This AmeriCorps position serves with The Nature Conservancy over an 11-month period to advance our work in improving private and public lands, providing education and training in stewardship and environmental practices, and growing our volunteer support. S/he will be responsible for a variety of land stewardship activities in support of the Prescribed Fire Training program goals. The selected AmeriCorps member will serve with The Nature Conservancy’s North America Fire Program. They will serve directly for with the Director of Prescribed Fire Training. The position is to provide skills training and networking opportunities for the Member to gain prescribed fire experience while also providing assistance to other firefighters and fire team leaders. It is expected that the Member will travel frequently to Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges (TREX), attend for up to 2 weeks at a time, where they will serve as a firefighter commensurate with their qualification and experience. Additionally, it is expected that the Member will serve for up to two months on a prescribed fire crew where they will be part of 10-person fire team working locally and regionally to accomplish conservation outcomes. It’s important to understand that the Member will need to travel independently. This AmeriCorps position serves with The Nature Conservancy over an 11-month period to advance our work in improving private and public lands, providing education and training in stewardship and environmental practices, and growing our volunteer support. S/he will be responsible for a variety of land stewardship activities in support of the Prescribed Fire Training program goals. The selected AmeriCorps member will serve with The Nature Conservancy’s North America Fire Program. They will serve directly for with the Director of Prescribed Fire Training. The position is to provide skills training and networking opportunities for the Member to gain prescribed fire experience while also providing assistance to other firefighters and fire team leaders. It is expected that the Member will travel frequently to Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges (TREX), attend for up to 2 weeks at a time, where they will serve as a firefighter commensurate with their qualification and experience. Additionally, it is expected that the Member will serve for up to two months on a prescribed fire crew where they will be part of 10-person fire team working locally and regionally to accomplish conservation outcomes. It’s important to understand that the Member will need to travel independently.
The Prescribed Fire Training position will serve with Fire Initiative staff and serve on conservation staff teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of Prescribed Fire Training program.
- Receive certificate and training in prescribed burns
- Pass physical Pack-test for s130/190 certification
- Receive CPR/First Aid Training
- Works with a burn team to implement prescribed burns
- Writes or updates burn plans
- Scouts Burn sites
- Maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public
- Removes exotic species and/or monitors and researches species
- Maintains and operates tools and equipment with training in a safe and efficient manner while taking appropriate care of equipment (e.g. lawn mower, chain saw, tractor, two-way radio, fire management equipment, etc.)
- Identifies and maps invasive species
- Improves coordination among stakeholders and partners working on fuels reduction, forest restoration, and invasive plant control
- Communicates conservation efforts being implemented such as forest thinning, prescribed fire, and invasive plant control to stakeholders, partners, and the general public
- Travels frequently to and from business units, preserves, meetings and events which are essential to the service of this position
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners
- Performs heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances
- Performs duties following detailed instructions and general supervision and established guidelines
- Works in a high-stress team environment
- Makes day-to-day decisions within the scope of service assignments as designated by supervisor
- Identifies routine problems and utilizes existing resources for resolution, referring difficult questions and problems to supervisor
- Performs administrative duties as required
- Willing and ability to travel within the geography assigned
- U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Satisfy the National Service Criminal History check eligibility criteria
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with MS Office
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
- Commitment to complete 11 months as AmeriCorps member
- Good organizational skills and ability to manage diverse activities to meet deadlines
- A valid Driver’s License
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred
- Knowledge of native plants
- Interest in the mission and activities of The Nature Conservancy
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other position-related instructions within the scope of their normal service activities as requested by their supervisor (Site Coordinator and/or AmeriCorps Program Coordinator) in alignment with the grant and not unallowable or prohibited activities and subject to reasonable accommodation. This position is contingent on funding. This position does have reoccurring access to vulnerable populations.