The Fire Management Assistant (FMA) position will begin February 1, 2019 and end May 1, 2019. The FMA will work directly with the Fire Manager on all wildland fire management and preserve management activities. Housing may be available. Frequent travel is required. Please notice this is an as needed position meaning there is no minimum or maximum weekly hours guaranteed.
The FMA participates in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring and other tasks. The FMA may oversee assigned fire resources during wildland fire operations and perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
As part of the FMA’s ongoing professional development, they 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
- Assist with all aspects of prescribed fire implementation including both operation and administrative functions.
- Function as both leader and member of a work team, in a high stress team environment.
- Convey work instructions to Burn Crew members.
- Monitor the progress of assigned resources toward achieving fire management goals during wildland fire operations.
- Makes decisions on the fire line based upon evaluation of fire behavior, available resources and judgment.
- Operate and maintain wildland fire associated equipment.
- Operate a 4x4 pickup and load and tow trailers.
- Coordinate work activities with partnering agencies.
- 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 have valid driver’s license and good driving record.
- Qualified as Single Resource Boss (ENGB, FIRB, CRWB). Requirements for Single Resources Boss can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm.
- Documented training in ATV and/or UTV operation.
- Must achieve arduous physical fitness test.
- Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment.
- Experience supervising staff or volunteers is required.
- May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application.
- Must have valid driver’s license with not major moving violations.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 10 plus years of experience in fire operations or other science-related field or related experience in land management or similar field.
- Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
- Qualified Task Force Leader or Strike Team Leader.
- 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.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
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.