Southern Fire Portal

The interagency Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) are now open through 5 pm MDT, October 14, 2021.

The Graduate Research Innovation (GRIN) announcement (FA-FOA0022-001) has one task statement. Proposals must address one or more of the following topic areas:

• Fuels management and fire behavior
• Changing fire environment
• Emissions and air quality
• Fire effects and post-fire recovery
• Relative impacts of prescribed fire versus wildfire
• Human dimensions of fire

The primary announcement (FA-FOA0022-002) has two task statements:

1. Social and ecological recovery of communities impacted by wildfire
2. Collaborative development of ecosystem mapping products for fire and fuels management

The Regional Fire Science Exchange announcement (FA-FOA0022-003) has one task statement focused on leading and executing a regional fire science exchange in the following six regions (see map and supporting information in the FOA):

1. Southern
2. Southern Rockies
3. Southwest
4. Appalachians
5. Great Plains
6. North Atlantic

The special issue titled “Effects of Wildfire on Biodiversity” in the journal Fire is open for submissions through October 31.

The goal of this special issue is to compile a set of scientific articles describing how wildfire has impacted diversity in the ecosystem where they occurred. The journal invites articles that present measured or modeled effects of wildfire on diversity across various scales and dimensions of fire regime metrics and biological taxa, including but not limited to:

• Effects of wildfire on diversity of any taxa in any ecosystem
• Relationships between fire effects and abiotic factors such as climate
• Predictions of changes in fire effects as a result of a changing climate
• Effects of scale in the interpretation of fire effects on biodiversity
• Consequences of larger burned area for the composition of communities and landscapes
• Consequences of wildfire on biogeochemistry, such as the global carbon cycle

This position serves as a Wildland & Prescribed Fire Program Analyst & CSU Liaison for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Wildland Fire Brach (AFWFB) based at Joint Base San Antonio, TX. The primary purpose of this position is to support the operation of the AFWB by providing program management and technical expertise in support of the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center
(AFCEC) strategic vision.

The Air Force Wildland Fire Branch (AFWFB) provides expertise, oversight, and guidance to manage wildland fire risk and sustain the Air Force mission at installations nationwide. The AFWFB also preserves and enhances the installations’ natural resources. The AFWFB specializes in the following core functions: Fire Planning and Risk Mitigation, Training and Certification, Fire Operations Support, and Fire Reporting and Analysis.

The incumbent will plan, develop, and implement AFWFB strategic goals (within constraints of the CEMML task order) across CONUS and Alaska in accordance with Air Force strategic guidance from AFCEC.  Collaborate with senior USAF leadership to analyze and recommend conceptual solutions to meet facility, personnel, and equipment requirements for AFWFB.  Provide technical and strategic support in the programming of AFWFB requirements.  Provide analyses and advice on potential courses of action to achieve strategic vision of Air Force senior leaders.  Provide technical and strategic support in the programming of AFWFB requirements.  Develop and deliver communication to wildland fire program stakeholders, installations, and agency partners of AFWFB concept of operations.  Support briefing and reports for AFCEC senior leaders.  Serves as CSU liaison on site at AFCEC for CSU and the AFWFB.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 10/11/2021

In partnership with the Oklahoma USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); coordinate and implement wildlife-related conservation programs and provide technical assistance. Work in joint capacity with QF, NRCS, and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to promote, coordinate and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill and other related wildlife and range conservation programs. The programs of interest are promoting and implementing EQIP, CRP, CStP, ACEP and other state and federal conservation programs. Duties will include wildlife habitat planning, contract coordination, writing plans, site assessment and reporting.  Provide technical assistance for wildlife habitat enhancement techniques to private landowners and public organizations.  Meet with local chapters of Quail Forever to help coordinate and guide habitat management efforts and participate in county and statewide habitat meetings.  Meet regularly with partnership staff to coordinate technical assistance efforts.  Implement specific conservation programs to improve wildlife habitat.

Duties include developing prescribed burn plans.

The position will be located at the Hill Farm Research Station, Homer, Louisiana, and has approximately 300 acres of experimental forest, primarily of loblolly pine and upland hardwoods, to support the research program. The incumbent will have a partial appointment with the LSU School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences at LSU main campus in Baton Rouge. An opportunity to mentor graduate students and participate in graduate education (M.S. and Ph.D.) will be provided.

Position Description:

Research: Design and implement an innovative, comprehensive research program that addresses the effectiveness and sustainability forest resource stewardship practices, including but not limited to forest establishment, intermediate forest stand improvement, and harvesting practices.

Extension: Inform extension personnel of new discoveries in forest management and coordinate the dissemination of this information to forestry professionals of Louisiana and other states in the Western Gulf region. Disseminate research-based forest management innovations to university, federal, state, industry and private forestry professionals of the Western Gulf region through publications, workshops, conferences, presentations, field demonstrations, and Internet-based materials. Develop workshops and webinars that convey research-based forest management suggestions to forestry professionals of the Western Gulf region.

The successful candidate will have strong experience in conducting wildland fire training events (with a particular focus on 100-200-level courses and saw training), extensive prescribed fire and wildland fire experience, strong communication skills, and a clear commitment to working with diverse populations. They will work under direction of the Assistant Director of Training to:

• Assist with implementation of training events for TEA, partner organizations (state, federal, non-profit, youth corps, Department of Defense lands, etc.)
• Implement blended curriculum including virtually (instructor led online) and experientially (hands-on)
• Teach ‘non-traditional’ soft skills during NWCG courses (e.g. self-care/stress management, conflict resolution, anti-bullying, active bystander, etc.)
• Train underserved and underrepresented populations (POC, women, landowners, Department of Defense, etc.)
• Build skills and confidence for fire practitioners from all backgrounds and experience levels in an inclusive and supportive learning environment
• Manage work assignments with minimal direction from supervisors
• May oversee staff, volunteers, and individuals or crews from other agencies or organizations when serving in a leadership role during training
• Occasionally engage in prescribed fire operations and/or support a prescribed fire IMT during Training Events
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, including a commitment to principles of Duty, Integrity and Respect. Actively participate in creating a kind, safe and healthy work environment which encourages the diversity, equity and inclusion of all people.