Easter Seals Jobs

Job Title:  Statewide Fire Program Coordinator Job Description: This position is responsible for directing,coordinating,managing,implementing,and organizing the Division s statewide Fire Trespass and Investigation program.  Provides services to the Division including coordinating,directing,or conducting wildland fire investigations,providing training,fire prevention activities,conducting evaluations and analyzing results,and developing and proposing policies and procedures to increase overall program effectiveness. Represents the State of Utah,Division of Forestry,Fire & State Lands in large fire or controversial fire trespass cases with the Utah State Attorney General s office. Performs advanced-level technical investigation work to determine the cause,origin,and circumstances of wildland fire related incidents. Coordinates the work of division and other investigative personnel in fire investigations.  Assists law enforcement in criminal investigations and prosecutions for arson.  Prepares reports,maintains investigation records,and testifies in court as an expert witness.  Supports division with training,prevention,and education.  Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required. Principal Duties:

• Provide expert advice and consultation to Division personnel and cooperative agencies on fire trespass and investigation activities.  Identifies programmatic problem areas and recommends corrective actions to increase program effectiveness.  Analyzes and prepares agency requirements for fire trespass to effectively assist in the litigation of cost recovery efforts. 
• Develops,manages,and distributes Fire Trespass and Investigation policies and guidance to Area offices and investigators. Provides support to Division fire investigators. 
• Coordinates investigation and documentation efforts with interagency cooperators.  Actively works with local,state,and federal agency claims representatives to assist on any trespass cases where FFSL has incurred costs. 
• Responds to assigned fires throughout the State and performs critical,time sensitive,complex problem-solving work by conducting thorough investigations to determine the cause,origin,and circumstance of wildland fires. 
• Works cooperatively with law enforcement and other state,local,and federal agencies.  Notifies law enforcement if a crime is suspected and assists law enforcement in the arrest and prosecution of suspects as appropriate.  Interviews witnesses and gathers evidence. 
• Works with the Incident Commander on the fire ground and directs crews in operations related to evidence preservation.  Assists with fire suppression activities at the fire scene as needed. 
• Reacts effectively and efficiently under pressure,stressful conditions,or in emergency situations according to standard operating procedures. Follows,interprets,applies,explains,and enforces state and local laws,division rules and regulations,and division standard operating procedures in responding to fires. 
• Files timely written reports documenting the cause of wildland fires,extent of damage,and cost. Maintains a secure records system.  Makes estimates of cost/loss,collects physical,written,and oral evidence maintains the chain of custody,and processes all such evidence. 
• Identifies needed and necessary cost documentation,compiles documentation of expenditures,and resolves documentation issues.  Manages and maintains cost documentation files and case logs and files for tracking litigation progress on large or controversial fire trespass cases. Coordinates cost documentation requests with Fire Business personnel and interagency cooperato rs. 
• Analyzes and prepares detailed cost reports by cost category for fire suppression and any emergency stabilization or rehabilitation costs incurred by FFSL in managing human caused fires that re a result of negligence.   
• Writes legal briefings and testifies in both civil and criminal court as an expert witness. Prepares reports,narratives,and diagrams,and maintains records of investigation activities.  Prepares and provides FFSL responses to the responsible party s discovery questions and interrogatories.  Assists AG s office with litigation needs and actively participates in settlement negotiations and arbitration.   
• Analyzes investigation data and cause and origin reports to determine patterns,leading to the recommendation of statewide risk reduction efforts.  Presents and provides presentations in support of division prevention and education. 
• Develops and presents basic to advanced level training programs in fire investigation,fire behavior,and cause and origin determination.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Expert understanding of the range of theories and methods of wildland fire cause determination. 
• Experience in preparing for and participating in judicial or administrative proceedings including response to discovery. 
• Knowledge of investigative practices to coordinate with law enforcement and attorneys in case preparation for litigation related to fire trespass. 
• Experience in analyzing and evaluating fire related costs to assist attorneys in case preparation for litigation. 
• Knowledge of ICS including Command and General Staff roles and responsibilities sufficient to provide appropriate advice and counsel for technical questions arising from investigations and documentation 
• An understanding and the ability to apply the range of specialized knowledge used during wildland fire investigations including,but not limited to,incendiary devices,vehicle and stationary equipment failures,industrial fire causes,fire spread and indicators,deductive reasoning,and technical report writing. 
• Knowledge and skill in a variety of investigative techniques to make a fire cause determination,diagram a wildland fire scene that accurately identifies evidence,contextually important features,patterns,and areas or points of origin,and operate and maintain digital photography equipment to evidence standards. 
• Ability to resolve routine problems associated with the work,identify the full range of risks and liability implications,minimize associated risks,and resolve issues. 
• Ability to utilize current and modern job related office and field equipment,including computer hardware and software applications used to collect,analyze,and document all information relevant to the fire investigation,produce reports,and work-related research. 
• Skill and ability to direct and coordinate the work of others during a fire ground investigation. Effectively resolves emergency situations involving coworkers and or public contacts. 
• Ability to identify and analyze problems,identify and evaluate alternative solutions,make decisions or recommendations,resolve problems,and consult with appropriate staff and resources as needed,based on knowledge,experience,and expertise. 
• Expertise in the ability to communicate effectively,both orally and in writing. Ability to effectively conduct public presentations so that information is accurate,appropriate,and supports the needs of the intended audience. Ability to listen,speak,and write effectively across a diverse range of public contacts and within workgroups. 
• Ability to plan,organize,and prioritize own work. Ability to complete and maintain forms,records,and daily reports in a clear and timely manner.  Demonstrated ability for effective teamwork by being self-motivated,accepting of assignments,and  completing assignments within agreed upon deadlines. 
• Demonstrated personal leadership qualities including adaptability,flexibility,dependability,punctuality,and accountability for daily work assignments and interactions.  Demonstrated ability to provide help,guidance,and training to team members.

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