Firewise Communities Coordinator Part-Time

The Firewise Communities Coordinator is responsible for coordinating citizen wildfire safety and mitigation activities through the creation and ongoing support of various Firewise groups and the NFPA Firewise Communities programs; as well as establishing and managing Firewise Communities Programs within the County Emergency Management Department. This position is expected to build relationships and coordinate efforts with the City Firewise position and neighboring County Firewise Coordinators. Additional duties include, overseeing young adult or adult fuels reduction and weed abatement crews (if needed), supporting the Title III Grant Program goals, and assisting the Emergency Management Department in fire, fuels, and resiliency projects as needed. Receives general supervision from the County’s Interim Firewise Community Manager.

(Illustrative Only. Any single position in the classification will not necessarily involve all the listed duties below and other positions will involve duties which are not listed. These duties represent the essential functions needed of persons in this classification.)

1. Work with City, County, State, and Federal agencies or partners involved in programs that intersect with activities affecting Firewise communities and groups. This will involve maintaining NFPA and local framework for the program and developing the necessary relationships to implement it.
2. Coordinate similar work with local and regional partners to assist in the realm of the Josephine County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), such as supporting actions or goals under the direction of the County CWPP Plan Coordinator (Emergency Services Director).
3. Coordinate wildfire fuels reduction projects on private lands with landowners in accordance with appropriate standards and laws. Including monitoring past fuels reduction projects on private lands and conducting compliance inspections.
4. Provide outreach and education on wildfire evacuation.
5. Operate field tools and equipment in a variety of outdoor conditions.
6. At the direction of the Interim Firewise manager serve as a webmaster for Firewise Communities webpages, within the scope of Josephine County and Facebook pages. Occasionally creating and maintaining social media regarding wildfire mitigation and prevention for public education.
7. Use GIS computer programs to create simple maps of the area, analyze data, and support wildfire prevention activities; as needed.
8. Communicate with the public, local groups, other departments, media, and local, state, and federal agencies, as directed by the Interim Firewise Community Manager on behalf of the Firewise Program.
9. Support the Emergency Operations Center during fire season as directed by the Emergency Services Manager to attain community resiliency and recovery goals.
10. Prepare statistical program information and other documentation as required by the department. Maintain all essential program records.
11. Develop and present community education and Firewise program operational materials, conduct public tours of wildfire areas, and act as a media liaison.
12. Provide regular program status reports to the Firewise Community Interim Manager, The Emergency Services Manager, and Program partners or Grant funders; as required.
13. Maintain program proficiency by attending meetings, reading materials, and coordinating with others in areas of Firewise responsibility.
14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Previous experience in wildfire prevention, fuels management, and acceptable computer/software skills, including basic knowledge of Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Spanish/English bilingual skills are preferred. 

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the assigned duties will be considered. Fire and field work experience, tool and equipment skills, and demonstrated ability to work well with others are required. Demonstrated ability to teach and instruct members of the public on wildfire prevention and mitigation topics. Basic knowledge of wildfire prevention and fire history required. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to work effectively with the public, other employees, and agencies. Must have strong communication skills, especially in public settings. Ability to meet both the sedentary and physical demands of the position as established by the Department.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Must be able to comprehend and interpret comprehensive reports applicable to assigned area and to work effectively with other employees, agencies, and the public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment. Must have the ability to plan, organize, schedule, and coordinate office operations. Must have knowledge of office equipment and their use, including but not limited to computers and industry standard software.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Approximately 40% of duties take place in field locations where the employee is exposed to poison oak, ticks, and seasonal temperatures and weather. Approximately 60% of duties involve routine office work, attendance at meetings, and various administrative activities, including education at public presentations. Occasional weekends may be required.

 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

Possession of, or the ability to obtain and retain an Oregon driver license; safe driving record.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Those employed in this position may be subject to pre-employment drug testing and a background investigation, including but not limited to criminal background investigation. Conviction of a crime will not necessarily disqualify an individual for this classification.

Salary : $30 - $32