2027 Uwharrie Prescribed Fire/Fuels Module Lead

The Ember Alliance • Troy, NC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ember Alliance is hiring a full-time Prescribed Fire/Fuels Module Leader based in Troy, North Carolina. The role leads day-to-day operations of a module focused on forest thinning and supporting prescribed fire projects, helping reduce wildfire risk in central North Carolina. The work is primarily field-based and involves varied project locations, difficult weather, steep or rugged terrain, and other challenging outdoor conditions. The position requires passing the annual Arduous Work Capacity Test and maintaining NWCG FFT1 currency.

The leader will guide a team of up to five module members, along with volunteers or other fire personnel, over a three-year period. The role includes implementing prescribed fire on public and private lands under the direction of a Burn Boss, completing fuels-reduction and forestry work, supporting partner agencies, and helping develop and train fire practitioners. When not engaged in prescribed fire, the module may perform other assigned work, including tree planting, invasive plant treatment, campground cleanup, trail maintenance, and timber stand improvement.

The position averages 40 hours per week, with schedules varying according to weather and project needs. Frequent 10- to 16-hour days, weekend work, up to 14 consecutive days on projects, extended travel, overnight stays, and work outside normal business hours with limited notice may be required. Up to 25% of the position may involve extended overnight travel. Pay is $26.00 per hour. Housing is provided at no cost in Albemarle, NC, though local candidates are not required to use it.

Requirements

• Understanding of risk management and a strong commitment to safety.
• Current NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) qualification; RT-130 Annual Refresher is provided as needed.
• NWCG Intermediate Faller (FAL2) chainsaw qualification, or ability to attain FAL2 within three months of hire.
• Ability to pass the arduous pack test annually: carry a 45-pound pack for three miles in under 45 minutes.
• Strong team leadership skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain a high-performance team culture in dynamic environments.
• Ability to perform outdoor tasks such as operating chainsaws, using hand tools, implementing prescribed burns, and completing forestry-related project work.
• Ability to work and lead independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in difficult weather and on steep, broken terrain, with flexible schedules to accommodate prescribed-fire implementation windows.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Current and valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Legal eligibility to work in the U.S. and participate in a background check.

Nice To Haves

• NWCG Single Resource Boss (SRB) qualified or trainee.
• M-410 or teaching equivalent, with ability to serve as lead or assistant instructor for 100- and 200-level NWCG courses.
• Experience creating and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for projects and processes.
• Strong mechanical ability.
• First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or higher medical certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead up to a five-person module, as well as volunteers or other fire personnel, through daily operations for a three-year period.
• Report daily to multiple land agency representatives.
• Keep the module engaged in prescribed fire operations or other work assigned by agency representatives, including tree planting, invasive plant treatment, campground cleanup, trail maintenance, and timber stand improvement.
• Build a safe and supportive work environment for newer fire practitioners.
• Conduct performance evaluations for crew members.
• Lead daily briefings and After Action Reviews.
• Support module logistics, including managing and maintaining supplies, equipment, vehicles, and other operational needs.
• Work with module members and partners to complete fire and fuels management tasks.
• Complete prescribed fire operations under the direction of the Burn Boss to implement safe, moderate-complexity prescribed burns.
• Support other agencies’ prescribed burns as needed.
• Operate chainsaws, hand tools, hose lays, backpack sprayers, portable pumps, engines, and other equipment for prescribed fire operations and fuels-reduction projects.
• Travel for extended periods and work outside normal business hours.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic consistent with the values of Duty, Integrity, and Respect.
• Help create a kind, safe, and healthy work environment that encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Lead or assist with module development and training, including 200-level NWCG courses.

Benefits

• Employer-provided housing at no cost in a furnished rental property in Albemarle, NC, with individual rooms for crew members; local candidates are not required to use it.
• Paid leave.
• Paid holidays.
• Employer-sponsored health coverage available upon employment.
• Employer-sponsored dental coverage available upon employment.
• Employer-matched retirement plan available three months after hire.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed