Job Opening:                  Forest Protection Chief (NRM062)

Annual Salary Range:      $66,134.16 - $88,309.47 - $110,484.78

                                (Salary is negotiable dependent upon experience)

Job Summary: Oversees the day-to-day management and operations of the Forest Protection Department and all related activities across the state, including the management, and monitoring of Emergency Response, Aviation Operations, Response Centers (dispatch), Expanded Dispatch, Rural Fire Defense, Training, Wildfire Mitigation and Prevention, Prescribed Fire, and Georgia’s Incident Management Team(s). Ensures activities in these areas are effective and efficient while complying with all federal and state laws, regulations, and policies as well as all agency guidelines and policies.  Supervises staff members while coordinating with all Department Chiefs. Participates in the Executive Leadership Team while operating under the guidance of the Director’s Office.

Program Operations and Implementation:

·         Responsible for services that reduce risk to firefighter/public safety and Georgia’s forest resources. Provides leadership to keep wildland fire management programs relevant and responsive.

·         Responsible for landowner services including, but not limited to prescribed fire, fire break installation, water meter reading, and equipment extraction.

·         Promotes prescribed fire and GFC’s certified burner program. Works with the Public Relations Department to educate Georgia’s public on the benefits of prescribed fire.

·         Serves as the Agency’s wildland fire subject matter expert as needed.

·         Works cooperatively with other federal and state agencies and represents the agency as needed.  Serves as agency liaison with entities such as SGSF, GEMA, EPD, GA Fire Chiefs Association, and the USFS.  Guides relationships with local, state, and federal governments on rural fire defense and forest fire suppression activities.

·         Identifies and implements new technologies and innovations that improve the effectiveness and efficiency of wildfire management capabilities.

·         Ensures that all field equipment is serviced and repaired for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Provides input on equipment purchases as needed for wildfire response.

·         Supervises Statewide Training Officer. Implements and maintains training programs to ensure a safe and efficient workforce. Provides oversight of GFC’s Wildland Fire Academy to ensure entry-level employees receive the highest quality of training.

·         Manages the development, training, and deployment of the Agency’s Incident Management Team(s).

·         Develops wildland fire prevention strategies in coordination with Region Managers and RC&D Councils. Manages hazard mitigation programs such as Firewise, Fire Adapted Communities, and Ready, Set, Go.

Administrative Duties:

·         Actively involved in the budgeting process through coordination with the Administration Department Chief. Actively seeks grant funding opportunities for the betterment of the agency. Manages the spending of those grants within budget restrictions. Ensures grant spending meets all requirements and maintains appropriate records.

·         Coordinates local, state, and federal agencies involved in wildland fire and all-hazard incidents.

·         Represents GFC on state, regional, and national wildfire coordinating group (NWCG) committees for wildfire management issues, including the Southern Group of State Foresters Fire Committee. Serves as Georgia’s representative for the Southeastern Forest Fire Compact.

·         Ensures goals and objectives within the state forest action plan are achieved.

·         Recommends new program policies and procedures to the Director’s Office in alignment with the Human Resources Department Chief.

·         Monitors primary wildland fire positions/vacancies. Gives input on critical position vacancies and makes recommendations based on fire history/occurrence and landowner service needs when determining when to relocate or fill vacant positions.

GFC Requirements:

Minimum of 10 years’ experience in fire control, or closely related areas with a minimum of 4 years supervising others. Must have a working knowledge of fire suppression equipment and tactics and fire-related support programs. Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite. Skilled in written and oral communications as well as math/basic accounting. Knowledge of the Incident Command System and Incident Business Management. Experience working with grants.

A degree in a related field may count toward work experience.

The incumbent must maintain a wildland firefighter certification with GFC throughout their tenure and reside within one hour of GFC’s Headquarters, located near Macon, GA.

Preferred Qualifications:

Twelve or more years’ experience in fire control or related areas, 6 years of supervisory experience, successful experiences working with other governmental entities, knowledge of the state of Georgia budgeting, and ICS qualification equivalent to a Section Chief or higher. 

The following minimum qualifications do not apply.