General Summary:

The Wildfire Operations Specialist implements Fond du Lac Forestry’s response to wildfire. Being able and available as an emergency responder to wildfire, both at Fond du Lac and for off unit fire assignments, is central to the position. The Wildland Fire Operations Specialist also assists the Fuels Specialist with Fuels Projects that involve prescribed fire, and assists the Wildfire Supervisor with planning and organizing Wildfire equipment and personnel.

Position Responsibilities:

• Work with reservation forester to ensure the objectives in the Wildland Fire Management Plan are met.
• Works with Wildfire Administrative Assistant and Wildfire Supervisor to file all necessary documentation involving Wildfires such as use of InForm, NFPORS, ArcCollector and Survey123.
• Assist Wildfire Supervisor and Administrative Assistant in tracking fire personnel time and equipment.
• Implements Fond du Lac’s Wildfire response both on and off unit with the Wildfire Supervisor.
• Works with Wildfire Supervisor to ensure fire readiness of equipment and personnel and coordinate repair, maintenance, and other needs.
• Determine appropriate staffing and equipment needs depending on weather and fuels conditions.
• Write fire reports and maintain fire incident codes.
• Works with Wildfire Supervisor and Administrative Assistant to ensure off-unit availability is completed.
• Assists Wildland Fuels Specialist with writing prescribed burn plans, including the creation of related maps, budgets, and schedules.
• Assists Wildland Fuels Specialist in coordinating prescribed burning operations with other personnel or agencies.
• Work cooperatively with the reservation forest manager and crew supervisor, Minnesota Agency fuels specialist, other agency fire programs.
• Assist the Wildland Fuels Specialist to develop project proposals for fuel reduction, hazard fuel reduction, and prescribed burning for a variety of objectives.
• Work with forestry crew supervisor to satisfactorily carry out approved projects.
• Work with Wildland Fuels Specialist, FDL Housing, area fire departments, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource (DNR) Forestry to promote “firewise” principles and maintains firewise certification.
• Work with forestry crew supervisor to ensure the objectives in the fire prevention plan are met. Responsible for updating the fire prevention plan on a periodic basis.
• Act as the lead in wildfire prevention program on Fond du Lac including education programs and message delivery to a wide variety of audiences including community members, the public, and school children of all ages.
• Performs routine fire prevention duties such as changing/updating fire danger rating signs and delivering prevention programs as delegated by the Wildfire Supervisor.
• Appropriate work attire is required.
• Must attend all mandatory department trainings.
• Ensures confidentiality of financial records and all records for employees and/or clients.
• Displays a responsive and professional manner in promptly responding to all requests, complaints, and problems.
• Recognizes that each employee is a representative of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and is responsible for demonstrating courtesy, respect, and sensitivity to the needs of all others, including visitors and co-workers.
• Represents the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the department in a positive and professional manner in the community.
• Required to maintain proper attendance including reporting to work on time in accordance with applicable policies.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area.
• Due to changes and modifications in the job from time to time, employees are required to be flexible and assume other responsibilities assigned by management as deemed necessary.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to pass annual physical fitness test (pack test) in order to be Nationally Qualified for firefighting.
• Lifting and carrying of items weighting over 50 pounds and shared lifting and carrying of heavier items, and similar strenuous activities requiring at least average agility and dexterity.
• Walking over uneven terrain, standing, running, bending, stooping, climbing, pushing and pulling for long periods of time.

Position Qualifications:

• A.A./A.S. degree in forestry, fire science, natural resources, or another closely related field is required.
• Initial Attack Incident Commander (ICT5) qualification is required.
• The ability to create, edit, and manage data as well as creating professional maps in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (ArcMap 9.x or higher) software and handheld (Global Positioning System) GPS hardware experience is required.
• Knowledge of computer applications to include word processing, databases and/or data entry, spreadsheets, and Microsoft Outlook is required.
• Knowledge of power saw and brush saw operation and safety is required.
• Knowledge of fire use, fuel reduction projects, prescribed burning and silvicultural treatments are required.
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualifications for Engine Boss (ENGB) is desired.
• Certification and Task Force Leader under NWCG standards is desired.
• Experience in making public presentations is desired.
• Position requires on call availability.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing is required.
• Ability to work independently and establish priorities is required.
• Attention to detail and accuracy is required.
• Ability to establish professional and harmonious working relationships on all projects and with all parties involved.
• Subject to drug and alcohol testing in accordance with the Fond du Lac Reservation’s Personnel Policies.
• Subject to pre-employment and annual background checks.
• Subject to immunization review and submitted proof of required vaccinations.
• Travel is required.

NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE INCLUDE WITH APPLICATION YOUR CREDENTIALS AND RESUME

APPLY TO: Fond du Lac Human Resources
1720 Big Lake Road
Cloquet, MN 55720
218-878-2653