The Nature Conservancy’s Kentucky Business Unit is seeking an as needed Prescribed Fire Field Assistant for the upcoming spring 2018 burn season. The position will begin February 12, 2018 and end June 29, 2018. The Prescribed Fire Field Assistant will work directly with the Fire Manager and Prescribed Fire Coordinator with all wildland fire management and associated stewardship activities. Housing is provided. Frequent travel is required. Please notice this is an as needed position meaning there are no minimum or maximum weekly hours guaranteed.
The Prescribed Fire Field Assistant will assist with preparation of firebreaks, burn plan writing, equipment maintenance and repair, ensuring qualifications of assigned resources. post-burn monitoring, logistical coordination, and other tasks as assigned. The incumbent will perform other preserve management and restoration duties when conditions are not conducive for prescribed fire related activities.
As part of the incumbent’s ongoing professional development, he/she will be responsible for keeping abreast of 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 wild land 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).
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Functions as both leader and member of a work team, in a high stress team environment.
- Conveys work instructions to resources and follows instruction from the Burn Boss.
- Monitors the progress of assigned resources toward achieving fire management goals.
- Makes decisions on the fire line based upon evaluation of fire behavior, available resources and judgment.
- Performs other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
- Performs heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Effectively communicates with partnering agencies and works with the Fire Manager to prioritize actions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Qualified as Fire Fighter Type 1 / Squad Boss. Squad Boss requirements can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm.
- Experience operating and maintaining various types of farm and outdoor power equipment.
- Experience operating off-road vehicles.
- May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR, ATV /ORV operation, and herbicide application.
- Must be capable of meeting firefighter physical fitness requirement for Squad Boss.
- Requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’s Auto Safety Program.
- Must pass a background check and have no major traffic violations within the past three years.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5 years training in fire operations or other science-related field or related experience in land management.
- Qualified as Single Resources Boss, Engine.
- Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
- Ability to evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions that affect the safety and work of firefighters within squad.
- PC familiarity, including database knowledge, in order to maintain preserve records.
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.