Assistant Prescribed Fire Module Lead

The Nature Conservancy

7d • $26 - $32

About The Position

The Assistant Prescribed Fire Module Lead works as a supervisor on the North Idaho Fire Module in a team environment while participating with prescribed fire assignments, wildland fire operations (short term Administratively Determined hire through USFS), and other land stewardship activities as assigned The Prescribed Fire & Fuels season will occur between April- November 2026, with opportunities for wildfire assignments during the summer months. Operations will primarily take place throughout Northern Idaho, implementing work on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest & with the Coeur d’Alene Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management. Additional opportunities may be available supporting prescribed fire assignments or wildfire suppression efforts throughout the western United States, and nationally. Personnel hired for this position should be based within commutable distance to the designated duty station in Coeur d’Alene. This is a seasonal, full-time, hourly position and overtime applies after the first 40 hours each week. Travel expenses, meals, and lodging will be covered when traveling for out of area assignments. Alcohol use is prohibited anytime while on assignment to maintain a healthy, cohesive atmosphere with intent of build trust among the partners and communities where we work The Assistant Prescribed Fire Module Lead will provide oversight with fire line & unit preparation, equipment maintenance, implementing prescribed burns, mop-up, pre/ post monitoring, ecological management, wildfire suppression, and other tasks as assigned. At times the Assistant Lead will provide direct supervision for crew members when the Module Leader is not present, in accordance with adequate span of control. As part of 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 land management activities with partnership organizations such as other non-profits, local fire departments, tribes, 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).

Requirements

• High school diploma and 1-year training in fire operations, science-related field or similar field or related experience in land management.
• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and successful completion of FFT1 task book. Requirements for FFT1 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual.
• Two or more seasons as a Senior Burn Crew Member or similar agency qualification.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by the local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
• Two (2) years of training in fire operations or other science-related fields or related experience in land management or a similar field.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Ability to evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions that affect the safety and work of firefighters within the squad.
• Single Resource Boss qualified.
• PC familiarity, including database knowledge, to maintain preserve records.

Responsibilities

• Assist with module leadership duties under the supervision of the Prescribed Fire Module Leader in coordination with local TNC, USFS, & BLM fire management staff.
• Function as a professional and respectful crew member on a team made up of personnel with different backgrounds, skill sets, and life experiences.
• Supervise all aspects of prescribed burning, fuels project implementation, and wildland fire suppression operations.
• Maintain competency with mobile mapping, radio communication systems, and general data collection.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, expenses, etc. and submit reports in a timely manner.
• Conduct themselves in ways that are consistent with TNC’s Code of Conduct.
• Ensure that established safe work practices are followed.
• Complete Arduous Level Work Capacity Test (3 miles, 45lb pack, 45 minutes)
• Help oversee assigned equipment and maintenance procedures.
• Be able to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Participate in self-sufficient camping assignments or “Spike Outs”
• Provide guidance on operation of hand tools, firing devices, chainsaws, brush cutters, leaf blowers, ATV’s, UTVs, and towing trailers.

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED