The Fire Manager (FM) provides overall fire management supervision and coordination of Wisconsin’s fire program. The FM will be responsible for advancing the use of fire as a management tool on Conservancy and partner lands across high priority resilient landscapes in the state. The FM will be responsible for contributing to Conservancy-wide training efforts including teaching NWCG courses & Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges and is expected to serve as a mentor to aspiring burn practitioners both within and outside the NWCG system. The FM will be expected to provide burn leadership expertise both in Wisconsin and out of state as opportunity presents. Anticipated travel for this position is 30%. Flexibility to participate in fire suppression opportunities is possible based on interest. The FM will also contribute to general land management efforts, such as timber management, forest restoration, wetland and stream restoration, and preserve maintenance, on Conservancy and partner lands as needed. The salary range starts at $58,000 and is dependent on experience.
The Wisconsin Fire Manager is responsible for applying prescribed fire on the network of preserves owned by the Conservancy and serving as liaison to state and federal agencies and other partners in planning and implementing collaborative fire management efforts, statewide and potentially beyond. The FM prepares and approves Site Fire Management Plans and Prescribed Burn Unit Plans and modifies or exempts specific fire management guidelines or requirements as defined in the Fire Management Manual, with written justification (see http://www.tncfiremanual.org). The FM hires, trains, and supervises seasonal and crew resources; mentors, evaluates, and designates Burn Bosses, in writing, with notification to the Fire Management Coordinator; certifies RxB2 task books; conducts or assists with training at local and national levels; and ensures that TNC’s fire guidelines and requirements are met or exceeded. The Fire Manager has the authority to temporarily suspend fire management program operations due to safety concerns or non-compliance with Conservancy standards. The FM provides technical and scientific support to Fire Planners and Burn Bosses, reviews proposed contracts for prescribed fire operations and provides comments to TNC legal counsel, and approves qualifications of contractors hired to conduct prescribed burns. The FM keeps current on internal and external developments and trends in the field of wildland fire management in order to maintain excellence in their program; builds strong partnerships with public and private partners to further the goals of the Conservancy; and keeps senior leadership in their area informed of fire program activities, needs, risks, and accomplishments. The FM conducts land management activities, many of which involve extended periods of physical work in demanding outdoor conditions, as well as routine operation and maintenance of Conservancy vehicles and equipment, including trucks, trailers, ATVs, chainsaws, prescribed fire implements, and herbicide sprayers.
As part of the Fire Manager’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, it is an expectation of this position to maintain and promote relationships in local communities and within the professional fire community, where necessary, to increase the use of prescribed fire in important resilient landscapes in the state. This may include participation in wildland fire suppression activities in partnership with other nonprofits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee or as a short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined, short term federal employee).
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Manages and maintains a safe, efficient fire program to accomplish ecological objectives on Conservancy and partner lands and demonstrates ecological fire application for conservation benefit.
- Leads the implementation of prescribed fire and oversees burn crews.
- Oversees professional staff with responsibility for training and development with regard to fire but may not necessarily serve as supervisor; provides feedback on job performance to supervisor.
- May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers and covering a wide geographic area.
- Ensures that fire personnel qualification records are maintained; collects annual updates of information for IQCS and submits to National training office.
- Must build relationships with external parties and negotiate complex agreements to accomplish program goals.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Participates in science and stewardship activities elsewhere as needed and other duties as assigned (anticipated 30% of position).
- Makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.
- Delivers fire training courses in WI and beyond as needed, both NWCG courses and tailored non-NWCG courses.
- Must meet one of the following fire qualifications: 1) NWCG RXB2; or, 2) NWCG ENGB working towards ICT4 (incident commander); or, 3) experienced state or agency burn boss. Note: NWCG RxB2 qualification is highly preferred. For applicants who are not RxB2 certified, preference will be given to those who are closer to achieving this certification (e.g. ENGB or RxB3 working towards ICT4). See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/BurnBoss.htm
- Experience in developing strategies to successfully implement prescribed fires.
- Experience in reviewing prescribed burn unit plans and site fire management plans.
- Experience in prescribed fire training and curriculum design.
- Supervisory experience, including experience leading burn crews.
- Experience leading effectively in stressful situations.
- Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and web browsers.
- Experience communicating effectively with internal colleagues, partners, and/or media.
- Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by TNC Fire Manual.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Fire Manager Qualification must be approved and designated in writing by the Conservancy Fire Management Coordinator.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken, and graphical means.
- Knowledge of Conservancy fire management Standard Operating Procedures, requirements, and guidelines.
- Ability and willingness to communicate and work closely with burn bosses, land managers, various partners, and scientists to develop strategies and meet conservation and fire management objectives.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in fire management, conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
- Demonstrated experience in ecological management and nature preserve stewardship, including vegetation manipulation, property stewardship, exotic species issues, boundary issues, community outreach, neighbor relations, data collection and reporting, and prevention of adverse usage.
- Demonstrated experience with all aspects of fire management, including ability to prepare and carry out burn prescriptions and safely and effectively supervise prescribed fire operations.
- Ability to perform arduous physical labor outdoors for extended periods in all extremes of weather and to achieve physical fitness standards as determined by Conservancy.
- Ability to communicate positively and effectively with people of all educational levels and backgrounds and to clearly articulate concepts, gain consensus, and serve as an effective representative for the Conservancy. Demonstrated ability to effectively unite diverse coalitions to achieve results.
- Excellent supervisory and management skills, including volunteer supervision. Ability to lead effectively in complex and stressful situations.
- Demonstrated field familiarity with general ecological principles and biological systems. Ability to provide logistical support for ongoing research activities. Familiarity with the biota and ecological systems of the Midwest and Prairie and Oak communities is a plus.
- Demonstrated competency in reading and interpreting maps and aerial photographs. Experience with GIS, regional biological inventories, GPS, remote sensing, and ecological restoration helpful.
- Experience in procurement, operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical equipment including four-wheel-drive vehicles, ATVs/UTVs, chainsaws, pumps, and fencing equipment.
- Ability to work with minimal direct supervision, zealous adherence to accuracy and detail, and willingness to work an irregular schedule with considerable overnight travel, particularly during fire season.
- Demonstrated cross-functional expertise in one or more of the following: implementing forest management projects and understanding of timber management and forestry best management practices; grazing management/grassland restoration; and/or implementing wetland restoration.
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.