New Fire Management Officers Begin 2-Year Mentorship

The 7th generation of the Fire Management Mentoring Program began with a two-day workshop on March 24, 2009. The program pairs an experienced Fire Management Officer with an individual or individuals preparing to move into fire management officer positions. This generation was targeted for entry-level fire management officers due to the general difficulty in filling this position which is critical to park operations in many larger and cluster parks. "It’s not easy to move into a fire management officer position from a lower level. The mentoring program gives mentees the advantage of a dedicated mentor who can help guide them to, and through their first position as fire managers" stated Jim Shultz, Training Specialist at the National Park Service Fire Management Program Center. The two year program consists of three workshops and numerous training and experience opportunities for the five mentees. Last week’s workshop focused on establishing and maintaining a mentoring relationship, balancing one’s work and personal life, and time management. Presenters included Dr. Ruth Johnston of Washington State University and Jayne Black of Boise State University's Center for Professional Development.

The application period for the 8^th generation Fire Management Mentoring Program will be from March – September 2010. If you are interested in learning more about this program, please contact Jim Shultz at 208-387-5215 or jim_shultz@nps.gov.