Wildfire Adapted Communities Specialist

position Title: Wildfire Adapted Communities Specialist

Job Type: Hybrid Remote and Office, full-time

Location: Lebanon, Oregon

Salary: $26.44/hour – $31.25/hour DOE

Reports to: Executive Director, South Santiam Watershed Council (SSWC)

Closing Date: Open until filled 

Preferred Start Date: May 18, 2026

About the South Santiam Watershed Council:

The South Santiam Watershed Council is a 501(c)(3) that works collaboratively with landowners and managers, businesses, and government agencies to implement in-stream, riparian, and upland restoration, monitoring, education, and outreach activities that improve the health and function of the South Santiam watershed. The SSWC is non-regulatory and mission-driven, with strong community support and partnerships across local, state, and federal agencies, agriculture, timber interests, and nonprofit organizations. SSWC’s mission is to enhance and protect the natural resources of the South Santiam River watershed for the social, environmental, and economic benefit of all those who live, work, and visit.

Position description:

• Increase community engagement capacity supporting wildfire recovery and resilience in the South Santiam Basin
• Build and align partnerships to support future and ongoing fire risk reduction
• Identify community awareness on wildfire preparedness and fire ecology, bridging gaps in knowledge with wildfire education that advances community-level fire resilience

Position Context:

The Wildfire Adapted Communities Specialist position is funded through the USDA Community Wildfire Defense Grant. Awarded in 2025, this grant supports the Wildfire Ready Linn County project, which advances priority actions in the 2024 Linn

County CWPP (Community Wildfire Protection Plan). The Linn Wildfire Mitigation Group (LWMG) was formed to update and implement the 2024 CWPP. Partners include Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District (SHFD), Oregon Department of Forestry South Cascade District (ODF), Lebanon Fire District (LFD), Linn County Juvenile Department (LCJD), and the South Santiam and Calapooia Watershed Councils (SSWC/CWC). This position will work closely with partners (listed above and others) to advance three key priorities within the CWPP; 1). Develop a strategic, sustainable and collaborative project pipeline, 2). Accelerate the pace of the fuel reduction project work and reduce barriers to access for at-risk communities, 3). Educate and empower residents and other community partners with knowledge, decision-making tools, and resources to understand and reduce wildfire risks. This role is primarily aimed at that last priority. 

If you’re a passionate science communicator who recognizes the importance of community partnerships in bolstering defenses against natural disasters, this may be the position for you.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in local process(es) to update and implement Community Wildfire Protection Plans
• Coordinating with partners in the LWMG to host 7 annual community education events on wildfire preparedness and prevention
• Work closely and effectively with Local, State, and Federal agencies and entities; Tribal staff and Councils; academic communities; social enterprise (non-profit) organizations; private companies; private landowners; volunteers; school districts, and other community partners to share information, plan events, etc.
• Manage and direct projects at and through all stages of development, including concept/design, budgets, schedules, permits, procurement, contracting, and monitoring
• Lead/co-lead project tours, presentations, public meetings, site visits, and outreach events
• Report activities according to grantors’ requirements
• Develop science communication and outreach materials related to wildfire risk reduction, fuels management, and watershed health
• Attend staff and board meetings for both organizations
• Attend trainings, workshops, and conferences to advance knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Maintain accurate administrative records for payroll, mileage, and expense tracking

Desired Attributes and Qualifications:

We encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications and how not only your professional and educational experiences, but traditional, lived, and volunteer experiences contribute to meeting the qualifications. 

• B.A. or B.S. in a related field of study and 2+ years of experience with community capacity building and project management OR 5+ years of experience with community capacity building and project management
• Community education and engagement experience with demonstrated attention to relationships, authentic partnership building and follow through.
• Knowledge of Willamette Valley ecosystems and/or natural resource experience is preferred
• Possession of a personal vehicle for business travel. Mileage reimbursed at current state rates in accordance with the personnel policy with Lebanon as the duty station.
• Experience managing projects in either an ecological or community setting
• Excellent English language oral/written communication skills, including telephone, email, one-on-one, public speaking abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Zoom.

Working Conditions, Physical Requirements, and Additional Details:

• Work is performed at a desk, in meetings, and in the field.
• The position will require flexible work hours when needed (evenings and some weekends), with the basic workweek being Monday through Friday.
• Outdoor work can occur in remote locations, in variable weather conditions, on uneven ground, and in and around water.
• Work locations may be public or privately owned, and driving on gravel roads is common.
• Ability to sit, walk and stand for intermittent periods of time and on a frequent basis; bending, kneeling, squatting, reaching overhead, stretching, and climbing; strength, dexterity; occasional use of eye and/or ear protective wear; coordination and vision to operate personal computer and view video display terminal for frequent periods; and the ability to communicate on a telephone, via email, and in person.
• Finalists for the position must have a valid Oregon driver’s license (or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire) and reliable personal transportation with proof of car insurance. Work-related mileage will be reimbursed at the current State of Oregon rate.
• Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history, driving history, and abuse background check. Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in the withdrawal of a conditional job offer or the termination of employment