The Fire Management Specialist is a key position for the growth of our prescribed fire programs in Ohio and Michigan. The position is based in Swanton, Ohio, however a remote work option may be negotiated for highly qualified applicants residing within proximity of TNC work areas near Swanton, Ohio or Tecumseh, Michigan. Frequent travel is required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Fire Management Specialist (FMS) provides technical leadership and support to the Ohio and Michigan Business Units and plans and directs fire management activities. The FMS leads or assists with prescribed burn planning on TNC and partner lands, leads or assists with fire training, and assists with prescribed burn implementation. This position will lead fireline construction efforts in varying habitats and terrain utilizing heavy equipment. They will be responsible for ensuring fire readiness of equipment and personnel for upcoming prescribed burns and operating in compliance with internal policies and external requirements. This position will be essential in providing a safe work environment for our fire crews.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
Assists with the implementation of prescribed burns by leading squads of 3 – 7 firefighters, maintaining fire equipment, and planning logistics.
Builds and maintains fire breaks in varying terrains and ecosystems using heavy equipment including dozers, skid steers, farm tractors, backhoes.
Operates heavy equipment, tracked vehicles, fire engines, UTV’s and ATV’s during prescribed fires in varying terrain.
Designs and fabricates fire equipment to serve the needs of fire program
Participates in wildfire operations to retain and further fire their qualifications and help develop the qualifications of fire crew members.
Assists with the development of prescribed burn plans and fire management plans.
Maintains fire supplies and equipment and maintains maintenance records.
Maintains physical fitness necessary for maintaining wildland fire qualifications (arduous level).
Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
Supervises and monitors work groups consisting of seasonal firefighters, staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
Assists with hiring, supervising, and managing seasonal staff and volunteers.
Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Financial responsibility including working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors and assisting with budget development.
Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, volunteers, and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
Other duties as assigned.
As part of the Fire Management Specialist ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping up on 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 Conservancy works. This may include participation in wildland fire suppression activities in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee, or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined, short-term federal employee).
If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join TNC and apply today!
Bachelor’s degree and 3 years' experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
NWCG Squad Boss (FFT1), and Wildland Faller qualified, or equivalent, documented training and experience at or above the FFT1 and Wildland Faller qualifications.
Wildland fire suppression experience, including dispatched assignments on crews and engines.
Must obtain single resource boss positions within 12 months of hire date contingent on training opportunities, and lead crews on assignments to further NWCG qualifications of TNC fire crews and partners.
Experience with wildland fire management in the Appalachians or similar ecosystems including but not limited to implementing prescribed burns, assisting with burn plan development, supervising squads, working with engines and UTVs, preparing firebreaks, monitoring fire effects, writing prescribed burn plans, and working with state and federal partners.
Experience with prescribed fire, fuels management, restoration, and overall ecology of eastern forests, and native grasslands found within Ohio and Michigan.
Experience maintaining and operating various types of fire and stewardship equipment including but not limited to fire pumps, power equipment, off-road vehicles, skid-steers, tractors, crawler dozer, and the ability to load, transport, and tow trailers.
Experience using ArcGIS, Avenza Maps, GPS, radio programming and Microsoft Products.
Must be able to maintain arduous fitness level demonstrated by successfully completing the arduous pack test and must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Currently has or will obtain a CDL within 12 months of hire date.
5 years’ experience in fire management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Single Resources Boss – Engine Boss (ENGB), and / or Firing Boss (FIRB) qualified or trainee.
Medical skills such as Medical Incident Technician, Wilderness First Responder or Emergency Medical Technician.
Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
Ability and willingness to obtain Remote Pilot Certification under the Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 rules.
Experience building firebreaks in varying terrain and habitat types using heavy equipment.
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 . 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.
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $54,000 - $63,500. 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.
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor .
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
