Fuels Planner

About the role

The Fuels Planner plans, develops, and implements projects for Fuels Management under the Tribal Forestry Program for the Yakama Reservation, working closely with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and other resource staff on a wide variety of fuels and fire management functions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and carry out prescribed fire plans, fire effects, manual and mechanical fuels treatments, and smoke monitoring.
• Conduct field surveys to determine fuel conditions.
• Serve on rotation for standby during fire season.
• Plan and conduct project assessments to determine the presence or absence of hazardous wildland fuels.
• Collect information on fuel conditions and predict fire behavior through field surveys, computer modeling, and literature searches; report results to the Fuels Manager for prioritization of projects.
• Review project plans and recommend appropriate monitoring levels.
• Establish study plots to assess fire and fire suppression impacts on the ecosystem; develop and refine plot characteristics, frequency of visits, subjects to be measured, and data storage and analysis techniques.
• Participate in drafting prescribed fire/fuels management plans following the interagency template, including reviewing fuel management alternatives and preparing plan segments.
• Create, update, and use a database to model and analyze fire behavior and fire effects observation data; ensure data quality, proper storage, and archival procedures.
• Serve on prescribed fire and fuels projects in qualified positions, technically administering all aspects of the prescribed fire/fuels plan (preparation, ignition, holding, mop-up, and rehabilitation).
• Monitor fire behavior during prescribed fire implementation, evaluate fire effects, identify potential problems, and make recommendations.
• Conduct field reconnaissance of prescribed fire/fuels treatment units, summarize findings, and recommend prescriptive criteria for meeting program objectives.
• Identify and provide training needs to support prescribed fire and fuels management programs.
• Participate in wildland fire and safety training, proficiency checks, drills, safety sessions, and after-action reviews.
• Ensure safety and welfare in all aspects of the assignment; support and participate in wildland fire suppression activities as requested.
• Operate motor vehicles to transport equipment, supplies, and crew members; use specialized firing equipment.
• Assist the Fuels Manager in developing the program budget and record retention.

Work Conditions

• Office conditions require long periods of sitting, working with computers, and general lifting, bending, and reaching.
• Field conditions involve exposure to noise, dust, heat, weather, and the hazards of firefighting, including heat, smoke, and fire behavior; protective clothing and equipment are required.
• Work is normally sedentary in the office and active in the field; field work is arduous, with demands for strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry, Fire Ecology, Wildland Fire Management, or a closely related field with relevant experience is preferred. A forestry certificate or equivalent, combined with extensive prescribed fire qualifications and wildland fire experience, may be accepted in lieu of a four-year degree.
• Must provide documentation verifying prescribed fire and wildland fire qualifications and experience.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License and ability to obtain a Tribal Driver Permit with Defensive Driving Course certificate (updated every 2 years).
• Must pass the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standard fitness pack test for arduous duty annually.
• Prior wildland firefighting experience on the fireline is mandatory.
• Must maintain or be in pursuit of, at minimum, Prescribed Fire Burn Boss 2 (RXB2) qualifications and currency for Incident Commander Type (ICT4) and Engine Boss (ENGB).
• Must be mentally and physically fit, able to endure extended work periods, and ascend, descend, and traverse steep topography across rugged terrain.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of and ability to apply Yakama Nation and BIA policies, directives, guidelines, and practices regarding wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and fuels treatment operations.
• Knowledge of the effects of fire on natural and cultural resources.
• Understanding of fire ecology principles as they apply to local fuel and vegetation types, fire research methods, fire weather, smoke management, fire behavior, and methods to monitor, describe, analyze, and predict fire behavior.
• Knowledge and experience in prescribed fire operations, including burning techniques, fuels inventory, burn plan preparation, prescriptions, firing procedures, holding strategies, and site rehabilitation.
• Knowledge and skill in the care, maintenance, and utilization of wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire/fuels treatment equipment.
• Knowledge of accepted fire safety practices and procedures, and fire behavior prediction techniques and technologies.
• Knowledge of policies, techniques, and practices of wildland firefighting obtained through substantial service as a primary firefighter of the federal government or in a similar position outside the federal government.
• Ability to demonstrate oral and written communication skills sufficient to record and transmit findings and observations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enrolled Yakama Preference (all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply).

Pay

$24.44/hour (regular, full-time).