Assistant Chief - State Operations Center

Job Title

Assistant Chief - State Operations Center

Agency

Texas A&M Forest Service

Department

Emergency Support Function #4 (ESF4)

Proposed Minimum Salary

$6,416.67 monthly

Job Location

Austin, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Assistant Chief - State Operations Center will serve as a member of the Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) Planning & Preparedness Department Leadership Team and representing the Agency in the State Operations Center (SOC) as part of the Emergency Support Function 4 - Support. They will assist in the oversight and operation of the Field Operations Department by supporting and enhancing program operations as assigned by the Field Operations Department Head including: equipment review and and maintenance, identifying essential training and qualification needs for Department operations, coordinating development and delivery of employee training and qualifications, ensuring readiness and operational safety of TAMFS resources and personnel and assisting in the professional development of TAMFS firefighters and other personnel. Duties will include staffing and representing the Agency in the SOC, serving as ESF4 support in the State Operations Center and as part of the Emergency Management Council and responding to wildland fires and other all-hazard incidents as needed. Prepare FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant documents as required and respond to and support information requests from federal, state and local entities regarding the FMAG process. Assist with or manage special projects, budgeting, plan development, meetings, committees and other functions. Promote interaction with fire departments, communities, other agencies and cooperators on fire-related issues. Assist with local capacity building programs and other initiatives that increase response capabilities and awareness at the local, regional and statewide level.

Responsibilities:
-Support as a TAMFS Representative at the State Operations Center during all levels of SOC activation. Serve as a state agency liaison - keeping TAMFS leadership appraised of any federal, state and local activities and policies that may impact the agency. Monitor state fire activity and prepare Fire Management Assistant Grant Declaration Forms as necessary. Assist in the professional development of TAMFS personnel concerning emergency management and relationship building with TDEM and other emergency management agencies. Provide input on State-Level Emergency Plans and internal planning documents to ensure compliance with all agency policies, procedures and reporting requirements. Assist with the delivery of reporting and coordinating agency and program availability of resources and rostering of personnel and teams.

-Assist with delivering capacity-building programs to fire departments and other emergency response entities to increase response capabilities at the local, regional and statewide levels. Provide leadership and promote interaction with other emergency response agencies and related issues. Maintain contact with TDEM and FEMA recovery and grants managers and advise TAMFS leadership when grant funds are available to support TAMFS related projects.

-Serve as an all-hazard emergency responder (including wildland fire) with the eventual development of qualifications up to a PSC3. Serve on TAMFS incident management teams. Assist with training and programmatic development of the state's Incident Management Teams and TIFMAS - coordinating with Planning & Preparedness and Field Operation Departments as necessary.

-Assist with or manage special projects, budgeting, plan development, meetings, committees and other functions and provide support for Forest Resource Development and other TAMFS programs as needed.

-Manage and account for assigned TAMFS credit cards, TAMFS vehicle logbooks, Daily Activity Time Reports and any assigned TAMFS equipment per applicable laws, rules, procedures and guidelines.

-Complies and ensures compliance with all loss prevention, environmental health and safety standards established by applicable laws and rules.

-Emergency response may require: working long hours with minimal rest and in primitive conditions, exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as smoke, wind, sunlight, rain and temperature extremes. Walking long distances, standing for extended periods, twisting, bending, reaching, kneeling, lifting and carrying heavy objects. Driving motor vehicles for long distances, operating heavy equipment with related exposure to equipment vibration and noise. Operating computers with monitors for extended periods of time.

-Persons serving in fire operations must meet a physical fitness standard which includes successfully completing a 2 mile walk in 30 minutes or less carrying 25lbs. on an annual basis.

-Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Required Education: Bachelors degree.

Preferred Education: Masters degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Administration or related field.
Required Experience: Seven (7) or more years experience with a recognized fire department, wildland fire agency or emergency management organization in a position that includes emergency response. Demonstrated knowledge of wildland firefighting and the Texas fire service, including the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System. Experience operating under the National Incident Management System. Experience as an instructor and experience on an Incident Management Team (IMT).

Preferred Experience: Experience operating under the National Incident Management System. Experience as an instructor, particularly in ICS and IMT Program Trainings as well as NWCG, EMI and USFA Courses. Experience on an active IMT with experience on the team at a Unit Leader or Section Chief Level.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Required Knowledge: Knowledge of TAMFS suppression equipment use, maintenance and operation. Proficient in the use of word processing, WebEOC, Power Point presentation, ArcGIS mapping and other GPS-related programs.

Preferred Knowledge: Working knowledge of wildfire hand tools, water delivery equipment, firefighter personal protective equipment, wildland fire apparatus or IMT experience.
Required Abilities: Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:
Required: Firefighter or instructor certification. Have or obtain NWCG or NQS certification as a member of the Command & General Staff or Unit Leader within two years. Persons serving in fire operations positions must meet and maintain appropriate physical fitness standard and testing. Maintain a valid Texas Class C Driver License.

Preferred: NWCG certification as a PSC3 or higher. Texas Commission on Fire Protection and/or SFFMA firefighter and instructor certification.

Other Requirements:
Required: Response to statewide wildland and all risk incidents will be required. Serve on TAMFS Incident Management Team and TAMFS Representative/Emergency Support Function 4 at the State Operations Center.

Preferred: Assist with program delivery of other departmental state-wide programs such as AHIMT, TIFMAS, LSSIMTs, State Ranch Plans, etc.

A resume, cover letter, references and transcript (if applicable) are REQUIRED to be uploaded to application.   Certifications are preferred to be uploaded to the application.  Documents/certifications can be uploaded in the "My Experience" page in the "Resume/CV section.  More than one document can be uploaded; just click the "Upload" button for each document.  Documents can only be loaded at this time and cannot be uploaded once the application is submitted.  If there are any issues uploading documents, please contact 979-458-6690. Please check your spam folder in case more information is sent in regards to this position.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.