Smokebusters Module Leader

Position: Smokebusters Module Leader 2026-01303
Location: Newcastle

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Bring your knowledge, skills, and career plans with you and become a part of the nearly 50-year-old Forestry Conservation Program of the Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD). The program is co-located with the Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC)- Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp(WHCC).

The Module Leader position assists in coordinating forestry activities and wildland fire response at the Forestry Conservation Program (Wyoming Smokebusters) under the supervision of the Forestry Conservation Program Manager. In this position, you'll oversee and supervise the Correctional Forestry Crew Supervisors and coordinate their work project activities and supervision of inmate workers. The Module Leader will also lead the instruction of inmates in the classroom to National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards and on the job in the safe use of chainsaws and other hand and power tools for wildland fire suppression and forestry work projects.

Individuals in these positions work in accordance with specific procedures, rules, and policies.

Newcastle is located at 4,334 feet above sea level, with summer high temperatures around 84 degrees and lows around 58 degrees, and winter highs of 35 degrees and lows of 13 degrees. Newcastle is the county seat of Weston County, Wyoming, and is at the intersection of U.S. Route 16 and U.S. Route 85. The population was recorded as 3,374 at the 2020 census.

The town boasts great walking trails. Public Education in the City of Newcastle is provided by Weston County School District #1.

No matter what direction you journey from Newcastle, you will embark on a drive through a time marked by spectacular views, gorgeous scenery, and plentiful wildlife. Newcastle's unique location represents the best of two worlds. Experience the pine tree-covered Black Hills to the northeast and the Shortgrass Prairie of the High Plains to the southwest, with Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, and the other Black Hills attractions an easy drive.

The Black Hills National Forest and the Thunder Basin Grassland offer ample year-round opportunities for fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and mountain biking.

Downhill and cross-country skiing and winter snowmobile trail rides await the winter sports enthusiast. There are pronghorn antelope, mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, sage grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, waterfowl, dove, small game, and turkey hunting in the spring and fall; bobcat, mountain lion, other furbearers, and small game hunting in the winter.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

* Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

* Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays

* Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future

* Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

* and MUCH MORE! for detailed information, oryou can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov

Human Resource Contact:
Ryan Scheer, ryan.scheer2,

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

* Directs, controls, and coordinates the field based natural resource, community service, and fire suppression work projects for the Wyoming Smokebusters & Forestry Conservation Program (FCP).

* Reports to and works closely with the FCP Manager to ensure that all field operations, FCP staff, and inmates adhere to the FCP policies and procedures, and WSFD/WDOC Memorandum of Understanding.

* Directly supervises the Correctional Forestry Crew Supervisor positions.

* Supervises up to 10 inmate workers as needed.

* Assists the FCP Manager with executive staff meetings, case plan reviews, safety committee meetings, and prison community partnership committee meetings as needed.

* Conducts monthly inmate evaluations, and documents and maintains files of written inmate observations and comments.

* Assists the FCP Manager in maintaining inmate training, fire experience, inventory records, and monthly time pay sheets including fire pay records.

* Makes recommendations on disciplinary and termination of the forestry inmate workers assigned to the Forestry Conservation Program manager.

* Trains forestry inmates and staff in wildland fire suppression, forest management operations, and safety of all equipment used.

* Maintains inventory of supplies for project work and fire suppression including chainsaw maintenance, parts, and repair, Personal Protective Equipment, and vehicles.

* Maintains fire experience and training records for the Correctional Forestry Crew Supervisors.

* Assists the FCP Manager in other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES:

Preference may be given to candidates with NWCG Red Card…