Deputy Area Director

Job Purpose:

The Wildfire Preparedness Program Coordinator is responsible for assisting with the vision, planning, implementation, and evaluation of a major, upstart wildfire preparedness program in partnership with a local San Gabriel Valley community-based organization. The Program Coordinator will work with program management to implement grant objectives of various initiatives, including education and targeted outreach for preparedness, home assessment, defensible space and fuel reduction. The Program Coordinator will monitor program requirements, adhere to budget, and deliver program reports to management, funders, and other entities.

We require all employees to comply with our Mandatory Vaccination Policy. As a condition of employment individuals will be asked to provide proof of compliance.

Antelope Valley residents highly encouraged to apply.

Main Responsibilities:

• Assist with the design and implementation of a wildfire preparedness program in the Antelope Valley
• Assist with the vision, development, and delivery of wildfire preparedness education and outreach programs, specifically aimed at the region's most vulnerable and rural populations.
• Act as secondary liaison with community-based organizations, government entities, and other key stakeholders
• Maintain understanding of all local, state, and federal emergency alert systems, fire weather warnings, weather radar/winds and assist the community in understanding and becoming active users of these resources
• Manage relationships with a wide array of local, county and state stakeholders, fostering effective partnerships and community involvement
• Adhere to program fiscal budgets in conjunction with leadership and ensure financial compliance
• Maintain compliance with grant guidelines, local, state, and federal laws, and organizational policies
• Help identify growth opportunities within Southern California (and beyond) and create strategic partnerships to achieve program objectives
• Foster collaborative relationships with internal staff and external agencies
• Research to collect, organize, and evaluate data and information to inform program direction
• Assist in identification and research of grant opportunities to expand departmental portfolio
• Represent the organization at selected community events
• Create, present, and distribute engaging and comprehensive wildfire preparedness educational materials and presentations.
• Other duties as assigned

Scope and Travel:

• Reports to Program Manager
• Will need to drive locally and throughout CORE’s service areas across Los Angeles County. Significant travel within the Antelope Valley communities. Travel also includes within Southern California for work meetings, trainings, conferences, and field operations.
• Weekend availability for occasional events and community engagement

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in wildfire management, emergency management, environmental science, forestry, or a related field, OR equivalent field experience in wildfire mitigation or disaster preparedness.
• Minimum 1-2 years in the field of environmental sciences, climate action/resilience, sustainability or community outreach and climate engagement/programs
• Relevant certifications such as Wildland Firefighter/Field Crew, Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist are preferred, and equivalent experience will be considered.
• Proficiency in creating and delivering presentations to a variety of audiences in different environments.
• Proficiency in a second language such as Spanish (native proficiency preferred)
• Proficiency in Canva and Microsoft Office
• Skilled research, reading, writing, and organizing data into reports
• Highly organized and a self starter

Experience:

• Minimum 1-2 years in the field of disaster preparedness, environmental health, or climate science/resilience.
• Minimum of 1-2 years' experience in program implementation, wildfire mitigation or disaster preparedness.
• Proven experience in community outreach and education, especially with vulnerable populations.
• Demonstrable ability to assess Communities’ highest wildfire risk areas, and develop robust outreach and targeting training in Wildfire Preparedness.
• Familiarity with the Antelope Valley and its specific wildfire risks and community dynamics.
• Demonstrated experience with preparing and managing grant funded budgets. Ability to make decisions and pivot based on budget fluctuations.
• Familiarity with community-based organizations in Antelope Valley.

Skills & Competencies:

• Understanding of wildfire home assessment and defensible space best practices.
• Proficiency in data management, with an emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with experience presenting to diverse audiences.
• Comprehensive knowledge of local emergency alert systems and fire weather warnings and fire behavior.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail and a high level of output.
• Proficient in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Powerpoint).
• Proficient in content creation applications (Canva).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Work proactively with little supervision.
• Flexible and adaptive to a frequently changing environment