Fire Protection Specialist

The primary responsibility of a Fire Protection Specialist is to provide essential support for wildfire and all-hazard incidents within Kansas. As needed, qualified specialists may also deploy to support out-of-state incidents through established interagency agreements.

Program Goals

• Provide surge capacity for the Kansas Forest Service’s wildland fire program.

• Enhance workforce skills and experience to strengthen local, state, and national response capabilities.

• Offer Kansans opportunities to engage with and pursue careers in wildland fire management.

• Support critical incident response efforts in collaboration with state, federal, and local partners.

• Responsibilities of a Fire Protection Specialist

  Wildfire Prevention & Mitigation 

  • Assist in delivering wildfire prevention programs and fuel management projects. 
  • Support prescribed fire efforts, defensible space initiatives, and community wildfire risk reduction activities. 

   

  Incident Response & Coordination 

  • Assist with the coordination of wildfire response, resource mobilization, and operational communication. 
  • Support on-scene incident management, prioritizing safety and operational effectiveness. 

   

  Training & Public Education 

  • Support training delivery for firefighters, agencies, and community groups. 
  • Participate in public outreach and educational events promoting wildfire awareness and preparedness. 

   

  Collaboration & Partnerships 

  • Foster collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, nonprofits, and community stakeholders. 
  • Support partnerships that strengthen Kansas’ wildfire preparedness and response capacity. 

   

  All-Hazard Incident Support 

  • Assist with local and statewide all-hazard incidents that require KFS resources and expertise. 

   

  Working Conditions: 

  • Irregular hours, including nights and weekends during active fire seasons 
  • Outdoor work in variable and challenging environments, with potential extended deployments during incidents 
  • Administrative responsibilities including planning, reporting, and outreach activities 
  • Kansas’ primary spring fire season runs from February through early May, with support activities occurring year-round. 

  This position offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to wildfire prevention and response in Kansas, while gaining valuable experience in wildland fire management at both the state and national level. 

• Apply to Become a Fire Protection Specialist

  General Requirements: 

  • Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire 
  • Valid driver’s license required 
  • Must pass a Kansas State University background check 
  • Completion of ICS 100 and ICS 700 within 30 days of hire 
  • Meet physical fitness standards as required by NWCG PMS 310-1 (if applicable) 
  • Submit the most recent IQS/IQCS Master Record or equivalent raining documents 
  • Attend all training courses required 

   

  Please provide a cover letter and resume to Workforce Development Specialist (see contact information below) by October 31. Required documents: Cover Letter, Resume with references, Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) / Incident Qualification System (IQS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) Red Cards are not acceptable documentation) Please include your contact information; outline your work experience; your availability during Kansas and western fire season; qualifications and/or areas of Incident Command System (ICS) interest.  
  
  Application period closes on October 31 of each year. Applications will be reviewed in November, selections made, and all applicants will be contacted about their status by the end of December. 

This position offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to wildfire prevention and response in Kansas, while gaining valuable experience in wildland fire management at both the state and national level.

Interested in learning more?

Connect with our Workforce Development Specialist, to discuss how to get started.