Wildfire Mitigation Coordinator

Are you passionate about emergency preparedness? 

Hood River County is seeking a driven, community-minded Wildfire Mitigation Coordinator to organize our wildfire mitigation efforts across one of Oregon’s most spectacular – and fire-prone – landscapes. In this dynamic role, you’ll be the county’s boots-on-the-ground expert and trusted community guide for wildfire preparedness. From walking properties to presenting at community meetings, you’ll turn planning documents into real-world action — and real-world safety. This position reports to the Emergency and Resilience Program Manager who sets goals and reviews performance. Bilingual fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required. Ready to protect what matters? We want to hear from you, so apply now.

This is a full-time, on-site position with a M-F, 8am-5pm schedule. 

Note on Funding: This position is funded by a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) grant. Funding is guaranteed for one year; subsequent years are subject to annual grant application approval.

Goals:

• Organize two bilingual community education events per year.
• Manage documentation of at least 200 defensible space evaluations.
• Support planning and coordination aligned with the Hood River County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).

Essential Responsibilities:

Community outreach, education, and engagement.

• Build and maintain relationships and collaborative partnerships with individuals and organizations.
• Lead community outreach and education efforts. Conduct media outreach including interviews, press releases, and social media posts.
• Collaborate with community organizations to promote home hardening, defensible space, Firewise development, and other wildfire mitigation practices.
• Serve as the liaison between Hood River County, local fire districts, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State Fire Marshal, and federal land management agencies.
• Support community ambassadors through education, resource allocation, and mitigation recommendations.
• Organize bi-annual wildfire preparedness meetings.

Conduct assessments for defensible space and home ignition zones.

• Conduct defensible space assessments for private property owners.
• Mark trees and other vegetation for mitigation treatments.
• Connect homeowners with resources to implement mitigation strategies.
• Evaluate existing plans for revisions related to hazard mitigation.
• Perform research and analysis to support CWPP action items.
• Aid county, city, and port planning departments to assist plan development, code compliance needs, and community outreach.
• Facilitate the development of Firewise USA® communities.

Support Grant Management.

• Support grant administration functions including data entry, cost tracking, and reimbursement preparation and tracking.
• Prepare written and oral report to grantors, leadership, partners, and stakeholders.
• Manage program sustainability efforts including grant development and sustainability planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, wildfire, natural resources, or a related field.
• 3-6 years of experience in emergency management, environmental science, or public administration.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English is preferred.
• Valid driver license with a good driving record.
• Ability to be on-call when assigned.
• Ability to complete fundamental skills training program upon hire, and ongoing annual training.

Qualifications:

• Proven community facilitation and stakeholder coordination experience.
• Strong project management skills.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.
• Strong presentation, and training & education skills.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Familiarity with GIS tools.
• Ability to manage complex projects: be highly organized, detail-oriented, and efficient in managing schedules, task lists, computer files, supplies, and equipment.
• Willingness and ability to work in outdoor conditions during all seasons andweather conditions; hike over steep, uneven terrain; use a map, compass, GPS, and other equipment; carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to safely operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle in urban and rural mountainoussettings on- and off-road.
• Media communications experience is preferred.
• Grant management experience is preferred.

Wage Range: $32.58-$41.23 per hour
Longevity: 2.5% on base salary beginning after the 5th year of employment; additional 2.5% increase each 5-year period thereafter.
Additional Compensation: Spanish Bilingual Fluency
Benefits: 100% paid Public Employee Retirement; shared cost for medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid sick leave; paid vacation; 11 paid holidays; Flexible Spending; Deferred Compensation; and HRA.

HOOD RIVER COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.