The Prescribed Fire Specialist serves as an prescribed fire planner and implementer for The Nature Conservancy and partners on an as-needed basis.
The Prescribed Fire Specialist may be asked to serve a leadership role on prescribed burns throughout Southern Blue Ridge from November 13, 2019 through May 13, 2019. The Conservancy supports Southern Blue Ridge Fire Learning Network partners on multiple controlled burns each year. The Prescribed Fire Specialist helps the stewardship manager write burn plans, design burn units, ArcGIS mapping, and lead burns for single or multi-day prescribed fire operations and routinely has supervisory responsibility of crew during burns and frequently serves as Firing Boss. Staffing needs for this position could average 40-50 hours per operational period (bi-weekly) at the discretion of the Stewardship Manager. Operational periods are generally sporadic and clustered by opportune weather conditions, and no guarantee of a minimum number of opportunities is given or implied. The Prescribed Fire Specialist will participate on opportunities only as their own schedules will allow, and thus participation on any given opportunity is not required.
The primary responsibilities of the Prescribed Fire Specialist will be to: write and review burn plans, implement burn plans and serve as firing boss, Wildland fire operations includes line construction, holding, ignition, patrol, mop-up, and monitoring. All Individuals will be representing the Conservancy on partner burns and must act accordingly.
Individual is expected to provide some of their own personal protective equipment (Nomex pants, Nomex shirt, fire boots, hard hat) as outlined by the TNC fire management manual http://www.tncfiremanual.org/require.htm and provide their own transportation to the meeting location in Asheville. TNC will provide a radio and transportation from Asheville to the burn unit and return. TNC can provide line pack, fire shelter, and radio harness if necessary.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Function as both leader and member of a work team in a high stress team environment.
- Convey work instructions to Burn Crew Members.
- Makes decisions on the fire line based upon evaluation of fire behavior, available resources and judgment.
- Perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
- Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Must meet one of the following fire qualifications: NWCG ENGB working towards ICT4 (incident commander); or, 3) experienced state agency burn boss with demonstrated skill working in Appalachian Mountain ecosystems.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including: excellent communication (verbal and written) with staff, colleagues, partners and the public, effective leadership skills, experience working in a team environment, an understanding of conflict resolution, and a positive attitude.
- Experience working effectively and positively with a diverse array of people.
- Experience working independently with strong problem-solving and organizational skills; experience coordinate multiple projects, set priorities with realistic deadlines, and work productively without close supervision.
- Experience developing, negotiating and implementing complex agreements and plans.
- Experience using common software applications, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, ArcGIS products (mobile and desktop), and Web browsers.
- Valid driver’s license required.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to interpret guidelines, evaluate information, and modify processes and plans to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Ability to apply diversified knowledge of scientific principles and practices to a variety of assignments and to cultivate and develop creative ideas to improve conservation strategies.
- Experience communicating with the media both in writing and verbally.
- Ability to simplify and explain the principles of conservation science and practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Willingness to work long hours, especially during the burn season, and/or perform physically demanding and sometimes dangerous work, at times under adverse conditions.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.