Wildland Urban Interface; WUI Specialist

Position Overview

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Specialist

Hiring Range: $35.00 - $39.19 / hour

The Town of Vail is seeking a motivated and community-focused Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Specialist to help reduce wildfire risk and strengthen community resilience. This position plays a critical role in wildfire prevention, community outreach, and risk reduction efforts while supporting wildland fire suppression and all‑hazard emergency response operations.

If you are passionate about wildfire mitigation, community education, and field operations in a mountain environment, we encourage you to apply.

• Collaborates with homeowners, community stakeholders, and federal agencies to educate and mitigate potential wildfire threats.
• Develops and implements wildfire community risk reduction programs and community outreach relating to wildfire prevention and mitigation.
• Provides oversight for community wildfire cost‑share assistance programs.
• Collects and analyzes community wildfire risk data to identify trends and implement solutions.
• Provides technical and administrative assistance to wildland fire crews.
• Operates and maintains specialized equipment, including 4x4 pickup trucks, fire engines, pumps, and other firefighting tools.
• Implements formal and informal training programs.
• Promotes crew safety, welfare, and development through training initiatives.
• Ensures work conditions conform to agency safety programs.
• Identifies and corrects job safety and health hazards.
• Serves the citizens and guests of the Town of Vail by abiding by all Town of Vail core values.
• Performs job in accordance with all Town of Vail safety practices.
• Routinely performs the duties of subordinate positions.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Proficiency in engaging diverse groups with varying viewpoints.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for reporting, public education, and coordinating work.
• Knowledge of natural resource management, fire ecology, fire behavior, fire management theories, WUI firefighting, building construction, and landscaping.
• Knowledge of strategies, tactics, and suppression methods used in the containment and control of wildfires and WUI fires.
• Knowledge of instructional techniques.
• Knowledge of accepted fire safety practices and procedures to prevent injury and loss of life.
• Specialized knowledge and necessary certifications, such as chainsaw operation and repair and the use of specialized equipment used in response to wildland urban interface situations.
• Ability to operate four‑wheel drive pickup trucks and may require the ability to operate a fire engine.
• Skill in the use of hand tools and power tools, including chainsaws and portable pumps, to build fire line, control wildland fire, and to perform other non‑fire‑related duties.
• Knowledge and skill of standard first aid procedures sufficient to perform preliminary first aid and triage as necessary.

• High school or GED required. Some college education preferred.
• Experience with public education, community engagement, and/or customer service.
• NWCG S130, S190.
• Qualification to NWCG standards as a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2).
• Minimum 1 season (6 months) wildland firefighting experience.
• Class R Colorado Driver's License within 30 days of hire.

• Previous professional experience leading and developing wildfire community risk reduction programs.
• Experience with grant management.
• Experience implementing technical solutions to optimize accuracy and ease of data collection and management.
• Faller Type 3 trainee (FALA(t)) (S-212) –
  Highly preferred
  . Candidates not possessing this qualification will be required to complete department‑provided training as a condition of hire.

The Town of Vail offers an excellent benefits and compensation package, including health and dental coverage, town‑funded retirement, 457 pre‑tax savings plan, tennis pass, golf passes and other ski pass/wellness benefits. In addition, we offer employee housing (limited availability) to help those relocate to the area.

If you’re ready to make an impact and be part of a dynamic team, apply today for immediate consideration.

The Town of Vail is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected status.