Christine Thompson
San Carlos,AZ
Summary
Accomplished Prescribed Fire & Fuels Specialist with expertise in leadership, decision-making, planning, fuels treatment and wildland fire operations. Ability to enhance team performance through task delegation and training. Proven expertise in wildland fire operations and prescribed fire operations. Skilled in developing effective strategies, ensuring safety, team performance and support organizational goals. Committed to quality and success through communication.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Prescribed Fire & Fuels Specialist
San Carlos Apache Tribe
San Carlos, AZ
06.2015 - 03.2026
- Serve as a specialist in mechanical fuels treatments, prescribed fire treatments and wildland fire suppression.
- Provide planning, direction, operational oversight and specialized expertise in guiding reservation fuels management and prescribed fire program.
- Write prescribed fire plans in various types of vegetation and terrain.
- Perform complex analysis, develops alternatives, and recommends management decisions affecting the overall wildland fire management strategy of Reservation, focusing effort on the role of mechanical fuels treatments and prescribed fire projects in overall strategy.
- Deal with a variety fo complex technical problems relating to fire use and fuels management, including fire weather, smoke management, fire behavior, crew safety and computer modeling programs.
- Develop project budgets, annual operating plans and general work force needs for fuel treatment projects.
- Collect and analyze wildland fire ecology information to develop fuel management plans and strategies, fire behavior models, fire histories and fuel treatment projects.
- Prepare project proposal, plans and NEPA documentation for fuel treatment projects meeting the objectives of the Forest Management Plan, Wildland Fire Management Plan and various ranch plans.
- Present proposals and resolutions to the Cattle Association, interdisciplinary Team, Natural Resource Committee, and Tribal Council.
- Collect and analyze forest fuel loading data using FIREMON or equivalent fire monitoring program.
- Acts as Incident Commander on wildfires, as needed, during fire season. Supervises two permanent fuels technician, crew boss and heavy equipment operators. Provide fire use educational presentation for public awareness, schools, resource programs, etc. Manage all GSA lease vehicles for program. Provide written monthly report to staff.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies. Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data. Ensure database is kept accurate and up-to-date. Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Coordinated with IT department to upgrade cybersecurity measures, safeguarding company data.
- Assisted in developing strategic plan that aligned with long-term company goals.
- Improved team collaboration by initiating regular strategy meetings.
- Implemented new training programs for staff, leading to higher employee retention rates and better overall performance.
- Wildland Fire Qualifications positions include: Firefighter Type 2, Incident Commander Typ 4, Incident Commander Type 5, Crew Boss-Single Resource, Engine Boss-Single Resource, Fire Effects Monitor, Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2, Firing Boss Task Force Leader, Strike Team Leader Crew, Division/Group Supervisor, Safety Officer Type 3, UTV Operator
- Wildland Fire Trainee positions include: Fire Behavior Analyst, Long Term Analyst, Incident Commander Type 3, and Prescribed Fire Manager
- Knowledgeable of strategical and tactical operations in Wildland Fire Operations and Prescribed Fire Operations.
- Knowledgeable of fire ecology and the role of fire in forest, woodland, chaparral, shrubland and grassland ecosystem.
- Able to write and initiate clear technical reports
- Effectively communicate and understand English language and in San Carlos Apache Language
- Able to work cooperatively with federal agencies and other tribal departments and programs.
- Knowledgeable of personal computers, printers, setting up emails, microsoft office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
- Knowledgeable of plant species of trees, woodland, shrubs etc.
- Provide support to Southwest Fire Fighters (SWFF) Training/SWFF Program Manager in facilitating, educating, teaching, and leading wildland fire classes.
- Teach Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) to employees in operating, driving, maintenance, safety, rules and regulations of operating UTV.
- Knowledgeable of ArcGIS mapping software for creating, managing, analyzing, and mapping spatial data.
