About the Role
Job Overview:
The Lead Community Forester will coordinate and perform fuel mitigation implementation, planning, training, inter-agency collaboration, and private landowner coordination among the three county areas to protect lives, property, natural resources and other values at risk from wildfire on state and private lands. Areas of emphasis include:
· Fuels Management and Mitigation
· Providing Forestry and Fire Management expertise to landowners.
· Coordination with the U.S. Forest Service (Bitterroot and Lolo National Forests), State of Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), other agencies and non-governmental organizations.
· Supervision of other part-time BRRC&D Community Foresters.
· Researching, writing, coordinating, and submitting grant applications as well as record keeping.
Equipment Operated:
The position requires skill in the use and operation of tools, equipment, and vehicles used in setting up and implementing fuel mitigation activities and field operations. It requires a thorough knowledge of a variety of computer software including, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Supervision:
· Directs the daily activities of BRRC&D Community Foresters to ensure safe and effective operations. Conducts weekly briefings with foresters to inform them of current and future fuel mitigation projects and to discuss projects with other agencies to coordinate cross-boundary projects. This involves analyzing and discussing current and future grant budgets and grant opportunities.
· Exchanges information with technical and professional specialists responding to questions and concerns.
· Conducts and/or coordinates recruitment and selection activities for additional or replacement of BRRC&D Community Foresters to ensure adequate staffing. This involves developing selection criteria and interview questions, participating in interviews, and making hiring recommendations to the BRRC&D President and Executive Director.
Of high importance is the development and maintenance of successful working relationships with other agencies (USFS, DNRC, NRCS, and others), non-governmental organizations, landowners and key community partners.
Starting pay rate under Probationary/Training Period (3 Months): $24.00/hour
After successful Probationary/Training Period Pay Rate: $30.00/hour
Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave and Holidays, Retirement Plan
Number of Openings: One Employee
Status: Full-Time, 80 hours per 2 week pay period
Shift: 8:00-5:00 Monday through Friday – possible 4 day work week – 10 hours/day per week (negotiable after Probationary Period)
Travel: 50-60% of the time in the field (3 County Area) as well as for training, conferences, etc. as required.
Duty Station: BRRC&D Office in Hamilton, MT
BRRC&D Status: 501(C)(3) Public Non-Profit
Advertisement Posting Date: October 16, 2023
Advertisement Closing Date: Open until Filled
Application Materials: Job announcement, On-line Application Criteria to address, Position Description
BRRC&D Website: https://www.bitterrootrcd.org
Contact Name: Byron Bonney or Pam Gouse
Contact Email: bitterrootrcd@cybernet1.com
Contact Phone Numbers: (406) 363-5450 (Office); (406) 241-1867 (Byron’s Cell)
Bitter Root RC&D is an equal opportunity employer. BRRC&D does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
Requirements
Requirements
Forestry: 3 years (Required)
Wildand Fire: 3 years (Preferred)
High school diploma
Valid driver’s license is required.
Travel: 50-60% of the time in the field (3 County Area) as well as for training, conferences, etc. as required.
This position will require the use of a personal vehicle capable of handling challenging Montana road conditions. Verifiable mileage costs are covered by BRRC&D at the most current IRS mileage rate.
Vehicle liability insurance in the amount of at least $500,000 must be maintained at the employee’s expense for the duration of employment. Professional liability insurance and a cell phone will be provided by BRRC&D.
Knowledge of computer software including, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
SPECIAL INFORMATION:
This position is currently being advertised as a full-time position with benefits. The applicant needs to understand that the employment duration is dependent on BRRC&D receiving the funds to financially cover this position on a full-time basis. Grant writing and grant application submissions by the successful applicant are necessary to secure adequate funding to cover this position on a continuing annual basis.
About the Company
The mission of the Bitter Root Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (BRRC&D) is to provide leadership and support on natural and community resource issues and projects in our service area of Missoula, Mineral, and Ravalli Counties and beyond, by facilitating the planning, coordination, and implementation of initiatives which promote sustainable rural lifestyle for current and future generations.
BRRC&D believes employees are their most important asset. We empower employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained.