The Prescribed Fire Practitioner IV participates in prescribed fire assignments, wildland fire operations, and other land stewardship activities as assigned. The Prescribed Fire Practitioner IV engages in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring and other tasks. They may perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire. The Prescribed Fire Practitioner IV will work independently and in teams, lead others, follow direction from supervisors, teach courses, and mentor others, while also advancing their own training and qualifications.
As part of their ongoing professional development, the Prescribed Fire Practitioner IV will be responsible for keeping up with new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where The Nature Conservancy works. This includes participation in partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service and other local, state, and federal agencies, as well as other non-profits, local fire departments, and Tribal or Indigenous communities.
Prescribed fire assignments take place between January and June 2025. Most of our work takes place on U.S. Forest Service lands in the western United States, in addition to a number of other nationwide assignments. Crew members 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. Please indicate your earliest potential start date and periods of availability in your application.
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. Prescribed Fire Practitioners who are qualified at the Single Resource Boss (ENGB, FIRB, and/or CRWB) level will earn between $28.00 and
$30.00 per hour. Prescribed Fire Practitioners who are qualified at the Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) level will earn up to $34.00 per hour.
Travel expenses, meals, and lodging will be covered when traveling for assignments. Approved purchases of required equipment will be partially or fully reimbursed. Alcohol use is prohibited anytime while on assignment, in the interest of the North America Fire program's efforts to maintain a healthy, communal atmosphere and build trust among the partners and communities where we work.
The Prescribed Fire Practitioner IV will be expected to:
- Direct tasks in coordination with local Nature Conservancy and/or USDA Forest Service Fire Management staff.
- Function as a professional and respectful member of a diverse team comprised of people from different backgrounds, skill sets, and life experiences.
- Conduct themselves in ways that are consistent with TNC's Code of Conduct.
- Ensure safe work practices.
- Be able to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions that affect the safety and work of firefighters within the squad.
- Assist with all aspects of prescribed burning, including overseeing staff and volunteers during fire related activities.
- Operate ATVs, UTVs, tractors, chain saws, and leaf blowers, and tow trailers.
- Maintain assigned equipment.
- Maintain accurate records of work time, expenses, etc. and submit reports in a timely manner.
- Become competent with mobile mapping and data collection such as Collector for ArcGIS and Avenza Maps.
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- 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. Requirements for FFT1 can be found in the TNC Fire Management Manual.
- Two or more seasons as a Senior Burn Crew Member or similar agency qualification.
- Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by 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.
SALARY INFORMATION
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $28.00 to $34.00 per hour. 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.