- Willing to learn new duties and responsibilities
Fuels Technician
San Carlos Apache Tribe
San Carlos, CA
05.2009 - 06.2015
- Document, collect and weigh live plant vegetation (trees, woodland, shrubs, grasses) in field at various locations (pine needles, twigs, leaf litter, branches) and place in oven to cook for measuring the dry weight of plant.
- Provide an analysis from pre and post plant vegetation fuel moisture to ensure fuel moisture are within prescription described in the prescribed fire plan using FIREMON and Firemon Feat-Integrated (FFI) software.
- Write clear accurate report on pre and post fuel moistures data, weather data, fire behavior observations, smoke observation, and operations of prescribed fire to ensure goals and objectives are met.
- Write, implement, budget, evaluate, document, and monitor prescribed fire plans. Ensure safe operations of prescribed fires.
- Assist with leading, teaching, facilitating, documenting, scoring, scheduling, and providing students with training materials.
- During Fire Season assist with suppression of wildland fires locally and nationally when needed.
- Use ArcGIS software in creating, managing, printing, and storing spacial data for mechanical treatment projects and prescribed fires.
- Knowledge in use of two-way radios to effectively communicate with firefighters. Understand how to clone radios, change frequencies, program radio in vehicles, download radio software, and train employees in use of hand held two-way radios.
- Able to use forestry hand tools and chainsaws.
- Order Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all employees in replenishing PPE, supply needs, and replacements according to budget.
- Participate in daily physical fitness exercises (running, weight lifting, hiking and calisthenics).
Education
Bachelor of Science - Forestry
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ05-2012
Certificate - Fire Ecology & Management
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ05-2012
Wildland Fire Fighter Advanced Academy Class Six - Forestry
The National FireFighter Joint Apprenticeship & Training Prg
Sacramento, CA02-1995
Wildland FireFighter Basic Academy Class Six - Forestry
The National FireFighter Joint Apprenticeship & Training Prg
Sacramento, CA03-1994
High School Diploma -
Sherman Indian High Scool
Riverside, CA05-1988
Skills
- Time Management
- Verbal & Written communication/Reports
- Task delegation & prioritization
- Leadership
- Staff training & Development
- Computer skills
- Microsoft Word
- FLUENT IN San Carlos Apache Language and English Language
- ArcGIS Mapping
- Wildland Operations & Prescribed Fire Operations
- Decision Making & Critical Thinking
- Adaptability & Flexibility
Accomplishments
- Achieved excellence by completing Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 with accuracy and efficiency.
- Documented and resolved employee injury which led to patient stabilization and transport to medical facility by air
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Documented and resolved Chainsaw Operations which led to continuance safety operations of employee.
- Supervised team of twenty six staff members.
- Achieved high scool recruitment for employment through effectively helping with Career Day for local high schools.
Certification
see attachment of Incident Qualification Certifications System (IQCS) record with employment.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
- DIY and Home Improvement
- Participating in local clean-up initiatives
- Youth Development Programs
- Enjoy hobbies that combine physical activity with outdoor exploration
- Reading
- I participate in a variety of outdoor recreational activities
- Historical Exploration
- Drone Piloting
- Horseback Riding
- Gym Workouts
- Watching Movies and TV Shows
- Community Cleanup
- Backpacking and Hiking
- Documenting and sharing travel experiences
- Hiking
- Camping
- Running
- Road Trips
Timeline
Prescribed Fire & Fuels Specialist
San Carlos Apache Tribe
06.2015 - 03.2026
Fuels Technician
San Carlos Apache Tribe
05.2009 - 06.2015
Bachelor of Science - Forestry
Northern Arizona University
Certificate - Fire Ecology & Management
Northern Arizona University
Wildland Fire Fighter Advanced Academy Class Six - Forestry
The National FireFighter Joint Apprenticeship & Training Prg
Wildland FireFighter Basic Academy Class Six - Forestry
The National FireFighter Joint Apprenticeship & Training Prg
High School Diploma -
Sherman Indian High Scool