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Form of workApplication instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College. Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*.
The University of Montana invites applications for a Prescribed Fire and Fuels Technician to support the National Center for Landscape Fire Analysis’Prescribed Fire program. The Prescribed Fire program has a goal of increasing the scale and pace of prescribed burning on both University and partner properties. Another goal is to increase the development and use of science in support of Prescribed Fire. This position will be instrumental in achieving these goals, by providing support in the field and in the office. This position will be working closely with landowners, foresters, faculty, staff, and students.
Duties and responsibilities include:
- Planning and implementing Prescribed Fire.
- Collecting data for fire research and management.
- Building strong relationships with our partners.
- May coordinate or direct work of others during Prescribed Fire activities.
- Professional growth through training and education as well as sharing knowledge through teaching and outreach are important to this position.
- Local travel is expected, and some travel nationally is likely.
Required Skills
- Experience working independently in remote settings without direct supervision; able to demonstrate working as part of a team.
- Current NWCG red card.
- Ability to pass the arduous work capacity test.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Chainsaw experience.
- Familiarity with geospatial skills such as GIS including desktop and field-based solutions; GPS; and remote sensing.
- Experience in wildland fire management including ignition and holding.
- Bachelor’s degree in forestry or related field or expecting that degree in the next year or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum Required Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in forestry or related field or expecting that degree in the next year or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated interest in fire science and active fire research to include ability to work with scientists who use Prescribed Fire as a laboratory.
- UAS pilot (FAA part 107 certified).
- First Aid certification.
- Experience with ArcGIS Pro, remote sensing, and UAS software.
About the National Center for Landscape Fire Analysis (NCLFA) and UM
The NCLFA at the University of Montana develops, synthesizes, and delivers scientific products, applications, and geospatial technology to improve Fire and Fuels management. It advances collaborative scientific research and graduate student education while improving the capabilities of natural resource professionals to provide socially desirable goods and services from forest and grassland ecosystems.
The University of Montana is a flagship research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.
The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.
To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.
- University of Montana
- Video: Mission First, People Always
- UM on YouTube
- City of Missoula
- Video: There's This Place
- Destination Missoula
- Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce
- The State of Montana
- Visit Montana
Position Details
Position Title: Prescribed Fire and Fuels Technician (Fire Operations Technician)
Position Number: 460530
Department: Fire Center
Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Salary: $22.115- $23.063/hr –Current employee’s rate of pay for this position will be determined by the staff compensation plan and will minimally be this posted salary. For questions and details regarding the staff compensation plan, email the Compensation Department.
Union Affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE
Probationary Period: Six months minimum
Benefits Include: Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).
Must be eligible to work in the United State upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
How to Apply
Priority Application Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)
Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration.
Position will remain Open Until Filled.
To receive full consideration, candidates are required to submit all of the following materials.
Please submit the following application materials** via the UM Jobs portal and by clicking "New Resume/CV" button. Please do not apply through Indeed.com*.
A complete application Includes:
- Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
- Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience.
- Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.
*Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application. Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above.
**Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.
Required Skills
Required Experience
