Forest Fire Operations Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of heightened environmental awareness, the role of a Forest Fire Operations Manager has never been more significant.

As climate change accelerates, so does the urgency for skilled professionals who can prevent, manage, and mitigate forest fires effectively.

But what does a Forest Fire Operations Manager truly do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the ins and outs of forest fire operations management,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Forest Fire Operations Manager job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Forest Fire Operations Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Forest Fire Operations Managers are responsible for leading and coordinating the efforts to prevent, control, and suppress forest fires.

They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the environment, wildlife, and nearby residents, and in reducing the damage caused by wildfires.

Forest Fire Operations Managers have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Plan, organize, and manage strategies for forest fire prevention and control
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of forest fire suppression personnel
• Oversee and evaluate fire risk assessments and reports
• Monitor weather conditions and fire behavior to make tactical decisions
• Coordinate the use of firefighting resources, including personnel, equipment, and aircraft
• Develop and implement training programs for staff on fire prevention and suppression techniques
• Liaise and collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies during fire emergencies
• Coordinate with communities to conduct public awareness and education programs on fire prevention
• Prepare and manage the budget for fire suppression operations
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations in all fire operations
• Prepare reports on fire incidents for analysis and future planning

 

Forest Fire Operations Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a seasoned Forest Fire Operations Manager to oversee, plan and manage the operations of our wildfire management team.

The Forest Fire Operations Manager will be responsible for coordinating wildfire suppression activities, managing resources and personnel, and ensuring the safety of our team members and local communities.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in wildfire suppression, emergency management, and personnel management.

They should have a deep understanding of wildfire behavior and the ability to make strategic decisions under pressure.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate wildfire suppression operations
• Develop and implement wildfire response strategies
• Coordinate resources, equipment, and personnel
• Implement safety protocols and ensure team adherence
• Provide training and guidance to team members
• Liaise with other emergency response agencies
• Participate in after-action reviews and report on operations
• Manage operational budget and resource allocation
• Stay updated on current wildfire behavior science and suppression techniques
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and guidelines

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Forest Fire Operations Manager or similar role
• Strong knowledge of wildfire behavior and suppression techniques
• Experience in emergency management and incident command
• Excellent decision-making and strategic planning abilities
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and make decisions in emergency situations
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and guidelines
• Degree in Forestry, Fire Science or a related field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Forest Fire Operations Manager
• Work Environment: Primarily field-based with some office work. This position requires extensive travel and a flexible schedule.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Regional Fire Management Officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Forest Fire Operations Manager Do?

A Forest Fire Operations Manager, also known as a Wildfire Operations Manager, primarily works for government agencies, environmental conservation organizations, or private forestry companies.

Their primary responsibility is to manage and coordinate the activities related to forest fire prevention and control.

This includes developing and implementing strategies and procedures to prevent forest fires, as well as preparing for emergency situations should a forest fire occur.

They lead teams of fire crews and work closely with Firefighters, Forest Rangers, and other relevant personnel.

Their work involves a lot of planning and organizing, from arranging the training and equipment for fire crews to forecasting fire behavior and strategically planning fire suppression.

Additionally, a Forest Fire Operations Manager will work on the recovery efforts after a fire, including assessing the damage, overseeing the rehabilitation of affected areas, and devising strategies to prevent future occurrences.

They also have a role in public education, often working with communities to raise awareness about forest fire risks and prevention techniques.

Furthermore, they must stay updated on the latest research, trends, and technology in forest fire management.

They may also be involved in the creation of reports and presentations to share findings and recommendations with stakeholders.

 

Forest Fire Operations Manager Qualifications and Skills

A competent Forest Fire Operations Manager should exhibit a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of forest ecosystems.

The following are some of the qualifications and skills required:

• Knowledge of forest ecology and fire behavior to predict and analyze fire conditions and understand the impact of various firefighting strategies.
• Proven leadership abilities to manage and coordinate a team of firefighters, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
• Physical fitness to endure long hours in challenging terrain and extreme conditions, and potentially assist in active firefighting efforts.
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills to quickly assess situations and determine the most effective course of action in high-stress, emergency situations.
• Communication skills to relay complex information clearly and concisely to team members, liaise with other emergency services, and provide updates to the public when necessary.
• Risk management skills to evaluate potential dangers and develop strategies that ensure the safety of the team and the public.
• Experience with firefighting equipment and techniques, as well as knowledge of relevant safety procedures and regulations.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute training programs to ensure the team’s skills and knowledge are up to date.

