Program Specialist 1 - Unit Assistant Fire Management Officer

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations. 

The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained.

Core Values  

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Forestry and Trust Land Division recognizes that building a collaborative, professional, and inclusive work environment is critical to fulfilling our mission of managing, protecting, and promoting stewardship of Montana’s forests and lands for the benefit of current and future generations and our trust beneficiaries. We hold ourselves to these high standards as we are accountable to the people of Montana.

• We value and respect each other.

• We create collaborative work environments.

• We build and maintain strong relationships.

• We practice accountability.

• We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work

Position Overview

This Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO) position is located at the Kalispell Unit and is a crucial position that will provide leadership both off and on the line to the Unit Engine Crews. This position may also help with various Forestry Division or Trust Land Management Division (TLMD) duties. 

This position has primary responsibilities to coordinate, implement, and supervise wildland fire initial attack personnel and equip­ment to provide a safe and effective fire manage­ment capabil­ity for the Unit. Work assignments require coopera­tion and coordina­tion with County, State, Tribal and Federal agencies, the general public, permanent and seasonal employ­ees, and private contrac­tors.  The posi­tion adminis­ters seasonal activities related to wild­land fire protec­tion, the maintenance of build­ings, grounds, and vehicles, and fire-related program pro­jects of the Unit.  The position is responsible for implementing operational activities associated with fire suppression and prevention; providing wildland fire planning and professional assistance; supervising and training fire crews; developing and coordinating training programs; investigating and enforcing forest use laws, rules, and policies; educating and informing the public of fire prevention and fire management practices.  The incumbent may attend county fire meetings and plan and coordinate county fire trainings. 

One of the priorities for the Kalispell Unit is our cooperator relationships, therefore, the AFMO will help build and maintain relationships with the adjoining DNRC Units, surrounding National Forests, other tribal and federal agencies, and surrounding counties. This position will directly supervise the engine crews as directed by the Fire Management Officer (FMO). This position assists with Unit fire prevention work, duties, and plans.  Consequently, the Unit AFMO will provide input in developing the Fire Prevention Plan.  This position will assist forest management duties concerning forest improvement, as well as other duties assigned.   This position reports directly to the Kalispell Unit Fire Management Officer and assists in supervision of 6.1 seasonal and permanent FTE.

Application Materials Required For This Position Are: 

• Online State of Montana Application 

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• References 

HELPFUL HINT: You must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application.

Benefits 

• Work/life balance. 

• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation leave increasing with service.

• Longevity pay with continued state service.

• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts. 

• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.

• Retirement plans (Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plus an optional 457(b) Plan).

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.

• Career progression, professional development, and state employee discounts.

• Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
   

SPECIAL INFORMATION: Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.

ELIGIBILITY TO WORK: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card"

Effective May 4, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.