Thomas Remus

As the Regional FMO, this position directs all phases of regional wildland fire management programs on Federally managed lands to include fire management planning, aviation management, training and workforce planning, fire preparedness, fuels management and fire prevention, dispatch coordination, suppression, post-suppression, as well as all hazard and emergency response activities. Additionally, the Regional FMO directs budget administration, internal and external communication, development and implementation of cooperative agreements, development of policy and procedures for the fire management program, and quality assurance and policy compliance.

• Increased employee engagement through the implementation of professional development opportunities and recognition programs.
• Collaborated with other department leaders to ensure seamless coordination of efforts throughout the organization, promoting synergy among all functional areas.
• Served the Geographic Area(GACC) and Region in the following capacities; Liaison to the GACC Operations and Dispatch Team, Chair Of the Geogrphic Area Coordination Group, GACC Rep to the National Coordination Group Advisory Committee, the MNICS Board of Directors, MNICS Aviation Planning Group.

Technically advised and offered guidance to senior leadership and staff within state or regional levels and supports unit levels on fire management policies and implementation strategies to ensure sound understanding and efficient interpretation.
Provided input on strategic long-range planning concepts; provided leadership and guidance through coordinated efforts and program evaluation feedback on state or regional wildland fire and aviation programs in bureau and interagency community.
Served alongside other senior officials and offerd recommendations on annual program budget formation, state or regional accomplishment narratives, programmatic proposals, solutions, supplementals, and oversight accountability of overall program budget. Coordinated and oversees wildland fire fuels programs on public and Indian trust lands administered by the Bureau.
Oversaw and directed all aspects of the fuels management program state or region-wide which included planning, coordination, and evaluation of program initiatives. Developed mid and long-term work requirements of land and resources management plans alternatives. Planned and oversaw contract and procurement of goods and services in order to accomplish fuels management goals and objectives. Evaluateed multiple fuels treatments on a landscape basis for effectiveness of the overall fuels management program and initiates program changes based on
evaluation findings. Performed fiscal analysis, formulates annual fuels management budgets, and accounts for program expenditures from out-year planning to year-end closures.
Maintained the smoke management program to ensure compliance with state or regional air quality standards; collaborates and negotiates with federal, state, tribal and local government air quality officials to ensure collective compliance in operational procedures and reporting requirements.
Served as state or regional subject matter expert representative in negotiations with stakeholder partners on initiatives and activities by advising on appropriate fire management program planning and resources strategies. During Departmental, Bureau, Tribal conferences, leads in conference planning, facilitates briefing presentations; composes and presents accountability reports’ findings. Collaborated with stakeholders to ensure appropriateness in planning and resourcing of fire management programs geographically.

Severed in the following capacities; MNICS Rx Fire Working Team, Joint Fire Science Board (BIA Rep), Chaired a Interagency Fire Risk Assessment for MN.