Forestry Fire Warden - Commerce - Forestry - Statewide

The Forestry Fire Warden position at the State of West Virginia involves administering forest protection activities, training firefighters, coordinating fire suppression, and conducting wildfire investigations. Responsibilities include public education on fire prevention, responding to wildfires, enforcing burning laws, and developing wildfire control programs. The role requires collaboration with fire departments and communities, and includes emergency response duties. The job is located in West Virginia and is not remote.
Nature of Work

Under the State Forester, employees will be responsible for Administering Forest protection activities in the counties assigned. This includes recruiting and training firefighters, working with volunteer fire departments and law enforcement, as well as coordinating fire suppression activities and investigations pertaining to the state code within Chapter 20 of WV, federal excess personal property screening and inventory, preparing news releases, and making public appearances primarily related to wildland fire prevention and education. While under general supervision, work with fire departments and communities in relation to fire education, prevention and suppression. This would include school contacts and other scheduled events. Provide emergency response to all wildfires within the project area to efficiently and safely suppress wildfires and the investigation of wildfires under hazardous conditions and random hours. Enforce the burning laws of Chapter 20 to individuals found to have caused wildfires and or in violation of Chapter 20. Prepare and develop a wildfire suppression and control program for the coverage area. Respond as requested by the WV Office of Emergency Management to natural disasters and other emergencies throughout the state. Perform office work and data collection/recording on the following subjects: work time, fires, vehicles, P-card, and coverage area fire contacts. Recruit, train and maintain wildfire personnel through classes and training—Trainees include WV Department of Corrections inmates and Volunteer Fire Department firefighters to ensure their knowledge of safety and suppression techniques. Prepare and develop control lines for Prescribed Fires on State Forests with heavy equipment. Assist with the firing operations, patrol and mop up of control lines. Prepare and develop control lines for Prescribed Fires on State Forests with heavy equipment. Assist with the firing operations, patrol and mop up of control lines.

IMPORTANT: Your eligibility will be based on information provided in your resume or application; therefore, make sure your resume or application is detailed and complete. You MUST complete ALL parts of the application OR upload a resume to your submission.

ATTENTION: Applicant must verify post high school education by submitting an official transcript or diploma, training or licensure earned pertaining to this position by the closing date of the posting, if not previously verified. If you are claiming Veterans preference, please submit "MEMBER 4" form and/or your VA Letter. Protecting your personal information is our highest priority. If your official transcript, training/licensure, or Veterans documentation contains your Social Security Number and/or birthdate, please redact that information before submitting it to the Division of Personnel.

Please attach documents to the online application before submitting it. Or, you may email it to: applicantservices@wv.gov or by mail to: WV Division of Personnel, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Building 3, Suite 500, Charleston, WV 25305.

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Minimum Qualifications

Training: Graduation from a standard four-year high school or the equivalent.

Experience: Two years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid or voluntary experience in wildfire suppression and prevention, forestry, conservation or related field.

Substitution: Associate degree in a Forestry Technology program recognized by the Society of American Foresters from a regionally accredited college or university.

Special Requirements: Must have a valid driver's license. Must take and pass a physical examination within the first six months of employment and submit to annual follow-up examinations. Failure to pass the initial examination will result in termination of employment. Failure to pass a subsequent examination may result in reassignment.

Positions must meet the qualifications for and become a Special Natural Resources Police Officer at the earliest opportunity following employment and maintain this commission throughout the period of employment in the position. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the State Forester.
• The Division of Personnel uses your complete work history to qualify you for positions. Please be as detailed as possible and list all of your past employment.*