Job Title Program Specialist I
Agency Texas A&M Forest Service
Department Fd Assistance Programs - Helping Hands
Proposed Minimum Salary $4,500.00 monthly
Job Location Lufkin, Texas
Job Type Staff
Job Description
The Program Specialist oversees all aspects of the Helping Hands Program for an assigned area, transferring essential equipment to rural volunteer fire departments through coordinated donation and distribution efforts. This includes managing the full life-cycle of donated property - from intake, inventory, coordination of distribution and disposal - with most distribution carried out in collaboration with field staff. The position provides day-to-day supervision of one seasonal employee. Routine travel is required to pick up donated items, deliver equipment when needed and meet with prospective donors. The Program Specialist will perform administrative and customer service duties for Fire Quench and Burn Ban Flags.. Work is performed with the FireConnect web application to process requests, maintain records and manage program documentation.
Responsibilities:
-Administer all functions of the Helping Hands Program within the assigned area, including receiving and processing of donated gear and equipment, maintaining accurate inventory records and overseeing disposal of unserviceable items. Coordinate the transfer of fulfilled requests through close collaboration with field staff. Oversee vehicle title research and processing, direct SCBA testing activities carried out by contractors and manage warehouse operations. Maintain stock levels in partnership with other warehouses and initiate supply purchases as needed. Supervise assigned staff and guide daily work activities.
-Serve as the primary point-of-contact for volunteer fire departments and donors within the assigned area. Respond promptly to inquiries by phone, email and in person, providing clear communication to understand specific needs related to equipment requests. Meet routinely with donors and departments to coordinate donation pickups and deliver equipment when needed. Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and donors, ensuring a positive experience and fostering ongoing support for the program. Travel regularly within the assigned area to support donation development and address customer needs.
-Maintain accurate and organized files in both electronic and paper formats. Process purchases and travel transactions, track receipts and prepare daily cash logs. Use the FireConnect web application to manage program applications, update inventory records and document customer interactions. Manage ordering, shipments and payments for the Fire Quench and Burn Ban Flag program.
-Manage and account for all agency credit cards in accordance with applicable laws, policies, rules, procedures and guidelines.
-Assist and support other agency programs and activities, including participation in emergency response.
-Other duties as assigned.
-Employees with administrative duties:
*May require extended bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, squatting and sitting *May require extended communication with visitors and employees in person, telephonically or electronically. *May require infrequent travel in State vehicles with overnight stays. *May require operating computers with monitors for extended periods of time.
-Other duties as assigned
Benefits: Texas A&M University System strives to support the health and wellness needs of our diverse workforce. Texas A&M Forest Service offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and health and lifestyle programs as well as educational incentives and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
Education and Experience:
Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Project Management, Warehouse Management or related field of study, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Required Experience: Two (2) years of experience in program operations/delivery or related area. Preferred Experience: Experience in business management, project management, supply chain or warehouse management. Supervisory experience. Familiarity with fire service operations and need.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Required Knowledge: Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office applications. Preferred Knowledge: Working knowledge of agency fire department assistance programs. Required Skills: Sound judgement. Attention to detail. Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills. Highly self-motivated. Able to perform most duties with minimal instruction and supervision, with a high degree of accuracy. Required Abilities: Work independently and effectively in a fast-paced environment and on team projects. Willingness to learn. Multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:
Required: Valid Texas Drivers license or ability to acquire one within 30 days of employment.
Applicant Instructions:
Resume, cover letter and transcript (if applicable) are REQUIRED to be uploaded to application. References are required to be entered in the secondary questionnaire section of the application. Certifications are preferred to be uploaded to the application. Documents/certifications can be uploaded in the "My Experience" page in the "Resume/CV section. More than one document can be uploaded; just click the "Upload" button for each document. Documents can only be loaded at this time and cannot be uploaded once the application is submitted. If there are any issues uploading documents, please contact 979-458-6690. Please check your spam folder in case more information is sent in regards to this position.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.