Wildland Fire Program Manager

Employer
State of Indiana - Adjutant General's Office
Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills

About the Job:
This position serves as a dual-hatted Program Manager, responsible for providing strategic and technical direction for two programs: the Indiana Army National Guard's (INARNG) statewide Wildland Fire Program and the INARNG Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program. This is predominately a wildland fire position and we are seeking applicants with significant wildland fire experience and NWCG certification(s). Position responsibilities are expected to be 80% wildland fire and 20% REPI.

A Day in the Life:
Primary knowledge, skill and ability in of the following specialized areas:

  • Statewide Program Management & Strategic Direction: Develops and manages the statewide strategic plans for both wildland fire management and encroachment protection (REPI). Ensure policies and priorities for both programs are integrated and aligned with the Army National Guard's long-term training and readiness objectives.
  • REPI Program Management & Encroachment Protection: Leads the INARNG REPI program to protect military training lands from incompatible development. Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with federal, state, local, and non-profit conservation organizations. Identifies and prioritizes key land parcels for protection, negotiates complex real estate transactions (e.g., conservation easements, fee acquisitions), and manages program funds to leverage partner contributions and secure training viability.
  • Wildland Fire Program Management: Provides strategic, technical, and operational oversight for all wildland fire management activities across multiple installations. Establishes standards for prescribed fire plans and suppression readiness to manage vegetative fuels and maintain realistic training environments.
  • Supervision and Leadership: Supervises and provides leadership to installation-level Fire Programs, employees, and other subordinate staff. Provides mentorship and technical guidance across both fire and REPI program areas, managing statewide staffing and developing a cohesive, multi-disciplinary workforce. Maintains training & incident records through IQS, IQCS, NERIS, or another similar platform.
  • Budget and Resource Allocation: Develops and manages the consolidated statewide budgets for both the wildland fire and REPI programs. Allocates state/federal funding and tracks complex financial agreements, including matching funds from conservation partners, to address strategic priorities.
  • Interagency & Senior Leader Coordination: Serves as the technical expert for both the wildland fire and REPI programs at the state level. Cultivates strategic partnerships with senior military leadership, government agency directors, non-profit conservation groups, and land trusts to advance shared goals.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

What You'll Need for Success:

  • A bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant discipline (Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Land Use Planning, etc.) OR a combination of education and experience.
  • One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. This experience must demonstrate the ability to lead complex, multi-disciplinary land management programs. Experience must include:
    • Managing or providing oversight for multiple programs (such as fire, forestry, or conservation) across different locations.
    • Developing and implementing strategic, multi-year plans that balance competing land use objectives.
    • Supervising other program managers or high-level technical specialists.
    • Managing complex budgets from multiple funding sources.
    • A demonstrated history of managing a REPI, ACUB (Army Compatible Use Buffer), or similar land conservation/acquisition program, including experience negotiating real estate transactions (e.g., conservation easements) and developing partnerships with external conservation entities.
Job Field:
Other
Job Type:
Full Time
Location Detail:
Camp Atterbury, Edinburgh, IN
Salary:
$85,020.00
Job Benefits:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access
Application Deadline:
Link to Full Job Posting:
https://workforindiana.in.gov/job/Edinburgh-Wildland-Fire-Program-Manager-IN-46…

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