The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is seeking a qualified individual to serve as the department’s first ever Fire Management Officer (FMO). Our fire program is growing and looking build capacity with a full-time fire manager. Located within the Bureau if Conservation, the FMO will work closely with Tennessee State Parks and the Natural Areas Program to implement fire management on TDEC lands. Our resource-focused, science-driven fire program has accomplished great things in recent years and is looking to continue that momentum as we build capacity. The FMO will help coordinate 15-20 prescribed burns per year and ensure program readiness to respond to wildfires within the state. This position will work with over 60 militia-style firefighters from across TDEC; and will be supported by our team of botanists, ecologists, hydrologists, archaeologists, zoologists, park rangers, conservation workers, interpretive guides, and GIS gurus. The FMO will be responsible for writing and reviewing burn plans, leading prescribed burns, coordinating training opportunities and trainee assignments for TDEC staff, maintaining an equipment cache, and tracking agency fire objectives.

Minimum qualifications for this job include a Bachelor’s degree in the physical or life sciences, 5 years’ experience of full time professional work in wildland fire, ecology, or land management, and single resource boss qualification. Preferred candidates will have Burn Boss or Burn Manager training, GIS experience, and a demonstrated history working on teams with diverse backgrounds.

The duty station will be in Nashville, and there is some opportunity for remote work. This position has statewide responsibility and will require regular fieldwork and occasional overnight travel. Questions about qualifications and job duties can be directed to sam.king@tn.gov