Zone Risk Assessment Specialist

FT / PT Status – Full-time (2 positions)

Salary – $35.94 - $54.01 Remote Work / In-Office – Hyrbid Recruiter – Christa Rowland|crowlan@utah.gov|801-538-4826 Application Deadline – 5-8-26

Job Description

The purpose of the “Zone Risk Assessment Specialist" is to reduce the wildfire risk to Utah’s communities and landscapes through effective partnerships with local government, fire agencies, and homeowners. These efforts are channeled through the Cooperative Wildfire System (“CWS”) and implementation of the High Risk WUI Program outlined in 2025’s House Bill 48 “Wildland Urban Interface Modifications”.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete High Risk WUI lot assessments.
• Respond to public requests for lot assessments.
• Prioritize completion of lot assessments in collaboration with FFSL Areas and cooperators.
• Perform audits of CWS compliance and audit PC actions to ensure CWS program intent is being met from planning (CWPP & PC Statement) to implementation.
• Coach cooperators on high risk WUI lot assessments, WUI mapping and WUI code adoption.
• Conduct lot assessment certification training.
• Coach cooperators and FFSL area staff on CWS reporting and compliance.
• Update Historic Fire Reports and Wildfire Risk Assessments annually.
• Create Participation Commitment Statements annually.
• Ensures CWS direct payments are tracked correctly.
• Maintain contact information for all stakeholders.
• Respond to cooperator inquiries about the High-Risk WUI Program and CWS.
• Develop content for newsletters and informational emails.
• Assist the “Statewide Fire Risk Assessment Specialist” where requested.
• Develop relationships with counties, municipalities and fire districts in collaboration with area staff.
• Ensure education efforts compliment the WUI Program’s mitigation messaging and are not in conflict.
• Supervise High Risk WUI lot assessors employed by the division.
• Maintain NWCG qualification(s) and pass fitness requirements before deploying to fire suppression assignments, as directed.
  
  

Minimums

Qualifications

• NWCG qualified at FFT1 or above.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and produce expected results.
• Experience working with members of the public and government agencies.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in wildland fire.
• Valid state drivers license.
  
  

Preferred

• Advanced knowledge and experience in wildfire mitigation practices.
• Experience performing WUI lot assessments to analyze wildfire risk.
• Skilled at relationship management with external partners such as local government officials, HOA leaders, and fire departments.
• Excellent understanding of Utah’s Cooperative Wildfire System.
• Experience with national wildfire programs such as NFPA Firewise USA, Fire Adapted Communities Network, IAFC Ready Set, Go program, etc.
• Current NWCG wildfire qualification card with advanced qualifications.
  
  

Miscellaneous

Requires frequent in-state travel.

May work out of any of the division state or area offices.

About The Role

Location – 1594 W North Temple, Salt Lake City

Background Check Required – No

Drug Test Required – Yes

Schedule Code – TL - Time Limited

Why You Should Join Our Team This is an ideal opportunity for someone experienced in wildfire structure assessments and communication to work with Utah’s dynamic wildfire team in the new High Risk Wildland Urban Interface Properties Program. This role has a great mix of field work and office work, with opportunities to visit wide swaths of Utah’s WUI area.

Benefits

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah , click here . Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
  
  

The Agency For more information about working for the Department of Natural Resources please click here.

EEO Statement The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.