NR Forest Fire Response Lead

About the role

The DNR is seeking to hire multiple NR Forest Fire Response Leads within the Division of Forestry. These positions are located in Grand Rapids, MN. This is a split season position with anticipated season dates of February 23 to June 5 and September 14 to November 13. Seasons are subject to change based on weather conditions. Hours of work may vary and include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Preparation for wildfire suppression by organizing and maintaining equipment, maintaining an inventory of supplies and requesting new supplies as needed, winterizing fire suppression equipment before storage at the end of fire season, and maintaining buildings and grounds.
• Responding for initial attack on wildfires and working on prescribed burns as part of the area wildfire suppression team by leading emergency fire fighters, operating fire suppression equipment, protecting the fire scene and gathering information for investigators, and completing initial reports.
• Assisting Area Supervisor with fire prevention activities by directing emergency fire suppression personnel and assisting with their training.
• This position requires hand and power tool operation, strenuous physical work under unfavorable conditions, endurance to perform tasks under extreme environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, wind, and smoke, and travel for fire suppression purposes throughout Minnesota.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two months wildfire response experience or diploma / associates degree in natural resource management with an emphasis in wildland firefighting.
• Knowledge of wildfire suppression including initial attack, fire behavior, fire control, mop up, and fire line safety sufficient to effectively suppress fires.
• Knowledge of fire suppression equipment maintenance and operation sufficient to prepare and respond to wildfire suppression needs.
• Knowledge of state and local fire laws and regulations sufficient to report violations.
• Ability to understand and use information contained in the Forestry Administrative Area Fire Plan sufficient to prepare for and respond to wildfires.
• Communication skills sufficient to ensure accurate and effective transmission of information through internal and interagency communications for routine and crisis situations.
• Ability to recognize reportable events sufficient to meet Forestry fire reporting requirements.
• Ability to maintain and organize fire line equipment so that equipment is functioning and available when needed to suppress fires.
• Ability to use maps and GPS equipment sufficient to quickly locate fires and access routes by section, township, range, and latitude/longitude.
• Ability to operate fire equipment sufficient to carry out fire suppression activities in a safe and effective manner.
• Ability to coach and direct emergency firefighters to ensure effective and safe suppression and pre-suppression activities.
• Possession of a valid Class A (Commercial) Driver's License or a Commercial Learner's Permit within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to pass the DNR Forestry physical standards on an annual basis based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group work capacity test at the moderate fitness level.
• Must have successfully completed the following training: Fire Fighter Training S-130; Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior S-190, Introduction to Incident Command System I-100, Human Factors on the Fire Line L-180, and Incident Management System and Introduction IS-700.

Preferred Qualifications

• National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG) Red Card qualified Engine Boss (ENGB), Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4), Tracked Vehicle Operator (TVOP) and/or Initial Attack Dozer Operator (DOZ1), Helicopter Crew Member (HECM), Squad Boss (FFT1), Faller Class B (FALB).
• Knowledge of DNR Forestry fire reporting system sufficient to complete and enter reports.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment.
• The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program.
• Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
• It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: Conflict of Interest Review, Criminal History Check, Education Verification, Employment Reference / Records Check, License / Certification Verification.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

Pay & Schedule

Salary Range: $21.33 - $26.62 / hourly; $44,537 - $55,582 / annually. This is a full-time seasonal position with day shift, Monday - Friday. Travel is required and varies. This position is classified as Service/AFSCME, nonexempt.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.