The Military Division (Massachusetts National Guard) is seeking a professional for the role of Prescribed Fire and Fuels Specialist (PFFS) with the primary work location being at Camp Edwards Training Site (CPED), located on Cape Cod Massachusetts. The selected candidate for this role will provide professional expertise in the development, implementation, and evaluation of wildland fuel treatments. This integral role requires an individual who is self-motivated, capable of working independently and also as part of a team, and ensures the needs of the Military Division are met.

The PFFS position reports to and works closely with the Wildland Fire Program Coordinator (WFPC) within the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s (MAARNG) Natural Resources and Integrated Training Area Management (NR-ITAM) program. The program aims to balance the military mission with environmental stewardship, while complying with federal and state laws/regulations, and meeting agency policies. The guiding management plans for wildland fire management at CPED are Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP), Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan (ICRMP), and Integrated Wildland Fire Management Plan (IWFMP). An information sheet on the NR-ITAM program can be found at https://www.mass.gov/doc/camp-edwards-informational-flyer .

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with the administration of wildland fire management through the development, implementation, evaluation, tracking of goals, objectives, and budgets.
• Prepare prescribed fire and fuel treatment plans.
• Participate in wildland fire operations while in a leadership, crewmember, or technical resource capacity, commensurate with qualification.
• Assist in identifying organizational wildland fire training needs, schedule and conduct formal and informal training courses, serve as instructor and/or coach and conduct record keeping of qualifications.
• Design and conduct fuels management inventories, analyze and evaluate study findings, and provides comprehensive recommendations for future fuels management projects.
• Develop contract specifications and contract performance measures, serve as a project manager on fuels management contracts.
• Oversee and conduct the maintenance of wildland fire equipment; prepare purchase orders for the acquisition of new equipment and repair of existing equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ABOUT OUR AGENCY

The Massachusetts National Guard has a unique dual mission, with both federal and state responsibilities. During peacetime, Guard forces are commanded by the Governor through the State Adjutant General. The Governor can call the Guard into action during local or state-wide emergencies, such as storms, floods, blizzards, and civil disturbances. In addition, the President of the United States can activate the Massachusetts National Guard to participate in federal missions. The Massachusetts National Guard's mission is to be trained and ready to provide units that can mobilize for any contingency, at home or abroad. The Massachusetts National Guard consists of both the Massachusetts Army National Guard and the Massachusetts Air National Guard. We are composed of full-time and part-time Soldiers and Airmen, as well as civilians, who together serve the Commonwealth and country.

Desired and Essential Skills

• Knowledge of fire effects as it relates to fuel modification and prescribed fire.
• Knowledge of interagency wildland fire qualification and certification standards.
• Knowledge of fire weather and fire behavior, and familiar with the development of fire behavior prescriptions to meet objectives.
• Knowledge of wildland fire computer modeling programs (fire behavior, smoke, and fire effects), Geographic Information Systems, and Global Positioning Systems.
• Ability to practice effective problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively lead people and to recognize and correct unsafe practices and conditions.
• Ability to develop correctly written objective and a knowledge of how goals and strategies provide structured guidance in accomplishing an agency’s mission.
• Knowledge of the characteristics of effective written communications, and skill in writing basic letters and reports.
• Ability to present technical information and complex issues coherently, concisely, and understandably to a variety of audiences.

License and/or Certification Requirements

• Qualified as a Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) as outlined by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s (NWCG) Wildland Fire Position Qualifications guide (PMS 310-1). If qualified as a Firing Boss (FIRB) at the time of higher the qualification of RXB2 may be attained on the job.
• Qualified as an Engine Boss (ENGB) as outlined by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s (NWCG) Wildland Fire Position Qualifications guide (PMS 310-1). If qualified as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) at the time of higher the qualification of ENGB may be attained on the job.
• Possess or be capable of obtaining within six months of higher a Motor Vehicle Driver’s License and a U.S. Department of Transportation Medical Examiner’s Certificate or a Massachusetts Intrastate waiver.
• Possess or be capable of obtaining within six months of higher a Common Access Card (CAC), requiring a background check prior to or at the time of higher, employees shall not have a prior felony conviction.

Competencies

Dependability- Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling day-to-day duties.

Self-Control- Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Attention to Detail- Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing tasks.

Cooperation- Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good natured, cooperative attitude.

Concern for Others- This job requires being sensitive to others needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health, of which (B) at least two years must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. 

Substitutions: 

I. An associate's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience. * 

II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience. *

III. A Graduate degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience. * 

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.