Pierce CD Seeks Wildfire Program Manager

Nature & Purpose of the Position

Pierce Conservation District (PCD) is seeking a qualified candidate to perform as a Wildfire Program Manager to serve high-needs communities in Pierce County’s Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). This is a full-time position that will report to the Water Quality Director and mentored by the Climate Resiliency Program Manager, offering wrap-around services to include evaluating wildfire risk conditions on properties and evaluating health impacts of wildfire smoke to vulnerable community members. By offering technical assistance, education, and coordination with local partners, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of a new Wildfire Preparedness Program for the County.

About Pierce Conservation District

Pierce Conservation District is government that works. We work strategically and passionately to conserve and restore the natural resources of Pierce County. Our work improves both rural and urban communities to benefit the health and well-being of our citizens. We work in five core program areas: Farm Assistance, Water Quality Improvement, Habitat Restoration, Urban Agriculture, and Environmental Education. The District works for clean water, healthy soil, salmon recovery and local food access for all. When you join the Pierce Conservation District staff, you join a team of talented and committed people who are mission-driven and care deeply about improving our environment and our community.

Primary Job Responsibilities (80%)

The Wildfire Program Manager is responsible for the following:

  • Provide interested and wildfire-educated communities with community wildfire risk evaluations and/or individual property risk evaluations
  • Provide technical assistance and planning support to communities on organizing, planning, and implementing community wildfire prevention plans or Firewise USA® community action plans
  • Stay up to date with the most recent science and information about wildfire preparedness and wildfire-related local, state, and federal policies and plans
  • Present at PCD-sponsored or associated education and outreach events about the Wildfire Preparedness Program’s community wildfire services and/or work products
  • Coordinate with Pierce County, local fire districts, the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD), and WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on wildfire risk reduction and preparedness work, wildfire smoke impacts, and agency roles in our service district
  • Offer outreach and education to community members on wildfire smoke and environmental health impact topics
  • Address and respond to all new requests and referrals for PCD community wildfire services
  • Ensure accurate tracking, quality control, and quality assurance of project deliverables and program metrics
  • Ensure outreach information for program or projects is accurate and coordinated with PCD engagement staff and outside partners

Secondary Job Responsibilities (20%)

  • Manage the District’s Rural Energy and Energy Efficiency program and successfully achieve deliverables associated with our contract with USDA Rural Development
  • Other responsibilities as position evolves and assigned

Other Job Responsibilities

  • This program is a new and developing program. Job functions and responsibilities will be dynamic as opportunities, partner/community need, and funding change over time

Qualifications

We’re seeking candidates who are highly motivated, community oriented, engaging, and offer strong technical and project management skills. You should have:

A bachelor’s degree in natural resources/environmental science, forestry, ecology, environmental planning or a closely related technical/scientific/natural resources field or a BA/BS from an accredited institution in combination with experience in natural resource management as described above

OR

An associate degree in natural resource management from an accredited institution in combination with 2 years direct experience in natural resource management as described above

AND

  • A minimum of 2 years of professional level experience in a closely related position
  • Must have education, training, or requisite experience to independently conduct wildfire risk evaluations of individual properties and communities
  • Must have natural resource project management experience involving fuels reduction or wildfire mitigation practice implementation
  • Must have experience successfully engaging with and facilitating collaboration between project partners or stakeholders
  • A demonstrated ability to manage workload, schedule, and resources to meet deadlines and achieve goals
  • A demonstrated ability to effectively perform multiple responsibilities simultaneously and/or frequently moving from one activity to another without losing focus
  • Excited to work in a new and dynamic program, building relationships and finding needs and opportunities
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ArcGIS software programs
  • Currently hold or can obtain a valid Washington State Driver License
  • Relational, with strong communication and public education skills

Desired Skills

  • Experience providing technical assistance to community members to improve forest health
  • Experience working with community governing bodies, such as Homeowners Associations
  • Knowledge or understanding of city, county, and state government regulations related to forest and wildfire prevention practices
  • Experience working with Pierce County, local fire districts, TPCHD, and DNR or similar agencies/organizations
  • Proficient at using ArcGIS software to create project maps
  • Background in environmental justice and public health communication/education

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Work will occur within the field on rural and rural-urban intermix properties, with remaining work in office or in a remote work setting. The Program Manager must be comfortable working outside in all weather conditions and across sometimes difficult to traverse terrain. Applicable field gear and equipment will be provided by PCD. Work vehicles will also be provided, for use with a valid driver’s license.

Licenses, Certificates & Other Requirements

Valid Washington State driver’s license at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter, or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Compensation & Benefits

Annual Salary: $52,093 – $56,343, Depending on Qualifications

This is a full-time, non-exempt position as a Program Manager, range 1-3. Benefits will include retirement, 100% of premiums paid for medical/dental/vision for you and your dependents as well as accrued paid sick leave, annual leave, 13 paid holidays per year (includes 2 paid personal holidays), an ORCA card, and a training budget.

This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Council 2. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement can be found here.

A classification description with level or responsibility and abilities can be found here.

Pierce Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer, and we make an effort to recruit people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for open positions.

To Apply

Apply at: https://zfrmz.com/4QfJzdxgIldDZF0Ur0Nm
Applications open until: Position is filled
Projected Start Date: May 1st, 2023

Contact Information:

Nicholas Cusick
Climate Resiliency Program Manager

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