[Hiring] Prescribed Burn Association Coordinator @Pheasants Forever

Role Description

In partnership with the Arkansas Prescribed Burn Association (APBA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, local PBAs, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NRCS, and other partners, the Arkansas Prescribed Burn Association Coordinator, or “PBA Coordinator,” will work daily with APBA and all partners and landowners involved in local PBAs to provide support to the growing Prescribed Burn Association program in Arkansas. This position will:

• Provide prescribed fire-related training to local PBAs;
• Coordinate accurate and efficient burn acreage reporting from local PBAs to APBA;
• Track, inventory, order, and distribute prescribed fire equipment to local PBAs;
• Serve as the direct point of contact for local PBA officers, members, and potential new members;
• Communicate and report effectively to the APBA Board of Directors;
• Participate as necessary in prescribed burns with local PBAs;
• Organize and host new PBA start-up meetings when necessary;
• Complete all other duties and responsibilities associated with coordinating PBAs as determined by the QF Arkansas State Coordinator and the APBA Board.

Specific Duties:

• Facilitate day-to-day operations of the APBA to coordinate, equip, train, sustain, and lead PBA efforts in Arkansas and promote the ‘landowners helping landowners’ model.
• Serve as a Statewide PBA Outreach Coordinator and Expert in Prescribed Burning.
• Instruct PBAs, PBA membership, and landowners interested in PBAs through the burning process, and encourage landowners to participate in a two-day Qualified Prescribed Burner Course.
• Lead and develop training efforts in each PBA, and encourage PBAs to continue training efforts on their own.
• Assist individual members of PBAs and APBA through the Prescribed Burning process by utilizing their knowledge of fire behavior, fire effects, fire ecology, and the business of prescribed burning.
• Assist APBA with the planning of the Annual APBA Statewide Meeting.
• Conduct weekly, monthly, and quarterly check-ins with PBA officers, and APBA Directors to ensure effective communication and accountability.
• Document, track, inventory, disperse, and coordinate purchasing as feasible, of burn trailers and all equipment for PBAs.
• Encourage PBA members to recognize good burn opportunities and complete burns following a prescribed burn plan.
• Monitor and facilitate PBA burn reporting with frequent communication and coordination with PBA officers and membership. Encourage all PBA members/volunteers to report completed burns.
• Deliver public presentations, webinars, and workshops, and promote a healthy fire culture in Arkansas.
• Foster a healthy relationship with landowners, fire practitioners, PBAs, APBA, AR Fire Council, State and Federal Agencies, NGOs, and all other parties associated with prescribed fire and PBAs in Arkansas.
• Complete other duties as assigned to promote the mission of APBA and Quail Forever.
• Meet and understand requirements of Quail Forever’s Prescribed Fire Policy, and understand the difference between QF employee requirements and APBA requirements for PBA members and AR landowners.
• As necessary, participate in and lead prescribed burns, to include training burns, ensuring adherence to prescription and the safety of participants, neighbors, and the public. Encourage PBA members to boss their own burns and serve as guidance/support on PBA burns.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge and experience with prescribed fire, fire ecology, and wildfire as it pertains to the South and Southeast US.
• Holds appropriate prescribed fire certifications per National Wildfire Coordinating Group: EX: S-130, S-190, L-180, ICS-100, S-230, S-290, I-700, etc.
• Holds Arkansas Qualified Prescribed Burner qualification after employment.
• Current Pack Test or ability to acquire Pack Test in first year.
• CRWB – Required, RXB2 - Desired.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all landowners and partners.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by Federal agencies (i.e. USDA and US Fish and Wildlife Service), state agencies, private and NGO partners, etc.
• Excellent computer skills including working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, and ArcPro.
• Demonstrated experience as a leader with strong initiative.
• Ability to organize, develop, and implement educational and outreach activities, including workshops, seminars, and publications.
• Excellent and proven verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Willingness to work flexible schedule and some weekends as needed.
• Valid driver’s license required; work vehicle provided; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).

Education and Experience Requirements

• A minimum requirement for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in forestry, wildlife management, plant ecology, fire ecology, or a closely related natural resources field with a minimum of three years related experience.
• Prescribed fire training, certifications, and field experience as outlined above is required.
• Knowledge of Forestry and Working Lands agricultural operations is desired.

Benefits

• Starting Salary: $55,000 (commensurate with knowledge, skills, and experience) with annual performance-based raises.
• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans are available.
• 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
• Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
• Vehicle Provided. QF Employees are required to comply with PF/QF’s Driving Record Verification Process and adhere to PF/QF’s Operating Motor Vehicle Policy.
• Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees.
• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
• 13 paid holidays.

To Apply

Please combine your cover letter, resume, and three references as a single Microsoft Word document or PDF file before uploading as part of your application on our recruitment website at www.quailforever.org/about-us/careers . Only online applications will be accepted.

Contact

• Thomas Baldridge, APBA Director, [email protected] or 501-230-2030
• Hunter Johnson, APBA Director, [email protected] or 870-319-0218
• Ryan Parker, PF/QF Arkansas State Coordinator, [email protected] or (307) 321-6295

Pheasants Forever is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.