The PFSM prepares and approves Site Fire Management Plans and Prescribed Burn Unit Plans, 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 PFSM hires, trains and supervises burn crews; mentors, evaluates and designates Burn Bosses, in writing, with notification to the Fire Management Coordinator; certifies RxB2 task books; 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 because of safety concerns or non-compliance with Conservancy standards. The PFSM provides technical and scientific support to Fire Planners and Burn Bosses, reviews proposed contracts for prescribed fire operations, provides comments to TNC legal counsel, and approves qualifications of contractors hired to conduct prescribed burns. The PFSM keeps current on internal and external developments and trends in the field of wild land fire management, builds strong partnerships with public and private partners, and keeps senior leadership in their area informed of fire program activities, needs, risks and accomplishments. This position includes participating in ongoing conservation planning and site design work locally and regionally. The PFSM conducts a vigorous program of 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, including trucks with manual transmissions, trailers, ATVs, chain saws, sprayers, and field sampling equipment. This position supervises several short-term employees, including field technicians and fire crew members, as well as extensive interaction and outreach with interagency staff, private partners, and volunteers. Other responsibilities include ecological land management of Conservancy and other priority lands, developing stewardship plans, exotic species control, and assisting with ecological monitoring and research activities.
As part of the incumbent’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).
- Oversees professional staff with responsibility for training and development.
- May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns and volunteers 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.
- Manage and maintain a safe, efficient, fire program to accomplish ecological objectives on Conservancy and partner lands and demonstrate ecological fire application for conservation benefit.
- Manage and implement stewardship activities on Nature Conservancy preserves and other ecologically significant lands in Missouri, including land management activities, property stewardship, developing and updating management plans, and assisting with research activities.
- In conjunction with conservation program staff, implement programs to accomplish long term, sustainable biodiversity conservation of priority watersheds and landscapes in Missouri, including conservation planning, strategy development, securing resources, and assisting in development and implementation of budgets, management plans, grants, and monitoring plans.
- Participate in science and stewardship activities elsewhere as needed, and other duties as assigned.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Must meet NWCG qualifications for RxB2 (Burn Boss), including coursework and experience requirements. See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/BurnBoss.htm.
- Experience in developing strategies.
- Experience in reviewing prescribed burn unit plans and site fire management plans.
- Experience in training and curriculum design.
- Supervisory experience.
- 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 local Fire Manager and TNC Fire Manual.
- Fire Manager Qualification must be approved and designated in writing by the Conservancy Fire Management Coordinator.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability and willingness to communicate and work closely with burn bosses, land managers 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.
- Knowledge of Conservancy fire management Standard Operating Procedure, requirements and guidelines.
- 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 Fire Manager.
- Ability to communicate positively and effectively with people of all educational levels and backgrounds, and to clearly and effectively articulate concepts, gain consensus, and to 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 oversight and coordinate logistical support for ongoing research activities. Familiarity with the biota and ecological systems of the Interior Highlands and Tallgrass Prairie 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 operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical equipment including four-wheel-drive vehicles, ATV's, chain saws, pumps, fencing equipment.
- Ability to work with minimal direct supervision, zealous adherence to accuracy and detail, and willingness to work an extremely irregular schedule with considerable overnight travel, particularly during fire season.
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.