Two positions are available: a Crew Lead and a Crew Member. The Prescribed Fire Technicians are six-month positions starting in the middle of March and concluding in early September 2018. The positions are full-time and will be based in southern Wisconsin for the first 10 weeks, focused on prescribed fire implementation on TNC and partner lands. The crew will then transition to northern Wisconsin as a fuels management and fire monitoring crew on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The positions will provide logistical support for TNC’s prescribed fire program, including crew coordination, equipment preparation and rehab, fire break installation, and fuel mastication. Positions will also participate in fire effects monitoring. The Prescribed Fire Technicians participate in fire operations that include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring, along with maintaining the fire equipment and cache. During the non-fire activities, the position will implement preserve management duties including hand and machine piling, species monitoring, invasive species control (mechanical and chemical), boundary posting, field trip coordination, etc. Assistance with arranging housing is possible. Successful candidates will work on a small crew (4-6) in remote field conditions. Periodic camping should be expected and the flexibility to be on the road traveling around the state will be needed. Evening and weekend work anticipated.
The Prescribed Fire Technicians will participate in implementing prescribed fires, preparing fire lines, mitigating fuel loading, maintaining equipment, pre-burn and post-burn monitoring and other tasks. 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
- Will perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
- Works in a high stress team environment.
- Works under close supervision for work deliverables, but implements independently in the field.
- Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
- Must achieve the Arduous fitness (Pack) Test consisting of a three (3) mile hike, within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack.
- Experience operating various types of equipment.
- Valid driver's license.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, and driver’s license).
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & EXPERIENCE
- 6 months - 1 year of related experience.
- Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
- Experience and willingness to learn to apply herbicides for invasive species control.
- Fire fighter Type 1 (FFT1) qualification or higher.
- Experience operating (or strong aptitude to learn) heavy equipment including Fecon Mower/Forestry Mower.
- Chainsaw experience (S-212 or equivalent).
- Mechanical expertise.
- Demonstrated crew leadership experience.