DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Address: 101 Firehouse Lane Lakeside, AZ 85929 

Salary: $24.7086 - $26.4170 Hourly 

Grade: 19

Closing Date: 9/11/2025

This position implements district level wildland fire prevention and mitigation programs and efficiently coordinates these programs with other agencies, cooperators, stakeholders, partners and institutions. The primary responsibility of this position is to respond to wildland fire incidents as an investigator to locate the origin and to determine cause. Coordinates district wide activities for the Prevention module including preventative maintenance, crew readiness, and training.   

***This position is only open to current DFFM employees.***

• Responds to initial attack dispatches, often as the first responder. Advises the dispatcher on the need for further suppression resources based on the behavior, size, and hazards.
  
• As a fire investigator, conform to NWCG Investigator trainings as assigned. Investigates ignition source causes and location on government land. Interviews and/or obtains statements of witnesses.
  
• Prepares written reports. Provides assistance to other cooperating Federal, State, Local agencies, and Law Enforcement agencies on fire investigations that are multi-jurisdictional. Performs district patrol assignments and is available agency wide as a single resource asset.
  
• Supervise work being performed by crew members to monitor quality.
  
• Works with communities and regional/multi regional fire management collaboration groups to reduce risk from wildfire. Assist communities to achieve Firewise USA recognition.
  
• Provide Training to communities and Fire Departments to become qualified Firewise Assessors. Facilitate Community Wildfire Protection Plan meetings. Participate in the Agency CWPP review committee.
  
• Performs project work as stated in NWCG FEMO training, such as fuel inventory, monitors and controls fire line, collects data on fire weather and fire behavior. Supports hazard fuel reduction projects including prescribed burns as assigned.
  
• Participates in safety sessions and fire after action reviews. Participates in district fire response proficiency checks and drills. Serves as a Senior Firefighter and unit leader for both Engine and Rotor Wing Modules.
  
• Drive on State business.
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Knowledge of:

• Policies, techniques and practices of wildland firefighting
  
• Federal, tribal, state, local and other agencies, wildland fire and emergency management policies, practices and philosophies related to the following: restriction and closure plan regulations, cooperative agreements, fire management and ecosystem planning, wildland fire use, wildland fire mitigation principles, and wildland fire suppression techniques
  
• Community relations and media relations to effectively communicate wildland fire issues
  
• Investigative techniques
  
• Program management, supervision, and personnel practices and regulations
  
• NFPA Firewise standards and practices

Skills in:

• Interpersonal skills
  
• Computers and applicable software
  
• Exceptional oral and written communication
  
• Use and operation, maintenance, repair and care of wildland firefighting hand tools, chainsaws, small engines, vehicles and facilities
  
• Leadership in a Prevention Unit environment
  
• Documenting evidence and photographs relating to identified fire cause

Ability to:

• Create and guide field level wildland fire prevention and mitigation programs and to efficiently coordinate these programs with other agencies, cooperators, stakeholders, partners and institutions
  
• Effectively communicate wildland fire issues with community and media relations
  
• Respond to and manage emergency wildfire incidents statewide
  
• Prepare reports and recommendations to influence decisions by managers concerning wildland fire prevention and mitigation and community assistance programs at the field level
  
• Train and manage subordinate staff
  
• Develop plans and agreements
  
• Develop and maintain working relationships with internal DFFM personnel and with external government and private cooperators
  
• Adhere to State of Arizona and Department of Forestry and Fire Management Standards of Conduct, policies, procedures and practices.
  
• Drive on State business
  

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

Incident Commander 4, Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF), Single Resource Qualification (Engine Boss/Crew, Helicopter Manager Certification), previous experience as a primary firefighter of the Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

• A valid Arizona Driver's License
  
• Wildland Firefighter T1 (FFT1)
  
• Incident Commander 5 (IC5)
  
• Arduous Pack Test/ Red Card Qualified within 30 days of hire

Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
  
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
  
• 10 paid holidays per year
  
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion).
  
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
  
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
  
• Deferred compensation plan
  
• Wellness plans
  
• Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment
  

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).

Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.

Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

The current contribution rate is 12.00%

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Selene Rojas at srojas@dffm.az.gov for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (623) 236-6664. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.