[Hiring] Prescribed Fire Practitioner IV @The Nature Conservancy

Role Description

Join us as a Prescribed Fire Practitioner and be at the heart of an evolving fire culture. The Nature Conservancy’s North America Fire program is developing a prescribed fire workforce to put more good fire on the ground in the places where it matters most. Our program works throughout the country to support fire adapted ecosystems and empower and prepare communities to live with fire.

Your journey with the North America Fire program means flexible work schedules, living wages, and countless opportunities to grow as a fire professional. Plus, you’ll build strong relationships within the fire community and local areas where we operate.

The Prescribed Fire Practitioner IV functions as a member of North America Fire’s Prescribed Fire Modules program. They assist on prescribed and wildland fire operations throughout the United States by:

• Conducting prescribed burns
• Preparing fire lines
• Maintaining equipment
• Monitoring post-burn fire effects
• Carrying out other prescribed fire and vegetation management related tasks

As part of their ongoing professional development, the Prescribed Fire Practitioner IV is responsible for:

• Keeping up with new burn techniques and equipment
• Enhancing their skills and growing their professional fire certification credentials
• Building and maintaining relationships in the professional fire community and local communities
• Participating in partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service and other local, state, and federal agencies
• Engaging with non-profits, local fire departments, and Tribal or Indigenous communities

The Prescribed Fire Practitioner IV will be expected to:

• Direct tasks in coordination with local Nature Conservancy and/or U.S. Forest Service Fire Management staff
• Function as a professional and respectful member of a diverse team
• Assist with all aspects of prescribed burning, including overseeing staff and volunteers during fire-related activities
• Operate ATVs, UTVs, tractors, chainsaws, and leaf blowers
• Tow trailers and maintain assigned equipment
• Become competent with mobile mapping and data collection such as Collector for ArcGIS and Avenza Maps
• Perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain
• Evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions affecting safety and work
• Ensure safe work practices
• Maintain accurate records of work time, expenses, etc., and submit reports in a timely manner
• Conduct themselves in ways that are consistent with TNC’s Code of Conduct

This is a part-time, seasonal, hourly position and overtime applies after the first 40 hours each week. Hourly compensation will range from $28.00 to $34.00 per hour.

The Prescribed Fire Practitioner IV will be expected to be on prescribed fire assignments at least eight weeks during their six-month employment term, though they will be able to determine their dates of availability, length of assignment, and return home between assignments. In most cases, the minimum assignment length will be two weeks. Travel expenses, meals, and lodging will be covered when traveling for assignments. Approved purchases of required equipment will be partially or fully reimbursed.

The use of alcohol and recreational drugs is prohibited any time while on assignment to maintain a healthy, communal atmosphere and build trust among the partners and communities where we work.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and 1-year training in fire operations, science-related field or similar field or related experience in land management
• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and successful completion of FFT1 task book
• Two or more seasons as a Senior Burn Crew Member or similar agency qualification
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by the local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers is required
• May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application

Requirements

• Two years of training in fire operations or other science-related fields or related experience in land management or a similar field
• Single Resource Boss qualified
• Has a valid driver’s license and good driving record

Benefits

• Competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match
• Parental leave
• Accrued paid time off
• Life insurance
• Disability coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Other life and work well-being benefits