Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Senior

Job Description:

Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Senior

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Under minimal supervision, coordinate and administer wildfire mitigation programs, wildfire prevention, trainings, policies, and practices to ensure that wildfire protection is of the highest priority related to public and private safety and resiliency.

Job Description:

Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Senior

Purpose:

Under minimal supervision, coordinate and administer wildfire mitigation programs, wildfire prevention, trainings, policies, and practices to ensure that wildfire protection is of the highest priority related to public and private safety and resiliency.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Directs, coordinates, and implements wildfire education programs and training to support Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP).
  
• Engages community involvement to implement Fire Adapted Community’s (FAC) objectives of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy.
  
• Directs the development of presentations and educational materials for community wildfire safety including coordinating with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysts to develop area risk models.
  
• Implements joint efforts for wildfire mitigation education with internal and external partners, agencies, and community resources.
  
• Conducts assessment and development of wildland fire prevention strategies based on documented fire causes.
  
• Assists in development and implementation of wildfire safety and evacuation plans and communication strategies for communities using knowledge of Fire Resilient Landscapes (FRL) practices and standards.
  
• Participates in wildfire prevention, including prescribed burns.
  
• Reviews, interprets, and educates on wildfire-related policies, codes, regulations, ordinances, plans, and proposals for compliance.
  
• Participates in and/or leads Citywide initiatives, task forces, and committees.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, guidance, and technical support to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of wildland fire behavior.
  
• Knowledge of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firewise USA, Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP), and Fire Adapted Communities (FAC) standards.
  
• Knowledge of National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) practices and standards.
  
• Knowledge of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) code.
  
• Knowledge of Home Ignition Zone (HIZ), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Wildfire Risk Reduction and Responding to the Interface principles.
  
• Knowledge of applicable wildfire federal, state, local, and county laws, rules, regulations, codes, and guidelines.
  
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in both written and verbal communications.
  
• Skill in delivering presentations and training.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees, citizens, public safety agencies, and community organizations.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to train others.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to the job, plus four (4) years of wildfire policy and/or protection-related experience. One (1) additional year of experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Must be able to obtain International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Wildfire Risk Reduction qualification, or Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) certification, or National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, or Burn Manager, or Prescribed Burn (RxB) 3, or Firing Boss within six (6) months of acceptance of position.
  
• Valid State of Texas Class "C" Driver License.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience analyzing fire resistive construction methods, defensible space, and the ability to read and interpret applicable codes and site plans.
  
• Experience managing program budgets.
  
• Experience investigating and responding to inquiries from the public and other city departments.
  
• Experience with governmental processes and relationships impacting wildfire mitigation program activities.
  
• Experience managing contracts, projects, grants, and requests for proposals.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Senior (Fire Adapted Communities) provides leadership, coordination and implementation of multiple programs, such as Community Wildfire Protective Plans, Firewise Communities, Fire Prevention, Fuels Mitigation and Defensible Space. This position manages efforts in meeting targets for reduction of wildfire risk and also directs and coordinates assigned staff and special projects. This position fosters community-wide initiatives and cooperative partnerships to advance and promote wildfire mitigation best practices. They serve as a liaison with the AFD Prevention Division on implementing voluntary compliance with Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Mitigation best practices. They present at public meetings and serve as a technical advisor for COA Code changes related to wildfire. This position reviews, evaluates, and recommends revisions to City code, regulations, policies, and procedures related to the WUI code. This position frequently coordinates and collaborates with stakeholders and ensures project compliance with existing regulations, codes, and policies.

Salary Range: $32.96 - $41.20

Days and Hours:

Monday - Friday.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Hours may vary based on operational needs. Position duties may require schedule flexibility to allow for events before/after normal work hours or on weekends.

Telework: Alternative schedules and remote work options are available; however, the position requires at least 40% in-office each week. A flexible hybrid schedule may be offered after successful completion of the probationary period.

When completing the City of Austin employment application: A detailed, complete City of Austin application is required for the position to help us better evaluate your qualifications. For each of your positions, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience that is relevant to this position, including your supervisory and/or leadership experience, if applicable. This is the criteria that will be used to select candidates for interview, and the starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience.

• This position may allow for a resume or cover letter to be included but relevant entries on your employment application will primarily be considered for interview qualification and compensation purposes.
  

If you are selected to interview: If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, to include High School graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, will be required.

Benefits:
Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Additional Information:

Assessment(s) may be administered as part of this recruitment.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-03-20