This position exists to manage the state's Community Wildfire Defense Grant program. The position manages, directs and actively engages in forest and watershed management and community wildfire risk reduction within the Forestry Division's jurisdiction of 43 million acres of state and non-municipal private land. The position is responsible for ensuring the eligible local governments, tribes and non-governmental organizations receive funding for Community Wildfire Protection Planning (CWPP) and implementation of wildfire mitigation projects described in CWPP.

How does it get done?

The position conducts training for eligible applicants, writes and reviews grant narrative proposals, budgets and reports, prepares Requests for Proposals and other funding-related documentation. The duties include management of $62.4 million of sub-recipient grant awards and contracts, including review of financial receivables and payables for accuracy, reporting and auditing of payment reimbursements and invoices for grant funded projects, and developing contracts and preparing documentation for other transactions. The position develops sub-award agreements, contracts, and MOA with diverse entities including county governments, municipalities, tribes, non-governmental organizations and contractors and is responsible for ensuring their compliance with state and federal regulations and policies. The position monitors, tracks and reports on wildfire risk reduction, implementation and actions achieved through CWPP, provides technical assistance to at-risk communities, and implement, manage and oversee projects for which funding is received. The position also manages the New Mexico Fire Planning Task Force that has review and approval authority for the CWPP and prepares the Communities at Risk Annual Report to the Legislature.

Who are the customers?

The job requires management, coordination, communication, administration and logistical support to 33 counties, partners, tribes, federal agencies, local governments, municipalities and non-governmental organizations, requires internal coordination with six District field offices and two Bureaus, and works alongside the Fire Planning Task Force.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have experience in the following:

*  Work experience including management of forestry and wildfire mitigation projects.
*  Leadership, coordination and facilitation of groups, organizations, and agencies.
*  Management of state and federal grants, development of agreements and contracts, and report writing.
*  Excellent written and oral communication and experience preparing and delivering training and
   presentations.
*  Working knowledge of state and federal procurement processes.
*  Experience and certifications in wildland fire management.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of professional level experience with a tactical impact directly related to the purpose of the position defined by the agency at the time of recruitment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage and extended periods of sitting with some standing, bending, reaching, and walking. Short and continuous time frames and/or time constraints and performing duties under short timelines are a common occurrence Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 25lbs. Occasional work outside in inclement weather. Situations may warrant work in disaster field office(s) or a mobile operations center. Subject to recall during disasters and other emergencies. Work is performed both in office and field setting. Employee may be exposed to inclement weather conditions and required to walk in steep rugged terrain. Employee may be exposed to excessive noise from power equipment and fire suppression apparatus. Employee may be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Some state-wide travel may be required.