Squad Leader (EMNRD #10116223+)

Posting Details

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
The New Mexico Forestry Division retains lead responsibility for wildland fire management on all non-federal, non-tribal, and non-municipal lands, maintaining fire suppression capacities and emphasizing public and firefighters¿ safety.  The Forestry Division promotes healthy, sustainable forests and watersheds in New Mexico for the benefit of current and future generations.

Why does the job exist?

The Lead Wildland Firefighter will supervise a Senior Wildland Firefighter and up to 4 Wildland Firefighters. The supervisory responsibilities are to: (1) ensure compliance with all safety practices and procedures for assigned personnel; (2) direct wildfire suppression and prescribed burning work assignments by establishing and communicating objectives, priorities, work assignments and performance expectations; identifying, analyzing and using relevant situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions; adjusting actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness; developing and implementing contingency plans; communicating changing conditions to supervisors; ensuring incident objectives and performance standards are met; monitoring performance and providing immediate and regular feedback to Senior Wildland Firefighters and Wildland Firefighters; and (3) supervise and conduct fuels reduction, forest and watershed restoration, and reforestation activities.

How does it get done?

- Prepare and mobilize the squad by ensuring individual readiness; gathering critical information
pertinent to the assignment; and reviewing the Incident Action Plan or Scope of Work and obtaining
briefing, objectives and intent from the supervisor or project manager.

- Supervise and direct work assignments by establishing and communicating objectives, priorities,
work assignments and performance expectations; identifying, analyzing and using relevant
situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.

- Perform fire suppression and resource management duties by mentoring wildland firefighters and
senior wildland firefighters in safe firefighting practices; adhering to the chain of command as it
applies to crew configuration.

Who are the customers?

The job will serve the citizens of New Mexico to ensure the management and protection of the
State's forests, watersheds, and natural resources. There are numerous customers served,
including state, private, local government, federal, tribal, non profit, non-governmental and
intra-state customers.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have experience in the following:

- Wildland fire administration and report writing experience.
- Excellent written and oral communication with experience leading training, education and
  outreach and public speaking.
- Working knowledge of Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and data collection.
- Certifications in wildland fire management at the single resource level.

Minimum Qualification

High school education or equivalent and two (2) seasons as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and NWCG qualifications for Crew Boss (CRWB), Engine Boss (ENGB), or Felling Boss (FELB) or other Single Resource and Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5), as specified in PMS 310-1. (Season means a total of 90 days of fire response experience within a calendar year).

Employment Requirements

Must maintain and possess a current New Mexico Driver¿s License, Defensive Driving Certificate
Applicant must submit documentation of current wildland fire qualifications with resume.
Must pass a yearly arduous pack test and maintain wildland fire certification at the appropriate level.

Working Conditions

Work will be a mixture of office and field settings.  Office work includes exposure to visual/video display
terminal, computer and other hand-held and electronic devises for extended periods.  Work will also
include extensive field settings with exposure to extreme weather and environmental conditions and
hazards including smoke, dust, insects, animals, wildland fire, heavy equipment, mechanized
equipment, noise, in remote and rugged terrain in variable weather conditions. Work requires the
ability to perform long duration strenuous physical labor, including hiking, while carrying up to 45
pounds for up to 16-hrs per day.  Driving motor vehicles and operating utility vehicles, hand tools,
chainsaws and other power tools may be required.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Cristopher Machado 505-584-4914 Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Salary : $55,273 - $82,909