The Prescribed Fire Practitioner II works in a team environment and participates in prescribed fire assignments, wildland fire operations, and other land stewardship activities as assigned. The Prescribed Fire Practitioner II 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.
As part of their ongoing professional development, the Prescribed Fire Practitioner II 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 will work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local communities 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 will 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 $22.00 to $25.00 per hour. Prescribed Fire Practitioners who are qualified at the Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Firefighter Type Two (FFT2) level will earn between $22.00 and $23.00 per hour. Prescribed Fire Practitioners who have one or more additional qualifications will earn up to $25.00 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 II will be expected to:
- Perform tasks under the supervision of the Prescribed Fire Module Leader and in coordination with local TNC 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.
- Follow established 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.
- Assist with all aspects of prescribed burning.
- 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 or equivalent.
- Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L- 180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 as a requirement for this position. See TNC Fire Management Manual.
- Must achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
- Experience operating various types of equipment.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR).
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $22.00 to $25.00 for hourly wage. 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.
