Wildfire Mitigation Fuels Technician (Senior Maintenance Technician)

Wildfire Mitigation & Forestry - Fuels Technician (Maintenance Technician, Senior)
In this position, you will perform semi-skilled equipment operations and support the CSFD (Colorado Springs Fire Department) Wildfire Mitigation Section.

Come join the team  at CSFD as a Senior Maintenance Technician for the Wildfire Mitigation Section!

Essential Job Functions - the basic job duties an employee must be able to perform: 

• Support the Wildfire Mitigation Section’s neighborhood chipping program by the safe use and operation of high powered and specialized equipment, including dump trucks, woodchippers, chainsaws, power tools (I.e., brush cutters, leaf blowers, mowers), and hand tools
• Assist the program’s wildfire mitigation projects by thinning brush, chipping woody debris, removing biomass, marking removal of trees, flagging project boundaries, making maps, and collecting data
• Perform maintenance and upkeep of the Section’s tools and equipment and oversee a regular maintenance schedule of the Section’s equipment also including equipment troubleshooting, basic maintenance and repair scheduling
• Manage and lead daily wildfire mitigation crew operations and activities for the Wildfire Mitigation Section to include day-to-day task management, project planning, timekeeping, and progress tracking
• Plan, implement and oversee the program’s 2-week long onboarding and training session for the wildfire mitigation annual crew
• Conduct wildfire mitigation education appointments to include onsite consultations, cost share stipends, and other appointments.
• Conduct fire prevention code compliance inspections and pre-frame inspections
• Complete reports for all program related inspections and appointments
• Assist the neighborhood chipping program with administrative tasks to include chipping registration, customer support, chipping list preparation, data entry, waitlist management, site inspections and program support
• Motivate the wildfire mitigation crew and establish a team dynamic to better serve the program and community
• Perform real time decision making as it pertains to managing personnel, safety, and overall efficacy
• Track, document and report crew progress and accomplishments
• Champion and provide stewardship of the program’s cache and workshop by managing equipment, inventory, cleanliness, security and maintenance
• Train Wildfire Mitigation Section staff on high powered and specialized equipment
• Assist with collecting fuel moisture samples to monitor moisture percentages, track, and report fuel moisture percentages
• Assist with data collection and data entry for wildfire risk assessments; maintain records and prepare reports
• Provide courteous service and assistance to City residents
• Assist with wildfire mitigation education and presentations in various meeting forums
• Perform clerical duties, tracking, and logistic support in an office setting
• Conduct media Interviews and represent the CSFD Wildfire Mitigation Section on committees and at workshops as needed
• Create a safe workplace environment in a field and office setting
• Track and monitor grant activity for the section, as needed
• Assist with assigned wildland fire response related assignments and training as needed

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate: 

• Knowledge of the principles of wildfire mitigation, defensible space, structure hardening and fuels management
• Knowledge of fire behavior, wildland fire response, and vegetative fuels
• Knowledge of safe operation and field use of high-powered and specialized equipment
• Exceptional public speaking, presentation, and organizational skills
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the citizens of Colorado Springs, customers, and staff
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
• Ability to perform routine and preventive maintenance on equipment, troubleshoot mechanical issues, coordinate repair schedules, and maintain an organized and functional workshop environment
• Ability to provide courteous and professional service
• Ability to perform administrative and clerical duties
• Ability to maintain a safe workplace in both field and office environments

• High school diploma or GED and additional specialized training related to this position.
• Five (5) years of full-time responsible experience in a field related to assigned division
• Possess, or obtain upon hire, and maintain a valid, non-probationary driver’s license not subject to restriction related to alcohol and/or drug violations or pending charges

One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education.
Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements.

• Six months of direct supervisory experience
• National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type II certification
• National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) Wildland Fire Chainsaw Certification
• Microsoft Office Suite experience

This position requires working in both an office setting and outside around moving vehicles and heavy equipment.
 
Physical Demands: The ability to lift, carry, and drag up to 50 pounds frequently, distinguish colors, pull, reach, bend, climb, and kneel for extended periods is required.
 
Environmental Conditions
Primary Work Environment - Outdoors around moving vehicles and heavy equipment with some time spent in an office environment
Extreme Temperature – Frequently
Wetness and Humidity - Frequently
Respiratory Hazards - Frequently (odors, fumes, dust, and gases)
Noise and Vibrations - Frequently (machinery)
Physical Hazards - Frequently
Mechanical and/or Electrical Hazards - Frequently (forestry related equipment)
Exposure to Communicable Diseases - Rarely

Please contact CSFD Human Resources at [email protected]
for any questions about this position.