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Prescribed Fire Coordinator

The Nature Conservancy

Missoula, Montana

Job Type Permanent
Salary $52,000 - $55,500 per year
Benefits This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, sp

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Prescribed Fire Coordinator (PFC) will be a key staff member within the Montana Chapter’s Forest Program focused on increasing the use of ecological fire to increase forest resilience, restore critical habitats and reduce the negative impacts of high severity wildfire. This position will work in coordination with other TNC Montana Business Unit (MTBU) staff, local communities, governmental agencies, tribal and NGO partners to build broad community-based support for prescribed fire. The position will include a mix of coordination (approx. 1/3 of time), partner and community engagement (approx. 1/3 of time) and implementation (approx. 1/3 of time). This position will help design, plan, and implement prescribed fire treatments in support of TNC and partners’ shared goals of increased burning on all lands including federal, state, local, tribal, and private lands. A major focus will be on supporting collaborative projects and efforts to enable more prescribed fire projects by public and private landowners. The PFC will support MTBU fire programs to ensure the science-based execution of prescribed fire and forest restoration treatments, with the goal of increasing resilience of forest ecosystems and communities in the face of climate change. The PFC will engage with private landowners and the public to build understanding and support for increased use of prescribed burning as a tool for ecological restoration. The successful candidate will help shape this program through partnerships with public and private organizations and through engaging local community support for prescribed fire efforts, and developing innovative solutions with agencies, tribes, and landowners to restore resilient forests and build fire resilient communities. The PFC will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances in occupied grizzly bear habitat.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you interested in developing natural resources-based solutions to make forests, grasslands, and communities more resilient to wildfire? TNC Montana is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make our state unique, and one of our strategies is advancing the use of ecological fire. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!

This salaried, three-year position will work closely with local communities and prescribed fire partners to inspire and support the growth of collaborative cross-boundary burning in Montana with a focus on the Blackfoot Valley. In addition, they will work to build and maintain partnerships with local communities, governmental agencies, tribal and NGO partners. They will support strategic action and drive implementation of forest management practices on state, private, and federal lands within the Blackfoot Valley. The PFC will participate in prescribed fire operations and may help develop prescribed burn plans on a variety of land ownerships. The PFC may supervise contractors and partner crews in completion of restoration and management activities to protect and restore fire-dependent native plant communities. They will implement strategic plans, coordinate community support, manage contracts and implement Forest Program strategies.

What You’ll Bring:

  • BA/BS degree and 3 years of experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must meet NWCG qualifications for Squad Boss (FFT1). See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm
  • Experience in prescribed fire.
  • Annually pass physical fitness testing at the Arduous level.
  • Experience managing staff or volunteers.
  • Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
  • Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
  • Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
  • Experience using common software applications such as ArcGIS Pro, Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
  • Experience in training.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
  • 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience applying science to decision-making and guide activities.
  • Knowledge of ecological land management principles, especially related to forestry and fire management.
  • Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
  • Experience with prescribed burn planning.
  • Experience developing and maintaining relationships to expand the use of prescribed fire.

Additional Job Information:

This is a 3-year term position. The position will be based out of Missoula, MT and involve frequent travel throughout Western Montana.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $52,000 – $55,500 for annual base salary depending on experience. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply here: https://careers.tnc.org/us/en/job/JR101064/Prescribed-Fire-Coordinator 

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.

Category Forestry, General / Stewardship, Land Trust
Tags Wildland Firefighter, GIS