The employer is hiring for Full-Time position that is Grant Funded for 3 years. The entry wage is $29.35/hr.
Job Summary: Custer County is seeking a Full Time Coal Seam Mitigation Specialist to support a 3 year project focused on identifying, assessing and mitigating coal seam fires across eastern Montana. This role includes field assessments, data collection, contractor monitoring and extensive documentation.
A key responsibility is maintaining clear, complete and defensible documentation for all project activities, ensuring compliance with the Quality Management Plan (QMP) and Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)for Measure 3.
Supervision Received: Reports directly to Custer County Fire Warden/DES Coordinator, with secondary reporting to the Custer County Fire Warden/Deputy DES Coordinator.
Supervision Exercised: This position does not regularly supervise other county staff.
Probationary Period: This job position has a probationary period of 12 months with an option to extend the probationary period up to 18 months.
Funding Contingency: This position is 100% funded by a Federal Grant for a 3-year period (2026-2029). Continued employment is strictly subject to the renewal of grant funding. If grant funding is terminated or reduced prior to the anticipated end date, this position may be eliminated or modified accordingly, subject to Montana labor regulations.
Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These duties are the essential functions and are not all-inclusive of all duties that the incumbent performs.
Field Assessment & Data Collection
Conduct field inspections using DNRC ignition records and 2022 UAS thermal mapping data.
Document seam characteristics (depth, burn indicators, overburden, access constraints, hazards).
Collect GPS/GIS data, measurements, samples and photographs with proper metadata.
Assist engineers with technical site investigations and sampling.
Documentation, Data Management & Audit Trail (Major Emphasis)
Maintain a complete organized, audit ready document trail for all project tasks over the 3 year duration.
Record and track:
Daily field notes
Photo logs with metadata
GPS/GIS datasets
Landowner contact records
Contractor oversight logs
Safety briefings and JHAs
Progress tracking and quantity verification
Prepare structured summaries, memos and reporting packages suitable for reviewers and auditors.
Ensure all data complies with QMP/QAPP and follows version control, naming conventions and retention requirements.
Project Support & Contractor Oversight
Support development of work plans, treatment methods, safety documents and technical packages.
Provide on site monitoring during contractor operations and document performance.
Track progress, verify quantities and document deviations or issues.
Support invoice verification using accurate field documentation.
Prioritization Support & Data Standardization
Compile and standardize coal seam attributes for prioritization. Assist with the county's three tier framework:
Priority 1: seams with ignition history
Priority 2: seams selected via benefit--cost analysis
Priority 3: seams requiring control lines or fuel treatments
Maintain documentation explaining criteria, thresholds and decisions.
Produce maps, tables and datasets for reporting.
Landowner & Stakeholder Coordination
Coordinate access, schedule walkthroughs and communicate expectations.
Maintain a complete landowner contact log with dates, outcomes and agreements.
Represent Custer County professionally in all interactions.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
Follow all Custer County Fire safety rules and PPE requirements.
Ensure all documentation meets QMP/QAPP standards throughout the project.
Non-Essential Functions:
Perform other duties as assigned including but not limited to managing special projects, attending meetings and conferences, participating in training, etc.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions: The demands and conditions described here are representative of those the employee must meet to perform the essential functions of the job.
Field conditions include rough terrain, steep slopes, smoke/heat exposure and heavy equipment presence.
Requires hiking, lifting up to 50 pounds and extended outdoor work.
Includes office/remote work for documentation and reporting.
Field workload peaks spring through fall.
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent with college-level courses in environmental science, mining technology or related field.
Experience in wildland fire, natural resources, environmental fieldwork, geology, construction/earthwork or related fields.
Experience in risk identification, mitigation planning and monitoring.
Experience working with regulatory agencies like the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or the EPA on mining-related projects.
Proficiency in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping, data analysis and environmental software (ArcGIS, Field Maps, Collector, etc.)
Minimum Qualifications:
Ability to work in rugged terrain and variable weather.
Basic GIS/GPS capabilities
Strong documentation and organizational skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word).
Strong written and verbal communication.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout eastern Montana.
Preferred Qualifications:
Direct work experience with coal seam fires, fuels mitigation or wildfire operations.
Experience with contractor oversight or heavy equipment projects.
Knowledge of QMP/QAPP standards or QA/QC documentation.
NWCG training/experience (e.g., S 130/190).
To apply: Please complete a Custer County Application available at the Miles City Job Service and return completed applications to the Miles City Job Service.
