Piedmont Region Fire Management Specialist - DPR65044335

State of North Carolina•Nature Research Center Wake, NC

6d•$47,703 - $65,591•Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Division of Parks and Recreation seeks a Regional Fire Management Specialist to implement the ecological burning program in the Piedmont region. State parks contain fire-dependent natural communities that require periodic prescribed burning to remain healthy and resilient. The position helps maintain and restore fire-adapted habitats through science-based fire management, working with staff across regions and supervising a Regional Fire Team to support safe and effective ecological burns. The role is based at the Nature Research Center in Raleigh and supports several counties in the Piedmont region. It includes preparing burn prescriptions, leading burns, monitoring fire effects, recommending fire management strategies, coordinating with partner agencies, and supporting fire training. The position is designated Essential/Mandatory: employees may be required to work during adverse weather events or special events. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though park projects may require many additional travel hours. Within 12–24 months of hire, the employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Class A CDL, CPR certification, an NWCG Single Resource Boss qualification, North Carolina State Certified Burner certification, and S-112 Chainsaw Operations Training certification. The role requires outdoor and indoor work in varied environmental conditions and the ability to exert up to 100 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required, or must be obtained within 90 days of employment. The recruitment range is $47,703–$65,591.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental, or natural resource science, or a closely related curriculum, from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid driver’s license issued in the United States, or ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varied environmental conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to work adverse weather events and special events as required for an Essential/Mandatory position.
Within 12–24 months of hire, ability to obtain and maintain a Class A CDL, CPR certification, NWCG Single Resource Boss qualification, North Carolina State Certified Burner certification, and S-112 Chainsaw Operations Training certification.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience implementing prescribed fire on the ground.
Knowledge of fire management principles, burn prescription development, fire protection practices, firefighting equipment, and ecological burning techniques.
Knowledge of conservation principles and best practices for protecting park resources.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Division staff, partner agencies, environmental organizations, park support groups, the public, and neighboring landowners.
Understanding of management practices for natural resource-based parks, natural areas, and nature preserves.

Responsibilities

Collect and manage data and geospatial maps used for burn prescriptions, burn units, reporting, and planning.
Assist with and lead prescribed burns, including monitoring sites before, during, and after operations.
Support planning, installation, and maintenance of fire control lines.
Purchase, maintain, and track fire equipment for regional fire crews.
Coordinate prescribed fire activities with partner agencies on park lands and cooperating-agency lands.
Work with program staff to plan and deliver NWCG fire trainings that support certification of Division burn bosses, and coordinate additional experiential fire training opportunities.
Operate, drive, and maintain fire vehicles according to Division standards.
Perform wildland fire suppression, mop-up, and mitigation duties as requested and assigned.
Supervise a Regional Fire Team.
Prepare burn prescriptions, monitor fire effects, and recommend fire management strategies.