Fire Management Specialist

The Nature Conservancy•Swanton, OH

7d•$54,000 - $63,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Fire Management Specialist is a key position for the growth of our prescribed fire programs in Ohio and Michigan. The position is based in Swanton, Ohio, however a remote work option may be negotiated for highly qualified applicants residing within proximity of TNC work areas near Swanton, Ohio or Tecumseh, Michigan. Frequent travel is required. The Fire Management Specialist (FMS) provides technical leadership and support to the Ohio and Michigan Business Units and plans and directs fire management activities. The FMS leads or assists with prescribed burn planning on TNC and partner lands, leads or assists with fire training, and assists with prescribed burn implementation. This position will lead fireline construction efforts in varying habitats and terrain utilizing heavy equipment. They will be responsible for ensuring fire readiness of equipment and personnel for upcoming prescribed burns and operating in compliance with internal policies and external requirements. This position will be essential in providing a safe work environment for our fire crews.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years' experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
NWCG Squad Boss (FFT1), and Wildland Faller qualified, or equivalent, documented training and experience at or above the FFT1 and Wildland Faller qualifications.
Wildland fire suppression experience, including dispatched assignments on crews and engines.
Must obtain single resource boss positions within 12 months of hire date contingent on training opportunities, and lead crews on assignments to further NWCG qualifications of TNC fire crews and partners.
Experience with wildland fire management in the Appalachians or similar ecosystems including but not limited to implementing prescribed burns, assisting with burn plan development, supervising squads, working with engines and UTVs, preparing firebreaks, monitoring fire effects, writing prescribed burn plans, and working with state and federal partners.
Experience with prescribed fire, fuels management, restoration, and overall ecology of eastern forests, and native grasslands found within Ohio and Michigan.
Experience maintaining and operating various types of fire and stewardship equipment including but not limited to fire pumps, power equipment, off-road vehicles, skid-steers, tractors, crawler dozer, and the ability to load, transport, and tow trailers.
Experience using ArcGIS, Avenza Maps, GPS, radio programming and Microsoft Products.
Must be able to maintain arduous fitness level demonstrated by successfully completing the arduous pack test and must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Currently has or will obtain a CDL within 12 months of hire date.

Nice To Haves

5 years’ experience in fire management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Single Resources Boss – Engine Boss (ENGB), and / or Firing Boss (FIRB) qualified or trainee.
Medical skills such as Medical Incident Technician, Wilderness First Responder or Emergency Medical Technician.
Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
Ability and willingness to obtain Remote Pilot Certification under the Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 rules.
Experience building firebreaks in varying terrain and habitat types using heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

Assists with the implementation of prescribed burns by leading squads of 3 – 7 firefighters, maintaining fire equipment, and planning logistics.
Builds and maintains fire breaks in varying terrains and ecosystems using heavy equipment including dozers, skid steers, farm tractors, backhoes.
Operates heavy equipment, tracked vehicles, fire engines, UTV’s and ATV’s during prescribed fires in varying terrain.
Designs and fabricates fire equipment to serve the needs of fire program
Participates in wildfire operations to retain and further fire their qualifications and help develop the qualifications of fire crew members.
Assists with the development of prescribed burn plans and fire management plans.
Maintains fire supplies and equipment and maintains maintenance records.
Maintains physical fitness necessary for maintaining wildland fire qualifications (arduous level).
Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
Supervises and monitors work groups consisting of seasonal firefighters, staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
Assists with hiring, supervising, and managing seasonal staff and volunteers.
Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Financial responsibility including working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors and assisting with budget development.
Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, volunteers, and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
Other duties as assigned.
As part of the Fire Management Specialist ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping up on 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 wildland 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).