The Rx Burn Operations Coordinator supports prescribed fire and hazardous fuels reduction operations in the Lake Tahoe Basin through the Nevada Conservation Corps (NCC), a program of the Great Basin Institute (GBI), by coordinating training, field readiness, and day-to-day crew operations.

Working in partnership with the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), this position provides field leadership, operational support, and mentorship to crew leads and crew members engaged in prescribed fire and fuels reduction work. The Coordinator helps ensure crews are trained, equipped, and prepared to safely carry out project work including burn preparation, ignition support, holding, mop-up, patrol, hose lay installation, pump operations, and related fuels reduction activities.

This position requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively in dynamic outdoor environments. Work is conducted in field and backcountry settings, often in steep, uneven, or otherwise rugged terrain. Schedules may vary and can include 4-day, 5-day, and 8-day tours. 

Essential Job Functions may include the following:

• Coordinate and support required crew trainings related to prescribed fire and hazardous fuels reduction operations.
• Provide direct oversight, mentorship, and operational support to crew leads.
• Coordinate with USFS project partners on project planning, field briefings, crew readiness, and daily operations.
• Ensure crews are prepared to safely perform assigned duties including ignition support, holding, mop-up, patrol, hose lay installation, and pump operations.
• Promote and maintain compliance with GBI, NCC, AmeriCorps, USFS, and project-specific safety protocols, emergency procedures, and job hazard analyses.
• Support the completion and tracking of required certifications, qualifications, and red card documentation.
• Conduct or support physical training, morning briefings, emergency response planning, and other readiness activities.
• Monitor and support the accuracy of field documentation, data collection, and crew timekeeping.
• Oversee the condition, inventory, and maintenance of tools, PPE, vehicles, pumps, radios, and other field equipment.
• Work with the fuels management team to understand unit locations, project objectives, and operational expectations.
• Ensure work is completed to partner standards and in accordance with agency direction.
• Support implementation of Emergency Response Plans and train staff on applicable procedures.
• Support crew leads in developing supervisory skills, communication strategies, and conflict management tools.
• Reinforce safe chainsaw and tool use practices in support of project implementation.
• Collect, compile, and report field data using tools such as Avenza Maps, Google Drive, and Google Sheets.
• Operate chainsaws, hand tools, pumps, and other field equipment in support of hazardous fuels reduction and habitat restoration work.
• Support project site preparation, including slash treatment, line preparation, access preparation, and hazard removal.
• Support ignition operations under LTBMU supervision and participate in holding, mop-up, and patrol as needed.
• Address and elevate concerns related to crew welfare, morale, workplace conduct, and shared housing issues, as appropriate.
• Assist with incident reporting, including vehicle accident documentation and workers’ compensation paperwork, as needed.
• Maintain professionalism and cooperative working relationships with crew members, staff, and agency partners.
• Participate fully in field operations and remain capable of performing the physical and technical duties required of the position

Requirements/Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, employees must be able to satisfactorily carry out each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• • Education: High school diploma or GED required.
  • Experience: 
    • At least one year of leadership, supervisory, or coordination experience in conservation, forestry, outdoor work, or fire operations.
    • At least three years of direct field experience in wildland fire, prescribed fire, fuels reduction, forestry, trails, or closely related work.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Ability to pass the Work Capacity Test at the Arduous level and maintain required qualifications.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with agency partners, staff, and crew members from a variety of backgrounds.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules, field conditions, and project priorities.
• Physical ability to perform prolonged, strenuous work in rugged terrain and variable weather conditions.

Background Check: Successful completion of a criminal background check is required as a condition of employment for this position. (Required in all PDs)

Preferred:

• Experience working with Federal, State, Tribal, or municipal fire crews.
• Experience coordinating field-based training and operational logistics.
• Experience supervising young adults or corps-style crews.
• Current or prior chainsaw certification.
• Coursework in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, fire ecology, or a related field may be considered in combination with relevant field experience

Training and Field Experience Provided by GBI and U.S. Forestry:

• Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and AED
• Leave No Trace principles
• Chainsaw training and certification
• Wildland fire training modules, which may include I-100, S-130, S-190, L-180, and S-212 or equivalent
• Red Card qualification as a Firefighter Type 2, if applicable to assignment

This position must pass the Work Capacity Test at the Arduous level and maintain qualification requirements as assigned 

LOCATION

South Lake Tahoe, CA.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position supports the 2026–2027 field season, which runs from March 4, 2026 through February 14, 2027. The selected candidate will be hired to fill this position for the remainder of the current term. Because this role supports recurring annual crew operations, continuation beyond the current term may be considered based on program needs, partner support, funding, employee performance, and mutual agreement between GBI/NCC and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation: $27.44/hour

Housing: Provided

Per Diem: $24.00 per day, when eligible and in accordance with program policy

In addition to a competitive base salary, this full-time position includes comprehensive health benefits [medical, dental, vision(with option to upgrade in coverage)], mental health support resources, and personal leave as well as $25,000 Life/AD&D policy. Voluntary short-term and long-term disability policies are available, and voluntary Life/AD&D policies for family members.  Mental health support resources are employer provided, as is 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match, competitive PTO accrual, paid holidays (10 per year), and family leave. This exciting role contributes to GBI’s significant positive impacts within the fields of environmental research, education, and conservation. This exciting role contributes to GBI’s significant positive impacts within the fields of environmental research, education, and conservation.

TO APPLY

Please submit an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume, and contact information for three professional references to the unique application link __insert actual ATS link___.  Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. For questions regarding this position, please contact lwilson@gbinstitute.org.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, stand, walk, bend, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with computer business equipment and other job/industry specific equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

Nevada Conservation Corps (NCC), a Program of The Great Basin Institute: 

Established in 1999 as a federally-funded AmeriCorps program, NCC is a vital component of the Great Basin Institute's efforts in conservation. This 21st-century service corps harnesses the enthusiasm and dedication of youth and volunteers for resource management, focusing on land restoration and conservation internships. NCC offers extensive professional development opportunities for those seeking careers in conservation and land management. Celebrating diversity, the NCC assembles members and staff from varied backgrounds to effectively address the needs of Nevada's public lands and communities. It provides a platform for students and emerging professionals to make impactful contributions to the preservation of Nevada’s natural heritage, while also gaining invaluable experience in the field of natural resource management.

The Great Basin Institute (GBI): 

Founded in 1998 at the University of Nevada, the Great Basin Institute is a leading interdisciplinary field studies organization, fostering environmental research, education, and service throughout the West. GBI specializes in applied research to support science-based management of public lands and is fervently committed to the promotion of scientific understanding through its field studies, conservation efforts, and public outreach. GBI is home to numerous influential programs, including the Nevada Conservation Corps, International Conservation Volunteer Exchange, Research Associate Program, Cultural Resource Program, Basin & Range Forestry, NEPA Services, Ecological Monitoring Program, and oversees visitor centers at Taylor Creek, Galena Creek, and the Tallac Historic Site, thereby expanding its reach and impact in safeguarding the region's natural and cultural heritage.

NOTE: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Disclaimer: Although the Company has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, the Company reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the Company, at any time, with or without advance notice.