Fuels Planner

Fuels Planner

Fuels Management

Department of Natural Resources

Hourly Wage: $24.44/Regular/Full-Time

Plans projects for the Fuels Program; planning, developing, and implementing 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, each involving numerous procedures and operating requirements. Primary responsibilities of the position are preparing and carrying out prescribed fire plans, fire effects, manual and mechanical fuels treatments, and smoke monitoring. The incumbent also conducts field surveys to determine the location of fuel conditions.

Examples of Work Performed:

Will be put on rotation for standby during fire season.

Plans and conducts project assessments, which determine the presence or absence of hazardous wildland fuels. Information on fuel conditions and predictions of fire behavior are collected through a variety of methods, including field surveys, computer modeling, and specific literature searches. Results are reported to the Fuels Manager and used in the determination and prioritization of prescribed fire and mechanical treatment projects.

Reviews project plans and makes recommendations on appropriate levels of monitoring. Establishes study plots to assess fire and fire suppression impacts on the ecosystem. Develops and refines plot characteristics, frequency of visits, subjects to be measured, and data storage and analyzes techniques.

Participates in drafting prescribed fire/fuels management plans following the interagency template. This involves reviewing fuel management alternatives and may include preparing segments of a plan to support objectives of the fire management program.

Creates, updates, and uses a database to model and analyze fire behavior and fire effects observation data. Ensures data quality. Ensure proper data storage and archival procedures are followed.

Serves on prescribed fire and fuels projects in positions for which qualified. Technically administers all aspects of the prescribed fire/fuels plan, ensuring that preparation, ignition, holding, mop-up, and rehabilitation are completed to standards specified.

During the implementation of prescribed fire plans and fuels projects, monitors fire behavior, evaluates fire effects, identifies potential problems and makes recommendations.

Conducts field reconnaissance of prescribed fire/fuels treatment units, summarizes field findings and makes recommendations on appropriate prescriptive criteria for meeting program objectives.

Identifies and provides training needs to support prescribed fire and fuels management programs.

Participates in wildland fire and safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression and in the safe, efficient operation and use of tools, equipment, and vehicles used in fire suppression activities with emphasis on those used for the particular function assigned. Participates in proficiency checks and drills, safety sessions, and after-action reviews. Ensures welfare of everyone including own and safety in all aspects of the assignment.

Supports and participates in wildland fire suppression activities as requested.

Operates a variety of motor vehicles to transport equipment, supplies, crew members, etc.

Uses specialized firing equipment.

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 in hazardous environments.

The work is normally sedentary in the office and active in the field. Field work is arduous and duties include demands for strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods of time.

Assists Fuels Manager in development of program budget and record retention.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of and the ability to apply Yakama Nation and BIA policies, directives, guidelines and practices regarding wildland fire suppression, and 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 and procedures, fire weather, smoke management, fire behavior and methods used to monitor, describe, analyze and predict fire behavior.

Knowledge and experience in prescribed fire operations, including burning techniques, fuels inventory, preparation

of burn plans, prescriptions, firing procedures, holding strategies and site rehabilitation; and resources.

Knowledge and skill in care, maintenance, and utilization of wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire and fuels treatment equipment.

Knowledge of accepted fire safety practices and procedures.

Knowledge of 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 firefighting position outside the federal government. This is a mandatory requirement.

Ability to demonstrate oral and written communication skills sufficient to record and transmit findings and observations.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry, Fire Ecology, Wildland Fire Management or closely related field with relevant experience is preferred for this position. A forestry certificate or equivalent in combination 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.

Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Required to pass a pre-employment background check.

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Tribal Driver Permit with Defensive Driving Course certificate (to be updated every 2 years).

Must be able to pass annually National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standard fitness pack test for arduous duty.

Prior wildland firefighting experience on the fireline is mandatory.

Maintains or in pursuit of, at a minimum, Prescribed Fire Burn Boss 2 (RXB2) qualifications and also 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.

Preferred Requirements:

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.