2027 Uwharrie Prescribed Fire/Fuels Module Lead

The Ember Alliance • Troy, NC

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ember Alliance is hiring a full-time prescribed fire leadership position based in Troy, North Carolina. The Prescribed Fire/Fuels Module Leader will lead day-to-day operations of a module focused on forest thinning, fuels management, and assisting partners with prescribed fire projects to reduce wildfire risk in central North Carolina. The position is predominantly field-based, with work sites varying across North Carolina and surrounding states. Work may involve cold or inclement weather, steep and rugged terrain, and other difficult environmental conditions.

The leader will guide a module of up to five people, as well as volunteers or other fire personnel, for a three-year period. The role includes implementing prescribed fire under a Burn Boss’s direction, supporting partner agencies’ burns, completing fuels and forestry projects, developing and coaching fire practitioners, and helping plan and deliver training. The position requires an annual arduous pack test, current NWCG FFT1 qualification, schedule flexibility, and the ability to travel and work outside normal business hours. Average work weeks are 40 hours, though 10–16-hour days may frequently be required, and work may include weekends or up to 14 consecutive days.

Pay starts at $26.00 per hour. Housing selected and paid for by The Ember Alliance is provided at no cost in Albemarle, NC, although it is not required for candidates who live locally. Paid leave and holidays, employer-sponsored health and dental coverage, and an employer-matched retirement plan available three months after hire are offered.

Requirements

• Understand risk management and demonstrate a strong commitment to safety.
• Maintain NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) currency; RT-130 Annual Refresher is provided as needed.
• Hold NWCG Intermediate Faller (FAL2) chainsaw qualification or be able to attain FAL2 within three months of hire.
• Pass an arduous pack test annually: carry a 45-pound backpack for 3 miles in under 45 minutes.
• Have strong team leadership skills and the ability to establish and maintain a high-performance team culture in dynamic environments.
• Be able to complete outdoor tasks such as operating chainsaws, using hand tools, implementing prescribed burns, and performing forestry project work.
• Be able to work and lead independently and as part of a team.
• Be willing to assist with planning and implementing 100- and 200-level NWCG courses for module members.
• Be able to work in difficult weather conditions on steep, broken terrain and follow flexible schedules to accommodate prescribed fire implementation windows.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a current and valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Be legally eligible to work in the U.S. and participate in a background check.

Nice To Haves

• NWCG Single Resource Boss (SRB) qualification or trainee status.
• M-410 or equivalent teaching experience and 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, along with volunteers or other fire personnel, through daily operations for a three-year period.
• Report daily to multiple land agency representatives.
• Keep the module engaged and on schedule 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 on 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.
• Actively contribute to a kind, safe, and healthy work environment that encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Lead or assist in module development and training, including 200-level NWCG courses.

Benefits

• Housing provided at no cost in a furnished rental property in Albemarle, NC, with individual rooms for crew members.
• Paid leave.
• Paid holidays.
• Employer-sponsored health care coverage available upon employment.
• Employer-sponsored dental care 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