Wildland Urban Interface Specialist

Assists in the planning and implementation of fire prevention and public education programs on the subject of reducing interface zone fire hazards on public and private properties throughout Santa Fe County.

• Assists in the planning and implementation of fire prevention and public education programs on the subject of reducing interface zone fire hazards on public and private properties throughout Santa Fe County.
• Participates in Firewise and other fire safe projects with homeowners and communities in the wildland urban interface. Conducts home inspections for wildfire mitigation and assists with homeowners’ insurance issues.
• Assists in locating, writing, submitting, and tracking grants for program funding.
• Serves as a liaison with outside agencies and community groups regarding wildland fire prevention activities.
• Acts as a crew member on a fuels/suppression crew performing fuel reduction using a variety of hand and power tools as necessary.
• Responds to wildland fires as a crewmember on an engine, hand crew, or in another capacity as necessary.
• Operates GPS data collectors to map project areas for tracking and monitoring of project.
• Assists with equipment acquisition, maintenance, inspection, and inventory.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge and skill in planning and implementing the principles and practices of wildland fire prevention and public education programs.
• Knowledge of grant writing methods and the process of identifying funding for programs.
• Knowledge of fuel reduction treatments with regards to reducing catastrophic wildland fire and improving forest health.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with GPS data collection.
• Ability to use specialized hand tools. Ability to drive 4x4 vehicles, operate chippers, and other equipment used in fuel reduction.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associate personnel, outside agencies, and community groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written forms.
• Ability to operate various word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software programs.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed frequently in an office environment and outdoors in varied weather conditions with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens. Work involves high risk or potentially dangerous situations, exposure to hazardous materials, excessive noise, hostile individuals, and work near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery. Work requires the use of protective clothing, equipment, devices or materials. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; climb or balance; and talk or hear. Ability to lift over 100 50 lbs. Clarity of vision at long distance and short distance is required. Evening, holiday, and weekend work is required. Overnight travel is required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required. May be on call for emergencies.

Conditions of Employment:

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties. Candidate must obtain and/or maintain all certifications required.