Prescribed Fire Practitioner/ Senior Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy

7d • $24 - $27

About The Position

The Prescribed Fire Practitioner/ Senior Crew Member works on the North Idaho Fire Module in a team environment while participating with prescribed fire assignments, wildland fire operations (short term Administratively Determined hire through USFS), and other land stewardship activities as assigned. The Prescribed Fire & Fuels season will occur between April- November 2026, with opportunities for wildfire assignments during the summer months. Operations will primarily take place throughout Northern Idaho, implementing work on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest & with the Coeur d’Alene Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management. Additional opportunities may be available supporting prescribed fire assignments or wildfire suppression efforts throughout the western United States, and nationally. Personnel hired for this position should be based within commutable distance to the designated duty station in Coeur d’Alene. This is a seasonal, full-time, hourly position and overtime applies after the first 40 hours each week. Travel expenses, meals, and lodging will be covered when traveling for out of area assignments. Alcohol use is prohibited anytime while on assignment to maintain a healthy, cohesive atmosphere with intent of build trust among the partners and communities where we work The Prescribed Fire Practitioner/ Senior Crew Member will provide guidance in fire line & unit preparation, equipment maintenance, implementing prescribed burns, mop-up, pre/ post monitoring, ecological management, wildfire suppression, and other tasks as assigned. As part of ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping abreast of 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 land management activities with partnership organizations such as other non-profits, local fire departments, tribes, 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).

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 as a requirement for this position. See TNC Fire Management Manual
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR)

Nice To Haves

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience managing volunteers or entry-level staff.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Two or more years of experience in fire operations related experience in land management or a similar field.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers).
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

Responsibilities

• Perform tasks under the supervision of the Prescribed Fire Module Leader/ Assistant Lead in coordination with local TNC, USFS, & BLM fire management staff.
• Function as a contributing member on a team of personnel with a wide range of skill sets, and life experiences.
• Conduct themselves in ways that are consistent with TNC’s Code of Conduct.
• Ensure that established safe work practices are followed.
• Able to complete Arduous Level Work Capacity Test (3 miles, 45lb pack, 45 minutes)
• Be able to perform physical labor in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Participate in self-sufficient camping assignments or “Spike Outs”
• Operate hand tools, firing devices, chainsaws, brush cutters, leaf blowers, ATV’s, UTVs, and tow trailers.
• Maintain assigned equipment.
• Maintain proficiency in GPS navigation

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

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED