Prescribed Fire Crew Member (2 positions)

Applications accepted until filled.

The L-A-D Foundation is a Missouri private operating foundation dedicated to exemplary stewardship of Pioneer Forest and other natural and cultural areas and to scientific research, education, public recreation, and encouragement for projects and policies that have a positive influence on the Missouri Ozark region and beyond. See: www.ladfoundation.org

Position Summary:

The two-person crew will be based near Salem, Missouri with the primary goal of implementing prescribed fire on Foundation and agency partner lands. Other responsibilities include eastern red cedar removal and invasive species management.  Work environment includes shortleaf pine-oak woodlands, old-growth shortleaf pine and glades. This position also includes routine natural area management activities. This position requires extended periods of outdoor physical labor with potential for long and irregular hours in a remote setting. Crew members must be available for work on short notice when business requires. Camping and extended hiking may be required. Housing stipends are available. Employment start date and duration are flexible.

Season:                October 6, 2025 – April 3, 2026. Start date/duration flexible, three weeks off unpaid for holidays

Hours:                 40 hours/week with potential for overtime

Salary:                $20.00/hour

Location:            Salem, Missouri, and Missouri Ozark region

Essential Functions:

• Perform fireline construction with power and hand tools, and participate in wildland fire operations including training, planning, ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, documentation, etc. 
• Conduct routine conservation land management work such as eastern red cedar cutting and pile burning, treatment and mapping of exotic invasive species, backcountry trail maintenance, boundary line posting, etc.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ability to carry a 45-pound pack over 3 miles of level terrain in 45 minutes or less (Arduous Level Pack Test) and maintain fitness.
• At least 6 months of related experience and a high school diploma.
• Willingness to do physically demanding work for long and irregular hours.
  
  

Desired Attributes:

Additional skills and competencies:

• Qualified as or able to meet qualifications for FFT2, including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), Chainsaw Use (S-212).
• Ability to perform the safe operation of chainsaws, 4x4 trucks, trailers, UTVs, pumps and hand tools.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work well with a wide variety of people in stressful conditions and to follow assignments closely.
• Ability to perform exceptionally hard physical work for extended and irregular periods, under adverse conditions in all extremes of weather.  These conditions also present frequent possibility for injury and require long hours in isolated settings.
• First Aid/CPR/EMT/Wilderness First Responder and chainsaw certification and experience helpful.
• A strong interest in landscape conservation, ecological restoration and the management of natural areas.

Benefits:

The L-A-D Foundation / Pioneer Forest will provide housing stipend. Transportation to/from site, job-related equipment, liability insurance necessary for completion of essential functions, including liability coverage for operating company vehicles and workers compensation coverage will also be provided. The L-A-D Foundation / Pioneer Forest shall not provide for the following: health insurance, retirement benefits, withholding of any kind from crew member payments, or any other employee benefits. Crew members agree to release the Foundation and the Forest and its employees, agents, or assigns for any claims or actions arising from personal injury or damage to personal property in fulfillment of this assignment.

EOE Statement:  L-A-D Foundation / Pioneer Forest is an equal opportunity employer.  We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, country of origin, or gender.