FUELS TECHNICIAN

Spokane Tribe•Wellpinit, WA

1d•$21•Onsite

About The Position

The Fuels Management program is primarily funded through the Bureau of Indian Affairs Wildland Fire Management program and functions to reduce the risk of wildfire on the Spokane Indian Reservation. The Fuels Management Technician will support the Fuels Management program with the planning, implementation, and monitoring of hazardous fuels reduction projects such as pre-commercial thinning, chipping, forest mowing and masticating, and prescribed burning. The incumbent will participate in wildland fire safety training techniques, practices, and methods of wildland fire management to include performing wildland fire preparedness and suppression support. This is an arduous position and will be subject to medical screening and arduous physical fitness testing.

Requirements

Must be able to interpret topographic maps and conduct self-orientation in the field utilizing various instruments and reference resources.
Demonstrated computer skills necessary to efficiently manage data, perform analysis of data, and prepare reports and other documents.
Ability to evaluate project objectives and design and implement appropriate management strategy.
Ability to prepare maps utilizing ArcGIS software.
Uses an ArcGIS computer mapping software to create a database to track fuels projects.
Knowledge in the use of wildland fire and fuels management tools and equipment.
Knowledgeable about practices used in the management and improvement of forests.
Ability to identify tree species, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.
Ability to lay out treatment units working from maps or photos while in field.
Ability to locate property corners and accurately run property lines.
Ability to make estimates of fire behavior utilizing Behave Plus software.
Ability to perform moderate to heavy physical tasks outdoors under all types of weather & topographic conditions.
Ability to make mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy and to keep routine written records.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to apply guidelines to varied situations.
Skill in the use of manual and power tools and equipment used in fuels/fire management operations.
The ability to use field GPS units such as Geodes, Garmin’s, Avenza and so on.
Able to perform routine maintenance and minor mechanical repairs to fuels equipment, including but not limited to vehicles, chainsaws, chipper, tractor, and skid steer.
Must possess a High School Diploma or GED
Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License and be insurable under the Tribe’s licensing requirements.
Must meet Department of Interior’s wildland firefighter medical standards for Arduous duty.
Must meet National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group standards for work capacity testing at the arduous duty level.
Must be available to work as needed beyond a 40-hour workweek including weekend, holidays, and extended hours on weekdays.
Must be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally with supervisor, co-works-and the general public.
Must maintain arduous duty eligibility under the BIA Medical Standards Program.
Must maintain arduous duty fitness level under the BIA Work Capacity Test.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a wildland firefighter.
Current wildland fire qualification.
Minimum of 2 years ArcGIS experience.

Responsibilities

Collects field data related to all phases of fuels management projects.
Determines appropriate sampling strategy and develops sampling designs for wildland fire management fuels inventories.
Determines appropriate fuel models to be used in analysis of fire behavior.
Measures tree, plant and site characteristics with speed and accuracy.
Manages data collected utilizing database software.
Performs analysis of data to determine if treatment objectives were achieved.
Prepare reports documenting findings and make recommendations for treatment improvement.
Perform and directs inventory work involving various measurements of vegetation and identification of trees, plants, and shrub species.
Utilizes computer software such as ArcGIS, Pathfinder, Word, Excel, and Behave Plus to analyze data and prepare reports.
Participate in prescribed fire and wildfire suppression operations, pass all fire training, and pass the pack test at the moderate level.
Seek out and attend various wildland fire management training courses and educational opportunities.
Assist other fire/forestry departments and operations when approved by supervisor.
Responsible for the operation of a Tribal or federally owned/leased motor vehicle.
Prepares forest work contracts, bid forms and advertisements and oversees bid openings
Administers contracts for quality and completeness and completes invoices for payment
Maintains complete and timely office records necessary for projects.