Christopher James
Post Falls,ID
Summary
Talented, professional, considered knowledgeable leader and dedicated problem solver. Bringing 11 years of valuable expertise to forward Wildland and Structural Fire Management objectives. Attentive to detail with experience in coordinating projects, programs and improvements.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
9
9
NWCG/NFPA Qualifications
3
3
Professional License
Work History
Engine Boss
Wildfire Defense Systems
06.2022 - Current
- Led team in fighting fires and exercised considerable judgment in deciding best way to extinguish based on type of fuel and environment.
- Consistently created and distributed daily and incident briefings to multiple Taskforces that included ArcGIS situation maps, Incident Action Plans, fire weather forecasts and relevant safety and policy messages.
- Provided enhanced situational awareness for taskforce by providing fire intelligence under condensed timelines while responding to fires.
- Conducted periodic firefighter written performance evaluations and evaluated team performance implementing strategies to close gaps in skills or knowledge.
- Selected as Qualification Committee voting member responsible for taskbook oversight for field staff of 200+ employees.
Detection Center Lead
Oregon Department Of Forestry
04.2013 - 09.2021
- Conduct business analysis and research for small and large projects. Routinely create and conduct viewshed analysis for prospective new detection sites, assist in prioritization of potential development.
- Work with multiple large user groups requiring large amounts of coordination
- Provide Leadership and Program Management for Southwest Oregon District Smoke Detection Forestwatch System coordinating with all stakeholders / dispatch centers in region
- Compile statistics using ArcGIS, create viewshed maps, fire maps and lightning maps for fire incidents
- Evaluate, coordinate and setup emerging technologies (911Eye, Satellite Fire Detection, etc)
- Create, Develop and pioneer Unmanned Aircraft System Collection of Canopy Cover Data collection, mapping and fire investigation support using ArcGIS products, video editing software, flight planning programs (Foreflight) and many other software applications.
- Used ArcGIS Collector and ArcGIS Online to obtain fire incident data as well as lightning data. Provide training and support to field units for use of this system.
Firefighter / EMT
Evans Valley Fire District #6
02.2020 - 09.2021
- Volunteer Service
- Engineered, purchased and installed new site network system greatly improving network accessibility.
- Administered fire districts IT systems and moved domain to new web provider.
- Provided district technical support and Microsoft 365 account administration and setup for all employees.
- Respond to fire and medical emergencies to provide suppression and life saving medical care.
- Performed consistently and efficiently under complex and stressful situations.
- Operated complex fire apparatus including large water trucks and Type 1 Structural Engines
UAS Standardization Instructor Pilot
US Army
08.2005 - 11.2011
- Flight Operations Supervisor – records and training documents management
- Mission Commander – Mission execution authority
- Shadow 200 Standardization Instructor – Responsible for management of Aircrew Training Program
IT Field Technician
SonTech, LLC
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Conducted on-site and off-site installation, repair, maintenance and test tasks.
- Reviewed aspects of job upon completion to alleviate equipment failure and prevent callbacks.
- Operated hand tools and power equipment according to company safety procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautics / Minor in Business Management
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL06.2013
Associate of Applied Science - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Flight Operator
Cochise Community College
Sierra Vista, AZ05.2011
Skills
- Team leadership and direction
- Program Leadership
- Program Development and Management
- Performance monitoring
- Program Files Maintenance
- Excellent Communicator
Certification
- M-410 Facilitative Instructor
- Idaho Emergency Medical Technician
- Part 107 - Remote Pilot
- Boat Operator License (California)
- NWCG Incident Commander Type 4
- NFPA FIre and Emergency Services Instructor
Timeline
Engine Boss
Wildfire Defense Systems
06.2022 - Current
IT Field Technician
SonTech, LLC
09.2021 - 05.2022
Firefighter / EMT
Evans Valley Fire District #6
02.2020 - 09.2021
Detection Center Lead
Oregon Department Of Forestry
04.2013 - 09.2021
UAS Standardization Instructor Pilot
US Army
08.2005 - 11.2011
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautics / Minor in Business Management
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach
Associate of Applied Science - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Flight Operator
Cochise Community College
- M-410 Facilitative Instructor
- Idaho Emergency Medical Technician
- Part 107 - Remote Pilot
- Boat Operator License (California)
- NWCG Incident Commander Type 4
- NFPA FIre and Emergency Services Instructor
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