mitigation Officer works closely with uniformed leadership in the AFD Wildfire Division office to promote the tenets of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy. This position manages and supervises personnel dedicated to programs focused on Fire Resilient Landscapes and Fire Adapted Communities, including efforts related to home hardening, creating defensible space, developing, prioritizing and delivering wildfire mitigation plans, and wildfire prevention. This position will liaise with AFD Prevention Division to promote and update the Austin WUI code. Other responsibilities include presentations to City of Austin government officials and commissions regarding status on wildfire program development and overall City wildfire preparedness. The Wildfire Mitigation Officer will be a lead participant within the City of Austin Wildfire Coalition and the Austin Area Firewise Alliance to ensure wildfire awareness, preparation and risk understanding are considered at all levels of City government and the community.

Please note the following when completing the City of Austin application for this position:

• Please be sure to detail on the application all the previous employment experience you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. Please include contact information from previous employers.
• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job title and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.
• A resume is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please do not use the phrase “see resume” or refer to other documents to complete your application. Do not leave the “Duties and Responsibilities” sections blank. Applications missing information and/or documents will be deemed incomplete applications and will not be considered.
• Austin Fire Department may close the posting any time after seven days from the initial advertisement. Once a position is closed, no additional applications will be accepted.

Travel:
If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Pay Range
$45.22 - $58.78

Hours
Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Job Close Date 03/03/2025 Type of Posting External Department Fire Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 12010 Brodie Ln, Austin, TX 78743 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing program budgets.
• Experience investigating and responding to inquiries from the public.
• Experience analyzing fire resistive construction methods, defensible space, and the ability to read and interpret applicable codes and site plans.
• Experience with governmental processes and relationships impacting wildfire mitigation program activities.
• Experience managing contracts, projects, grants, and requests for proposal.
• Understanding of basic arborist principals and nexus with fuels mitigation practices.
• RXB2 or Texas Certified and Insured Burn Manager ( CIPBM ), or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Develops and implements short- and long-range wildfire protection strategies, objectives, policies, and priorities for the City related to public and private safety and resiliency for Fire Adapted Communities and Fire Resilient Landscapes. Develops and revises regulations related to wildfire protection and preparedness. Liaises with City and County departments to ensure wildfire safety and preparedness are integrated into projects and protocols across the City of Austin and Travis County. Advises departmental directors, the City Manager, and City Council on wildfire protection and related public safety and preparedness policies and issues. Evaluates programs for effectiveness and accomplishment of goals and makes recommendations to changes in programs to meet departmental and City goals. Develops, reviews, approves, and revises operational and standard operating procedures, policies, and processes. Interprets, explains, and provides guidance on enforcement of applicable policies, procedures, and regulations with Austin Fire Department ( AFD ) internal partners and COA partners in other departments. Serves as departmental executive liaison to the Public Safety Commission. Serves on City of Austin committees and boards and attends City Council meetings as a lead representative on wildfire related matters at the direction of leadership. Advances the City of Austin as a national leader and model for wildfire mitigation and related sustainability practices, which may include participation on national committees promoting wildfire preparedness and mitigation.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of current concepts of wildfire protection and preparedness, particularly those related to the wildfire impacts to public safety, City properties, and private development.
• Knowledge of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy.
• Knowledge of development processes and regulations.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation and management.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of wildfire mitigation issues and program sustainability trends.
• Knowledge of governmental processes and relationships impacting and affected by wildfire mitigation program activities.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of reporting concepts and preferred business practices impacting and affected by wildfire mitigation program activities and/or wildfire public education impacts and mitigation management.
• Knowledge of project management and internal control concepts and practices.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in presenting data related to Wildfire or Urban Interface environments to assist Management in prioritizing decisions.
• Skill in identifying and assessing potential process improvements.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective communication and professional, working relationships with boards and commissions, City employees, the public, and internal and external customers.
• Ability to develop strategic direction and program implementation collaboratively with various stakeholder/community groups.
• Ability to resolve complex problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgement.
• Ability to manage multiple programs, projects, and tasks.
• Ability to analyze relevant data, problem-solve, and develop sound theses regarding development and progression of wildfire programs.
• Ability to handle conflict in hostile and uncertain situations.
• Ability to coordinate complex projects in a changing management environment.
• Ability to lead cross-functional and departmental project teams.
• Ability to understand and explain fire science and wildfire management trends, processes, and procedures.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

Criminal Background Investigation This position does not require a Criminal Background Investigation EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* This position requires graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to the job, plus seven (7) years of wildfire policy and/or protection-related experience, including two (2) years of experience in a managerial capacity. Graduation with a master's degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience up to two (2) years. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* Please describe your experience developing and implementing programs related to the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy.
(Open Ended Question)
* What would you describe as the largest challenge for the City of Austin regarding wildfire preparedness?
(Open Ended Question)
* What experience do you have educating about wildfire preparedness, at the community level and municipal leadership level?
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience and understanding working at the state and national levels developing wildfire policy and community messaging.
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Optional Documents