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Job Description

The Geospatial Specialist for the Mitigation & Prevention Department will play a critical role in supporting the department's efforts to enhance wildfire resilience across Texas communities. This position will be responsible for coordinating and managing spatial data for communities participating in the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program, as well as those focused on building mitigation and prevention capacity. The specialist will provide essential geospatial support across a range of program areas, including Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP), hazardous fuel reduction projects, Fire Adapted Communities (FAC) initiatives and fire prevention efforts. The specialist will also support national programs like the National Fuels Treatments (NFT) Initiative and the Grant Accomplishment Reporting Portal (GARP), which help track wildfire mitigation efforts and advance the National Cohesive Strategy (NCS). In addition to these responsibilities, the Geospatial Specialist will work closely with the Applied Technology Department to identify development opportunities, collaborate on innovative solutions and assist in the execution of division-wide projects. This cross-departmental collaboration will ensure the integration of cutting-edge geospatial technologies into mitigation and prevention strategies. The specialist will also actively contribute to the Public Fire Assessment Team (PFAT), prevention activities and incident response operations, providing real-time spatial analysis and mapping support to inform decision-making during wildfire events. This role requires a high level of expertise in GIS technology, spatial data analysis and the application of geospatial tools to advance wildfire mitigation and community resilience initiatives.

About the Agency:

Texas A&M Forest Service provides statewide leadership and technical assistance to ensure the state's trees, forests and related natural resources are sustained for the benefit of all. Texas A&M Forest Service is also the lead agency for wildfire response in the state and supports the state's incident response capability, helping to respond to a range of all-hazard incidents.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Geospatial Specialist has a variety of duties and responsibilities, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

-Manage and analyze spatial data for CWDG communities and support wildfire mitigation efforts, including CWPP, fuel reduction and Fire Adapted Communities initiatives.

-Support the National Fuels Treatments (NFT) Initiative program.

-Work with the Applied Technology Department to improve geospatial tools and contribute to projects that strengthen mitigation and prevention programs.

-Provide geospatial analysis and mapping during wildfire incidents, supporting Post Fire Assessment Teams (PFAT) and prevention efforts.

-Create maps, reports and analysis to track mitigation project progress, identify risks and inform wildfire prevention strategies.

-Provide GIS training and technical support to staff, stakeholders and communities to enhance wildfire mitigation and prevention efforts.

Benefits: Texas A&M University System strives to support the health and wellness needs of our diverse workforce. Texas A&M Forest Service offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and health and lifestyle programs as well as educational incentives and tuition reimbursement opportunities. Some additional benefits include the ability to accrue compensatory time off, overtime on emergency response, uniform allowance, professional development opportunities, position-specific training at not cost and a physical fitness incentive of $500 for passing the arduous test (walk three miles wearing a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less) each year.

This position is guaranteed a minimum 40-hour work week with full benefits the first of the month following a 60-day waiting period.

Qualifications:

-A bachelor's degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Natural Resources, Emergency Management, Fire Science, Urban Planning or other closely related field is required.

-No formal work experience is required, but a minimum of one (1) years' experience working with geospatial technologies for a recognized wildland fire agency, fire department, emergency management or response organization is preferred.

-An ideal candidate is proficient in working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technologies to collect, analyze and interpret spatial data.

-Demonstrated experience with Python scripting, ArcGIS Online Applications (Survey123, Operations Dashboard, Field Maps, Experience Builder, Instant Apps, etc.), or other geospatial technologies to manage, analyze and visualize spatial data is preferred.

-Familiarity with writing SQL queries to retrieve and manipulate data, as well as proficiency in using advanced Excel functions (e.g., VLOOKUP, pivot tables and conditional formatting) to analyze and present data effectively is preferred.

-A valid Texas Driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment is required.

-Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required for this position.

-An ideal candidate has strong interpersonal skills, including working with a variety of people and can work independently and be self-direct. This position requires the ability to adapt to a changing environment and handle multiple priorities in addition to working closely with others at times.

Additional Information:

-Employees responding to wildfire incidents are required to meet a moderate physical fitness standard by passing the Work Capacity Test each year. This involves walking 2 miles wearing a 25-pound pack in 30 minutes or less.

-Travel is required for emergency response, training and program delivery. Travel away from the home unit, sometimes exceeding 14 days, may be necessary. There is also a possibility of working holidays while on emergency response.

-Within 90 days of hire, an employee must establish a primary residence within 30 minutes travel time of the office location.

-This position is not eligible for reimbursement of moving expenses.

Evaluation & Applicant Instructions:

-This job posting will remain open for 4-6 weeks. The Hiring Supervisor reserves the right to close the job prior to this time frame should qualified candidates apply.

-This position is projected to start in January/February 2025. An actual start date will be determined when a suitable candidate is selected.

-Applicants will be evaluated for this job based on how well they meet the qualifications listed. Applicants will also be evaluated based on how their experience, education and training reflects the qualification requirements of this position.

-All TAMFS positions are security-sensitive and applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation. 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.

Resume, cover letter and transcript(s) are REQUIRED to be uploaded to application. References are required to be entered in the secondary questionnaire section of the 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.