The Prescribed Fire Specialist works as a member of Colorado’s Forest Restoration and Fire Program with The Nature Conservancy.
The Prescribed Fire Specialist works as a member of Colorado’s Forest Restoration and Fire Program with The Nature Conservancy. The goal of this program is to increase the pace and scale of forest restoration in priority Colorado landscapes with partner organizations and agencies. This position reports to the Fire Manager and will work on all aspects of prescribed burn project planning and implementation including filling key leadership roles during fire operations. It will also work to build support and capacity to use prescribed fire through outreach, education, and field and classroom training initiatives with other non-profit organizations, local fire departments, and a variety of agencies at all levels. Other duties may include participation in wildfire suppression incidents, forestry, monitoring, station management, and other activities in support of Colorado’s Forest Restoration and Fire Program goals.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Participates on prescribed burns conducted by The Nature Conservancy and partnering agencies. May occasionally participate on wildfire suppression events.
- Takes a leadership role in prescribed fire trainings to include classroom and field-based events
- Serves as a TNC representative in project planning and preparations with partnering agencies, organizations and individuals.
- Contributes to the development of burn plans and site fire management plans
- Contributes to the development, review, and execution of non-fire project plans that may include: tree cutting projects, trail construction projects, fencing, erosion repair and other stewardship activities.
- Coordinates, in partnership with the Fire Manager, all logistical and other planning requirements needed to set the stage for safe and effective implementation of prescribed burns and other stewardship projects.
- May oversee staff, volunteers, and individuals or crews from other agencies or organizations when serving in a leadership position on prescribed or wildfire operations.
- Assists, in partnership with the Fire Manager, in working with designated TNC staff and partners to ensure that all fiscal requirements are met for each project, including detailed cost tracking, and documents are submitted in a timely manner for project billing and cost reimbursement.
- May often work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Ability to meet requirements of extended periods of travel away from the home unit and work outside of normal business work hours/days (nights, weekends, holidays, etc…).
- Perform fire related monitoring, fuels mapping, and ecological monitoring
- Manages work assignments and supervises assigned personnel during fire and non-fire assignments with minimal direction from supervisors.
- Assists with equipment management and maintains a state of fire readiness.
- Qualified as Engine Boss (ENGB) – Must provide an IQCS Master Record
- Qualified as Basic Faller (FAL3) – Must provide an IQCS Master Record
- Qualified as an Advanced Firefighter (FFT1) – Must provide an IQCS Master Record
- Experience using and maintaining firefighting tools, equipment, and Type 6 engines.
- Experience in supervising personnel on fire incidents, prescribed fire events, and fuels management projects.
- Experience in aspects of crew administration; scheduling, timekeeping, direct supervision of day to day operations, and other management activities as assigned.
- Experience participating in prescribed fire operations in leadership roles including during burn unit preparation and prescribed burn implementation.
- Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager: ability to pass a physical fitness pack test of walking 3 miles carrying 45 pounds in 45 minutes.
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means to diverse audiences (e.g. fire practitioners, non-fire personnel, science staff, media, etc.)
- Must have a valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 5+ years’ experience in fire operations or other science related field or experience in land management.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Bachelor's degree in a natural resources subject area.
- Qualified or able to attain qualifications for Firing Boss (FIRB), Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5), and RXB3. Requirements for these position can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org.
- Experience working effectively with diverse partners in project planning, logistical arrangements, project implementation, and financial and accomplishment tracking.
- Qualified Incident Commander Type 4
- Qualified as a Wilderness First Responder and/or Emergency Medical Technician
- Knowledge of prescribed fire smoke management and permitting processes.
- Understanding of ecologically appropriate and logistically sound plans for prescribed fires and other non-fire stewardship projects.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills in complex and stressful situations.
- Experience developing and implementing field and classroom training for individuals with varying experience levels from a variety of backgrounds.
- Able to make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment, but within the boundaries of Conservancy fire management Standard Operating Procedures, requirements and guidelines.
- Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Experience with new fire-related technology (Tablets, Apps, Drones, mobile Wi-Fi/satellite systems).
- Experience with various social media platforms and information sharing (webpages, twitter, blogs).
- Experience with public outreach and media engagement.
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.