Fire Prevention Specialist

About This Role:

Kansas Forest Service is hiring a Fire Prevention Specialist position within the KFS Fire Program. This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. The primary purpose of the Fire Prevention Specialist is to lead the wildfire prevention program by providing guidance at the planning and operational levels of the implementation of fire prevention and mitigation techniques and program oversight. Key components include:

• Wildland fire management, understanding wildfire prevention strategies, wildland fire behavior and the role of fire in the ecosystem when assisting communities to reduce the threat and impact of wildland fire
• Public outreach and education programs
• Complex wildland fire operations with significant interagency coordination and cooperation issues
• Wildland/urban interface initiatives
• Complex hazardous fuel reduction program

The position supports the State Fire Management Officer or other wildland fire staff in planning and coordination within the prevention program. This is a hybrid remote position with at least one day per week at the KFS State Office in Manhattan, KS.

Why Join Us:

The Kansas Forest Service is the 5th oldest state forestry agency in the country established in 1887 and is housed as an independent agency within K-State Research and Extension. The agency employs around 40 full-time employees, and 50+ temporary and student positions, housed in Manhattan, KS and offices throughout the state. Our programs include Rural Forestry, Community Forestry, Fire Management, Conservation Tree Planting, Forest Health, and Marketing and Utilization.

KFS works with a diverse group of partners at local, state, and federal levels to help serve the State of Kansas in pursuit of our mission: "Sustaining and enhancing natural resources and communities through forestry and wildland fire management". We pride ourselves on the multi-faceted services we provide the many stakeholders of Kansas. KFS contributes an estimated combined economic impact of $34 million annually.

Worksite Options:

This position is eligible for hybrid worksite. Work is performed partially remote and partially at the KFS State Office. This role is expected to work at the State Office at least one (1) day a week.

What You'll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Two (2) years of experience in fire service. This position may use an educational equivalency as determined relevant by a hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Fire Ecology, Fire Management, Natural Resources, or other related field
• NWCG Incident Qualifications as a Single Resource Boss/Unit Leader or higher
• Experience working for or directly with both local fire departments, and state or federal wildland fire agencies
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to engage diverse audiences

Other Requirements:

• Valid State Motor Vehicle Operators License

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Professional references

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by October 25, 2024.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$53,581 - $63,000