Wildland Fire Program Lead in Ontario, Oregon at Treasure Valley Community College (OR)
Job Description
This position will work full-time for 6-months (October-March) and will be responsible for program development of TVCC’s Wildland Fire educational programming. It supports our existing Natural Resources and Wildland Fire degrees and the greater CTE Department and supports workforce training. The 6-month term leaves summers open so the Program Lead can work wildland fire assignments and stay current in the field. The ideal candidate will bring wildland fire experience, federal and/or state land management agency experience, industry connections, experience in education, and a keen interest in growing a program at the community college level.
The primary responsibilities are expanding and marketing the wildland fire program; recruiting high school students and other student populations to meet enrollment targets; networking throughout the state and
region with BLM, USFS, state agencies, private companies, training officers, wildland fire recruiters, and other stakeholders in the wildland fire industry; and working with regional universities and colleges to provide transfer degree options for students. Expected work includes:
- Expanding the current academic programming to align learning outcomes with the standards of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).
- Creating and delivering concurrent enrollment courses for high school partners to support dual credit goals and recruiting for Ag & Natural Resources pathways.
- Collaborating with workforce training to meet the needs of the existing workforce.
- Establishing and growing an annual Fire Academy in coordination with local wildland fire agencies.
- Provide classroom, hybrid, and/or online instruction in Wildland Fire classes such as NATR 101 (S-130/S-190/L-180), NATR 121 (S-131), NATR 102 (L-280), NATR 104 (S-290), NATR 115 (S-230), NATR 117 (S-231), NATR 109 (S-200), NATR 116 (S-215), S-112, S-219, M-410, and RT-130. Instruction may include classroom lectures, labs, and field days, delivered in person or virtually at TVCC and on site at regional high schools and other partner facilities, as determined by the college.
- Deliver hybrid dual credit instruction, including online coursework in Canvas and scheduled hands-on field days with each partner high school.
- Promote consistent, professional, and standardized training in support of national interagency wildland fire management objectives.
- Establish agency-specific course equivalency.
- Develop, coordinate, and instruct short courses at secondary partner schools.
- Develop the program in collaboration with partner agencies.
- Supervise equipment maintenance related to the program, and ensure the security of facilities, equipment, and instructional materials.
- Conduct field trips and field days to relevant sites within the region and travel regularly to regional high schools.
- Participate in and assist with organizing co-curricular activities for Wildland Fire and Natural Resources educational programming.
- Work with high school and university counterparts to align curriculum and develop career pathway degrees for students.
- Create a positive learning environment for students using innovative, effective, and diverse teaching methods to engage students in their own learning and enhance student success.
- Use and document classroom assessment techniques to improve instruction.
- Participate in student advising and college-wide efforts to improve student retention and success.
- Evaluate and document student progress; keep students apprised of progress.
- Participate in Natural Resources Department Advisory Committee meetings. Participate as a member of working committees dealing with instruction, student matters, and/or college-related concerns. Participate in departmental meetings, in-service training and activities, and other required training.
- Assist in curriculum and program development incorporating current educational theories, research, and outcomes assessment strategies. Select appropriate texts, software, and supplemental materials.
- Maintain office hours sufficient to meet the needs of students for consultation and advisement.
- Work effectively with colleagues and students of various cultures (including traditional, non-traditional, and international students) and socio-economic backgrounds.
- The applicant may be asked to teach courses not listed above that occur outside the regular hours for this position. Supplemental pay will be provided for teaching these courses.
- The goal is to eventually transition this job from a Professional to a Faculty position upon successful program build. Appointment of a Faculty member will be subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate’s degree in Wildland Fire, Natural Resources, Fire Ecology, Forestry, Rangeland Management, or a closely related field, plus three years of related work experience; OR an appropriate combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
- Qualified Single Resource Boss/FFTI and Firefighter Type 1, OR Task Force/Strike Team Leader.
- Willingness and ability to conduct field trips and field days.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Fire Ecology, Forestry, Rangeland Management, or a closely related field.
- One or more years of teaching experience at a community college or in lower-division university courses, or training experience with an agency or private company.
- Current, active experience in the field: works wildland fire assignments each summer and intends to continue.
- Established relationships with regional partners such as BLM, USFS, state agencies, rural fire districts, or private contractors.
- Experience recruiting for or building a program.
- Multilingual in English and Spanish.
- Must have, or be able to obtain prior to start of employment, a valid driver’s license, and be able to drive college vehicles to conduct field trips and travel to regional high schools.
- Must maintain current wildland fire qualifications.
- Must have the knowledge and skills to use, or be willing and able to learn, educational technology as it relates to wildland fire training, such as Canvas, video streaming, interactive videos, and mobile applications and devices.
- Must be prepared to facilitate a quality refresher that engages all students regardless of ICS qualification or experience level.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position involves heavy physical activity. While performing the duties of this position, the employee regularly walks, hikes, and works on uneven terrain during outdoor field days and demonstrations, often in heat, cold, smoke, or other adverse weather, while carrying and handling wildland fire tools and equipment. Duties involve moving materials weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis and up to 100 pounds on an occasional basis. The employee is also frequently required to sit, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects, tools, or controls. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 50% of the work period while operating equipment such as a computer keyboard, mouse, calculator, and similar machines. The position requires regular driving and travel to regional high schools and field sites.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work takes place in classrooms, offices, regional high schools, and outdoor field sites. Office and classroom noise levels are typical, with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises. Field work may involve heat, cold, smoke, dust, and rough terrain.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This is a full-time (6-months, October - March), Professional, exempt position.
Scan to Apply
Just scan this QR code to apply from your phone.
- Fast
- Easy
- Apply on the go