Address
Form of workThe Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. DCR is a dynamic agency, and is one of the largest park systems in the nation. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, golf courses, trails and parkways.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking qualified candidates for the position of State Firefighter IV - District 5 Fire Warden, Topsfield.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This is the second-level supervisory classification in this series. Incumbents provide guidance and advice, based on the application of policies, laws, and procedures. At this level, incumbents also perform work that requires considerable independence in the exercise of judgment, in determining approaches, and in the application of policies, laws, standards, and procedures.
Supervision Received:
Incumbents receive general supervision from employees of a higher grade in the chain of command who provide policy guidance, assign work and review performance for effectiveness.
Supervision Exercised:
Incumbents provide direct supervision over, assign work to, and review the performance of State Firefighters I-III and/or other employees of a lower grade.
Incumbents perform the following:
Coordinate the federal excess property program, for the assigned district, by screening, acquiring and distributing equipment and fire apparatus internally and to municipalities; maintain records, inventory procedures and keeps informed of federal regulations governing the program.
Promote cooperation and mutual aid with municipal fire departments, federal agencies, and other state agencies for the prevention and suppression of fires; aid and assist municipal fire chiefs and forest wardens in the detection, prevention and suppression of wildfires.
Direct and supervise agency personnel, assist municipal fire fighters and auxiliary fire personnel in control and extinguishing operations at fires.
Prepare district spending plans and annual reports; draft grant proposals; prepare reports for the federal government related to fire incidents, economic fire analysis and the federal excess property program; and maintain accurate records of trainings attended by staff and qualifications achieved in accordance with agency standards.
Prepare specifications for bureau fire equipment, tower construction and specialized forest fire trucks and vehicles and assist the Chief with purchasing. Participate in working groups.
Coordinate and participate in rescue operations or all hazard incidents by searching for lost persons, downed aircraft and flood or drowning victims.
Deliver training and personal safety programs for the handling of wildfires and incident commend system to agency and municipal fire department personnel.
Coordinate and collaborate with agency's partners regarding the management of prescribed fire operations.
Ensure staff work schedules are prepared and submitted in a timely fashion. Ensure timesheets for all employees are completed and submitted on time and accurately.
Initiate and oversee performance evaluation (e.g. EPRS), employee orientation, and recommend disciplinary procedures for district.
Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others and among staff. Motivate employees to work effectively.
Determine fire danger classification based on weather information gathered.
Provide custodial responsibility, including upkeep and maintenance, for agency fire towers and act as a liaison between agency and renter in accordance with approved memorandum of understanding (MOUs) or other agreements to ensure proper function of the fire towers.
Coordinate job interviews for applicants and ensures interview materials are completed accurately and submitted to Bureau Chief in a timely manner.
Coordinate state and federal programs in assigned district.
Additional Key Accountabilities:
Incumbents at this level have the decision-making authority to:
- Make personnel management decisions and initiate disciplinary process on subordinates in accordance with agency policy and guidelines.
- Represent Chief Fire Warden and State Forester regarding wildland fire management related matters within the incumbent's region or district.
Relationships with Others:
Key contacts and relationships for incumbents include landowners, logging companies, court personnel, local and auxiliary fire department personnel and forest wardens, federal, state and local law enforcement, federal, state, and agency personnel, and the general public.
Working Environment:
While performing the duties of this classification, incumbents work under exposure to the hazards associated with fires and hazardous chemicals. Incumbents work outdoors in varying terrain. Incumbents may be exposed to all kinds of weather and environmental and biological hazards (e.g. smoke, diesel fumes, ticks, snags, etc.). Incumbents may work in isolated areas for considerable lengths of time, including in enclosed spaces up to 100 feet in the air (i.e. fire towers). The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may be noisy. Incumbents may be required to work at emergency incidents for extended hours, nights, weekends or holidays and are subject to -call24 hours a day. Incumbents may be required to travel and may be exposed to traffic and other roadway or travel-related hazards.
Physical Abilities:
While performing the duties of the classification, incumbents are required to climb a ladder of up to 35 feet and climb open stairways of up to 100 feet. Incumbents are required to perform physically demanding work with hand tools, power tools and saws, and brush cutting power equipment. Incumbents are required to be able to walk a distance of two miles while carrying a pack of 25 pounds. Incumbents may be required to lift, carry, push or pull up to 100 pounds with or without assistance and with or without the use of devices and/or equipment to assist in the lifting effort. Work assignments may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation to a known disability.
PERFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Wildland fire experience 3-5 years.
- Fireline supervision, field management experience 3-5 years.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Knowledge, Education and Experience: Applicants must have (A) at least four (4) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, experience in firefighting, and (B) have successfully completed the courses below or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.- Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS 100 (Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA))
- An Introduction to the National Incident Management System, IS-700 (FEMA)
- Basic Wildland Firefighter Training, S-130 (National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG))
- Introduction to Wildfire Behavior, S-190 (NWCG)
- Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service, L-180 (NWCG)
- Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior, S-290 (NWCG)
Incumbents are required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.
Substitutions:- An Associate's degree or higher with a major in fire sciences or other related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.
- A Bachelor's degree or higher in fire science, environmental sciences, natural resources or related field may be substituted for two (2) year of the required (A) experience.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
