Posting Detail Information

Working TitleWildfire Mitigation Program Specialist

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Research Professional PositionNo

Posting Number202401995AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleProject/Prgm Mngmt I

Number of Vacancies1

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$65,000 - $70,000 Commensurate with experience

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on12/03/2024

Description of Work Unit

The Colorado State Forest Service is an agency of Colorado State University, Colorado’s land grant institution of higher education, and is housed, organizationally, in the Warner College of Natural Resources. The CSFS also staffs the Division of Forestry for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. The CSFS has 17 field units throughout the state, with a State Office located in Fort Collins on CSU’s foothills campus.

The Forest Planning and Implementation Division of the Colorado State Forest Service provides administration and oversight of forest management programs that directly contribute to the agency’s mission of “the stewardship of Colorado’s diverse forest environments for the benefit of present and future generations”. The Wildfire Mitigation Program Specialist is a sub-staff of the Forest Planning and Implementation Division of the CSFS . The administration of wildfire risk reduction programs is carried out under the supervision of the Fire, Fuels, and Watershed Manager.

This position is based in Fort Collins, with the potential for flexible work arrangements, including remote work within the State of Colorado. Candidates interested in remote options must be able to travel to Fort Collins, the Denver area, or other locations throughout Colorado periodically for meetings, trainings, etc.

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Fire, Fuels, and Watershed Manager, the Wildfire Mitigation Program Specialist is responsible for the oversight and administration of assigned programs supporting wildfire risk reduction activities throughout Colorado. Specifically, this position will be responsible for program administration, professional forestry functions, and science-based forest management and wildfire risk reduction expertise supporting numerous field units and staff throughout Colorado addressing the following program focus areas:

Community Wildfire Protection Plans; Firewise USA®; Home Ignition Zone & Community Risk Assessments; Fire Adapted Communities

The incumbent will represent the Colorado State Forest Service ( CSFS ) on various statewide mitigation related groups and develop and deliver wildfire risk reduction presentations at high-profile regional and statewide events. This position will incorporate fire adaptation concepts into agency programs, provide technical assistance to CSFS staff regarding treatment effectiveness, and manage grant programs. The position is responsible for preparation and submittal of grant applications for wildfire risk reduction programs, monitoring target accomplishment, and ensuring accomplishment reports are completed in a timely manner.

Required Job Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree (or greater) in forestry, another natural resources program, or a related degree will be considered.

• Four years of combined field forestry, forest management, fire management, or social/behavioral science program administration experience.

• One year of professional experience in wildfire hazard mitigation activities.

• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States before the employment start date; Colorado State Forest Service will not sponsor a visa for this position

Preferred Job Qualifications

Wildfire Risk Reduction

• Experience writing, reviewing, and implementing CWPPs and Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Plans.

• Understanding of fire behavior, structural ignitability concepts, treatments and techniques effective in reducing wildfire hazards.

• Knowledge of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code ( IWUIC ), Home Ignition Zone ( HIZ ), and National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy concepts.

• Knowledge of forest management in Western United States Forests, Wildland-Urban Interface ( WUI ) issues, and major forest health disturbances in Colorado.

• Completion of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group ( NWCG ) courses: S-130/190, S-212, S-215, S-390.

• NWCG FFT1 qualified; previous wildland firefighting experience in Wildland-Urban Interface.

• Experience in writing prescriptions to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health including specifications on treatment methods (types of equipment, crews).

• Experience with assessing structures and surrounding vegetation for wildfire hazards and providing recommendations to reduce the hazards through modifications to construction materials and vegetative treatments.

Program Planning and Administration

• Experience with program planning and administration including: effectively documenting accomplishments, record-keeping, developing annual reports, budget management, developing annual program of work, and strategic planning.

• Experience with writing, reviewing, and managing various forestry related grant programs.

• Strong organizational, multitasking, planning and prioritizing skills.

• Experience with and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and advance outcomes with internal staff and external partners, cooperators and teams.

• Experience working in and maintaining a safe working environment; quality and demonstrated excellent customer service ethic and professionalism.

• Experience with geospatial mapping and analysis tools and techniques.

Communications

• Ability to develop strong working relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to reduce complex theories, concepts, principles, and methodologies into layperson’s terms.

• Experience in organizing, developing and delivering public presentations, events, publications, and other informational and educational activities.

• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

Supervision

• Demonstrated experience supervising and managing staff.

Diversity Statement

Demonstrated knowledge of, and relevant ability with, culturally diverse communities among potential target and constituent populations.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryProgram Planning and Administration

Duty/Responsibility

This position requires proficiency in general program planning and administration skills including but not limited to: recording accomplishments, meeting deadlines, budget administration, and supporting field operations. The Program Specialist needs to be proactive and forward thinking in their program development, assist other Program Specialists in accomplishing program objectives, forecast program needs, be aware of significant changes, practices, science, etc. in related areas, and effectively share new knowledge and information with internal staff and external partners and cooperators.

