Wildfire Mitigation Specialist

Wildfire Mitigation Specialist

The Wildfire Mitigation Specialist is responsible for supporting Sevier County Fire and Rescue by planning, coordinating, and implementing wildfire hazard mitigation and prevention activities in accordance with the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and applicable grant requirements. The primary areas of responsibility include conducting wildfire hazard assessments, coordinating and supervising mitigation projects, managing mitigation equipment, supporting grant-funded activities, preparing reports and documentation, providing public education and outreach, and developing informational materials and presentations related to wildfire mitigation. Job performance for this position will be evaluated by the Chief based on the individual's ability to independently plan and prioritize workload, effectively coordinate mitigation activities, maintain accurate documentation and grant compliance, communicate with internal and external stakeholders, manage equipment readiness, and provide clear, professional public education and outreach to community partners and the public.

Essential Duties

• Conducts wildfire hazard assessments of public, residential, and wildland-urban interface areas to identify risk factors and recommend appropriate mitigation measures; prepares required documentation and follow-up reports to track progress and corrective actions.
• Plans, organizes, and coordinates wildfire hazard mitigation activities in accordance with the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), applicable County policies, and grant requirements; oversees and monitors mitigation activities to ensure compliance with approved plans and standards.
• Schedules, organizes, and facilitates meetings related to wildfire mitigation initiatives; prepares agendas, presentations, and supporting materials; provides coordination and follow-up as necessary.
• Develops, prepares, and maintains reports, records, and documentation required for County reporting and grant compliance, including progress reports, activity tracking, and payroll-related submissions.
• Assists with the administration and management of wildfire hazard mitigation grants, including documentation, reporting, and compliance support activities.
• Develops and disseminates public information and education materials related to wildfire mitigation and prevention; conducts outreach and education programs for civic groups, Firewise Communities, organizations, and the general public.
• Manages and ensures wildfire hazard mitigation equipment is maintained in operable condition; coordinates equipment use, inspection, and basic maintenance activities.
• Performs office and administrative tasks related to wildfire mitigation activities, including data entry, recordkeeping, managing project-related communications, and maintaining familiarity with the Firewise Hub/Portal.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, professional meetings, training sessions, seminars, and conferences to exchange information and maintain or improve technical and professional knowledge related to wildfire mitigation.
• Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

Position Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or one-year related experience and/or training or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Class D Tennessee driver's license that has not been revoked for any cause within the past five years.
• Ability to pass a physical and drug screen administered through a licensed physician.

Preferred:

• Associate's degree or higher in emergency management, forestry, fire science, environmental science, or a related field.
• Considerable experience in wildfire mitigation, prevention, or hazard reduction activities.
• Experience supporting or administering wildfire hazard mitigation grants.
• Experience providing public education, outreach, or presentations to community groups or organizations.

Supplemental Information

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS This position has no supervisory responsibilities. COMPETENCIES

• Considerable knowledge of wildfire mitigation principles, Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP), Firewise Communities standards, and wildfire prevention practices applicable to wildland-urban interface environments.
• Considerable knowledge of hazard mitigation methods, applicable grant requirements, and relevant state, federal, and local regulations related to wildfire mitigation activities.
• Considerable knowledge of the proper documentation, tracking, and reporting of mitigation activities, equipment usage, and grant-funded projects.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical guidance, grant requirements, plans, maps, and governmental regulations.
• Proficiency in writing clear, accurate, and concise reports, correspondence, presentations, and public information materials.
• Effectiveness in presenting information and responding to questions from County officials, fire service personnel, civic organizations, Firewise communities, and the public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, work independently, and make appropriate decisions related to wildfire mitigation activities, safety considerations, and project priorities.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, including verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrated ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions related to hazard assessments and mitigation planning.
• Ability to interpret and apply technical instructions, maps, diagrams, and data, including the use of ARC GIS systems and related mapping tools.
• Proficiency in operating standard computer systems, including accessing the Internet, managing electronic records, and using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to interact with others in a professional, tactful, and respectful manner; maintain composure under pressure; follow through on commitments; and uphold ethical standards and the reputation of the County.
• Demonstrated use of professional judgment in applying policies, procedures, and guidelines, and in adapting standard methods to meet specific field conditions and program needs.
• Demonstration of a strong work ethic, initiative, and positive attitude, while maintaining honesty, integrity, and accountability.
• Considerable skill in collaboration, cooperative problem solving, and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This is a medium work position requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.
• Work requires a combination of office and field activities, including long periods of sitting, finger dexterity, grasping, and reaching, and occasionally requires walking over uneven terrain, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Work requires the ability to operate vehicles, pull and back trailers, and access wildfire mitigation sites, Firewise communities, and various County-owned properties and outdoor locations.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word during meetings, public education activities, and field coordination.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to respond to environmental and safety-related sounds in field settings.
• Visual acuity at a level to include close, color, depth perception, and peripheral vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus, is required for viewing computer terminals, reading maps and plans, operating equipment, and determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work assigned, with or without correction.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Operates in a professional office environment with moderate noise, requiring routine use of standard office equipment including computers, phones, and related technology.
• Performs work in outdoor and field environments, including wildfire mitigation sites and wildland-urban interface areas, with exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, noise, smoke, dust, and other environmental factors associated with mitigation activities.

General schedule is part-time, averaging approximately 20 hours per week; work hours may vary and may include occasional evenings or weekends to support mitigation projects, public meetings, grant requirements, or community outreach activities. Travel and reliable transportation are required