Summary:

The Suffolk County Water Authority is seeking on behalf of the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission an individual with experience/qualifications in fire suppression and management; heavy equipment operation and supervision to provide leadership and oversight of prescribed fire management/control, as a seasoned, experienced firefighter on an engine or otherwise as a single resource boss for a comprehensive forest management program focused on prescribed fire operations. This position exercises supervisory authorities and responsibilities in the coordination, use, maintenance and training in the use of prescribed fire equipment and fleet including engines, heavy equipment, power and hand tools and the supervision and mentorship staff/crew related to prescribed fire operations. This position will be based in the Central Pine Barrens Commission office located in Westhampton Beach. This individual will report directly to the Fire Management Specialist. (This seasonal position extends from mid-February through May, up to 37.5 hours/week).

Job ID/Number:

Posted Date:

12/7/2022

Job Location:

Position Type:

Full Time

Division:

Central Pine Barrens

Description:

Responsibilities include:

• Direct and conduct the operation, inventory, maintenance and of specialized equipment for respond to prescribed fire situations, including fleet; engines, heavy and power equipment; trailers; communication systems, and hand tools to ensure a full state of readiness.
• Assist in the preparation of hazardous fuels treatment, burn annual operating plans, and fire reports.
• Assist with prescribed fire planning and implementation (i.e., drafting maps, collecting fuels data, conducting brush clearing, selective thinning, ignitions, fire monitoring, holding, mop-up and patrol).
• Assist and supervise subordinate activities based on priorities, schedules, consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments and the capabilities of subordinates.
• Ensure the safety and welfare staff; host safety sessions and provide critiques for the safe use of equipment.
• Assist in the evaluation prescribed fire tactics to protect values at risk and achieve operational goals.
• Collaborate with local homeowners, community stakeholders, agencies.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma (with experience in landscaping, agriculture, mechanics, heavy equipment use, forestry, arboriculture or other similar trade/interest) or associate, undergraduate, graduate student, recent graduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Natural Science, or related field.
• Meets or exceeds Interagency Standards for Firefighting Operations as a Firefighter Type 1 (minimum) with preference as a Single Resource Boss qualified (Qualifications required).
• Experience in supervision with 90 days experience (preferred) as a FFT1 or higher leadership position.
• Qualification and ability to operate and maintain four-wheel drive fleet; fire engines; heavy equipment; power tools; UTV/ATV trailering and operation; and portable pumps.
• Expertise in fire behavior (weather, topography, fuels), building fire lines, hazard identification, and safety.
• First aid qualifications to perform preliminary first aid and triage, with higher level qualifications preferred.
• Possess oral and written communication skills sufficient to effectively interact with various audiences.
• Ability to use computers/smart phones/tablets and MS Office, Google Earth, ArcGIS/ArcOnline.
• Ability to perform physical field work in variable environmental conditions (e.g. high temperatures; high insect exposure especially to ticks; rain; variable terrain and muck).
• Ability to pass the moderate level work capacity test (carrying of 25lbs/2 miles in 30 minutes) or arduous level work capacity test (carrying of 45lbs/3 miles in 45 minutes; preferred).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license

*The Authority may accept an equivalent combination of education and experience to meet the requirements*

Interested candidates should submit their application, resume and transcripts, including salary requirements via the SCWA website (www.scwa.com) and click on “Career Opportunities.” Salary is $29.50-$31.50/hour with no benefits. Housing may be available for candidates outside of Long Island. COVID-19 Vaccination is required.

(The Authority shall not employ relatives of employees as defined to mean an employee's spouse, child, stepchild, stepparent or direct descendant of grandparents of the employee as defined in the New York State General Municipal Law 810.)