Specifically, the incumbent of this position will facilitate the creation and implementation of multi-year plans to ensure completion of annual program of work; coordinate closely with local, state and federal partners in the administration of assigned programs; monitor target accomplishments and ensure accomplishment reports are completed in a timely manner. The program specialist will have responsibilities in the following areas as assigned by the Fire, Fuels, and Watershed Manager:

Community Wildfire Protection Plans ( CWPP )

• Develop cohesive CWPP program for Colorado including strategies to update existing CWPPs

• Maintain database of all CWPPs in Colorado.

• Determine barriers/needs of communities with existing plans that are not actively implementing the CWPP . Develop solutions to move from planning to action.

• Integration of CWPPs into FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plans.

• Provide technical assistance to staff engaged in CWPP development and implementation.

• Update and maintain CWPP template and other related resources.

Firewise USA ®

• Serve as the State Liaison for Firewise USA® program. Provide staff with current program information/requirements. Assist communities with program information.

• Utilize National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA ) online portal to manage Firewise USA® program participant information and approve new and renewal communities.

• Remain current on Firewise USA® program requirements.

• Maintain a positive working relationship with the NFPA , which provides oversight for the Firewise USA® program.

Home Ignition Zone & Community Wildfire Risk Assessments

• Maintain and implement the CSFS HIZ & Community Assessment form and instructions, and facilitate training of staff in use of form.

• Incorporate research pertaining to ignition resistant construction, effectiveness of treatments, and WUI -based building codes.

• Analyze other assessment methodologies to determine potential enhancements for CSFS HIZ form.

• Support implementation of Wildfire Resiliency Code Board recommendations to include training personnel in standardized HIZ /Defensible Space assessment practices.

Fire Adapted Communities ( FAC )

• Engage in Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network ( CSFS is affiliate member).

• Develop training for field staff and partners in Fire Adapted Community concepts/tools for consistent messaging.

• Integrate concepts into publications and outreach efforts.

Healthy Forest Vibrant Communities Act

• Determine activities allowed in assigned section(s) and timelines for expenditures

• Complete accomplishment reporting and tracking

• Identify deliverables/expectations for staff

Percentage Of Time50%

Job Duty CategoryState and Regional Program Leadership

Duty/Responsibility

The position maintains key working relationships with various local, state, and federal partners. This incumbent is expected to provide leadership, oversight, science-based forest management expertise, coordination and administration of working groups when needed, and advocating for wildfire risk reduction and social change consistent with our mission and strategic priorities.

• Represent CSFS on various statewide mitigation related groups in alignment with program responsibilities.

• Develop and deliver wildfire mitigation presentations at high-profile regional and statewide events.

• Collaborate with local, state, and federal land management agencies to ensure consistent messaging about wildfire risk reduction to target audiences.

• Serve as technical resource for CSFS and partner agency publications.

Percentage Of Time15%

Job Duty CategoryEmployee Supervision

Duty/Responsibility

This position will be responsible for the oversight and guidance of four Wildfire Resilience Coordinators stationed across the state who support delivery of the programs overseen by this specialist. Consistent and regular communication with all supervised employees is essential.

The incumbent of this position will develop and monitor ongoing performance. They will be responsible for creating annual employee development plans, and updating those plans as needed. They are also expected to ensure the day-to-day safety of employees, and mentor and train staff as needed.

Percentage Of Time15%

Job Duty CategorySupport to Field Staff and Professional Services

Duty/Responsibility

The incumbent of this position will be responsible for providing professional wildfire mitigation, hazard/risk/value identification and recommendations, and science-based forest management information to all CSFS field staff in wildfire mitigation planning and implementation activities within their jurisdiction. Work with CSFS staff to ensure that key wildfire mitigation messages are consistent and integrated into outreach materials.

Percentage Of Time10%

Job Duty CategoryGrant Administration

Duty/Responsibility

The incumbent of this position will be responsible for preparation and submittal of grant applications for various wildfire risk reduction grant programs. Grant programs have the potential to include $1-2 million dollars (or greater) in grant awards annually and spanning multiple years. The Program Specialist is expected to monitor target accomplishment and ensure accomplishment reports are completed in a timely manner.

Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Provide technical support to CSFS staff, cooperators, and landowners to ensure wildfire risk reduction grant programs are effectively administered in compliance with state/federal fiscal rules.

• Administer grant proposal process including distributing pre-proposal forms and budgets, setting timelines for submissions, leading internal team to review, rank pre- proposals for full grant development, finalizing grants for submission.

• Manage budgets for individual grant projects and track accomplishments. Approve reimbursements.

• Assist area staff in identifying areas for potential grant projects that align with agency priority areas.

• Develop grant proposals that support agency wildfire risk reduction goals and objectives as needed.

Percentage Of Time10%

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter addressing how you meet both the required and preferred qualifications of the position.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Travel - periodic overnight travel, Special Requirements/Other - Irregular work hours and periodic long days, evening and weekend service. • Outdoor work will occur with periodic field visits to interact with CSFS staff and collaborators, document accomplishments and understand area priorities.

Search ContactDan Beveridge daniel.beveridge@colostate.edu

EEO Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have at least one year of professional experience involving wildfire hazard mitigation activities?

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

Optional Documents