 

Forest Fire Operations Manager Experience Requirements

Forest Fire Operations Managers are generally required to have a substantial amount of experience in forest fire operations or emergency management.

This typically involves 5 to 10 years of progressive experience in roles such as Forest Firefighter, Fire Crew Leader, or Fire Management Officer.

In these roles, they acquire practical experience in fire control operations, including fire suppression, prescribed burning, and fire prevention.

They also gain familiarity with the equipment used in fire operations and the strategies and tactics used to control forest fires.

To be an effective Forest Fire Operations Manager, it is beneficial to have experience in team management and leadership, as this role often involves coordinating fire crews and other resources during fire operations.

Those with a degree in forestry, fire science, emergency management, or a related field may have an advantage, and some roles may require this as a minimum qualification.

Experience in working with local, state, and federal fire agencies, understanding fire laws and regulations, and coordinating with other stakeholders during fire emergencies is also often required.

Candidates with more than 10 years of experience in forest fire operations or related roles may be considered for higher-level positions or may be given additional responsibilities, such as regional or statewide fire operations planning and coordination.

 

Forest Fire Operations Manager Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Forest Fire Operations Manager generally requires a bachelor’s degree in fire science, forestry, or a related field.

The course of study typically involves a comprehensive understanding of forest ecology, fire behavior, and fire prevention techniques.

In addition to the educational requirements, practical experience in forest fire control or a related field is highly advantageous.

Many Forest Fire Operations Managers start their careers as forest fire fighters or forest rangers, gaining vital on-the-job training and experience.

Certain roles may also require specific certifications such as the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) certifications.

To further enhance their skills and prepare for management roles, many professionals in this field pursue advanced degrees or certifications in fire management or emergency management.

In addition, this role requires strong leadership skills, the ability to make quick decisions under pressure, and a thorough understanding of safety protocols and procedures.

Due to the evolving nature of wildfire management, continuous learning through workshops, seminars, and training courses is highly recommended.

 

Forest Fire Operations Manager Salary Expectations

A Forest Fire Operations Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $79,580 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation can differ based on factors such as years of experience, qualifications, region, and the nature of the employing organization.

 

Forest Fire Operations Manager Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Forest Fire Operations Manager need?

A Forest Fire Operations Manager typically requires a bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field.

They should have a solid understanding of forest management, fire suppression strategies, and emergency management.

Furthermore, several years of experience in forest fire control or a related field is usually required.

 

What are the daily duties of a Forest Fire Operations Manager?

A Forest Fire Operations Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing activities that prevent and control forest fires.

This includes overseeing firefighting crews, planning fire prevention and control measures, and coordinating training programs.

They are also involved in assessing fire risk in forest areas and developing strategies to minimize the risk.

 

What skills does a Forest Fire Operations Manager need?

A Forest Fire Operations Manager should have strong leadership and decision-making skills, as they often lead large teams in high-pressure situations.

They should also have good communication and interpersonal skills to effectively coordinate with their team and other stakeholders.

Knowledge of fire behavior, fire control techniques, and safety protocols are also necessary.

 

What qualities make a good Forest Fire Operations Manager?

A good Forest Fire Operations Manager is a problem solver, able to make quick decisions in emergency situations.

They are physically fit and able to endure harsh outdoor conditions.

They also have a commitment to safety and a deep understanding of forest ecology and fire management strategies.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Forest Fire Operations Manager?

Hiring a Forest Fire Operations Manager can be challenging due to the specific skill set and experience required.

The role requires a combination of academic knowledge in forestry or environmental science, practical experience in fire management, and strong leadership skills.

As such, it can take time to find the right candidate with the necessary qualifications and experience.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the realities of being a Forest Fire Operations Manager.

Guess what?

It’s not just about extinguishing flames.

It’s about protecting our forests and wildlife, one operation at a time.

With our comprehensive Forest Fire Operations Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-prepared to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating meticulous job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every operation contributes to the larger mission.

Let’s protect our forests. Together.

How to Become a Forest Fire Operations Manager (Complete Guide)

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