Fire Specialist/Land Steward

The Nature Conservancy • Wells, ME

4d • $24 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a 6-month position that begins June 15. The Fire Specialist/Land Manager (FSLS) will be based at the Conservancy’s Wells, Maine office with supporting travel to additional TNC and partner sites including the Brunswick Maine TNC office. They will support the collaborative partners, trained volunteers and seasonal burn crews at as well as engage in preserve management activities outside of prescribed fire timeframes. The FSLS will assist in directing trained call-when-needed crews comprised of staff, volunteers and partners in Prescribed fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. The FSLS must use safety equipment and maintain a safety-conscious attitude at all times. Tasks may include assisting with preserve management activities such as preparing firebreaks, herbicide application, boundary maintenance, equipment/vehicle maintenance, fence construction/removal, constructing parking areas, meeting with local landowners, assisting with field trips, leading volunteers, biological and easement monitoring, research coordination, timber marking, and other land management activities as needed. Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances is required. On Site Vehicle(s) and Transportation to preserves and work sites will be provided by The Nature Conservancy home unit. Camping in remote locations may be required as part of the job duties. As part of the FSLS’s ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for maintaining current awareness of burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. In addition, they will build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local communities 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 . The FSLS may also be asked to represent TNC at meetings with conservation partners. The FSLS may contribute to monitoring and management efforts such as Ecological Reserve monitoring, invasive species management, and special projects such as contributing to restoration projects on TNC lands. The Field assistant may participate in the maintenance of human use infrastructure, including foot trails, kiosks and wayfinding signage, boundary marking, and will at times interact with the public to furnish information or coordinate with partners. The ideal candidate will meet or exceed the competencies outlined below. The ideal FSLS candidate will also be capable of writing and updating forest management plans and burn plans. The FSLS will work as part of a small team directed by the Regenal Land Manager/ME Fire Manger responsible for implementing fire management and land stewardship activities across southern/western Maine region.

Requirements

• High school diploma and 1-year training in fire operations, science-related field or similar field or related experience in land management.
• Interest in professional development towards FFT1 qualifications.
• Must be qualified, or able to become qualified, as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behaviour (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2.
• Must be able to achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual. (Arduous level. Must walk 3 miles in 45 minutes or less, while carrying 45lbs.)
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment. I.e., farm tractor, track loader, ATV, UTV (side by side), Type-6 engine, chainsaw, clearing saw, etc., or willingness and ability to learn.
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers
• May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application.
• Must have valid driver’s license. Please indicate this in your cover letter or resume.

Nice To Haves

• Experience, passion, or dedication to learning/understanding the ecology of Northeastern and ecosystems.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
• FFT1 trainees or interested in professional development towards FFT1 qualifications.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.

Responsibilities

• Assist in directing trained call-when-needed crews comprised of staff, volunteers and partners in Prescribed fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned.
• Assist with preserve management activities such as preparing firebreaks, herbicide application, boundary maintenance, equipment/vehicle maintenance, fence construction/removal, constructing parking areas, meeting with local landowners, assisting with field trips, leading volunteers, biological and easement monitoring, research coordination, timber marking, and other land management activities as needed.
• Maintain current awareness of burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials.
• Build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local communities where the Conservancy works.
• Represent TNC at meetings with conservation partners.
• Contribute to monitoring and management efforts such as Ecological Reserve monitoring, invasive species management, and special projects such as contributing to restoration projects on TNC lands.
• Participate in the maintenance of human use infrastructure, including foot trails, kiosks and wayfinding signage, boundary marking, and will at times interact with the public to furnish information or coordinate with partners.
• Writing and updating forest management plans and burn plans.

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

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED