Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association Coordinator

Pheasants Forever•Moore County, NC

15d•Remote

About The Position

In partnership with the Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association (SPBA), conservation partners, and private landowners, the Prescribed Fire Coordinator supports longleaf pine restoration and prescribed fire implementation across the North Carolina Sandhills. The role provides mentoring, outreach, training, coordination, and reporting support to expand prescribed fire capacity and longleaf ecosystem restoration on private lands. It is remote, with Moore County, North Carolina, preferred, and covers Montgomery, Richmond, Moore, Lee, Harnett, Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland, and Robeson counties. The start date is December 2026. The coordinator participates in and leads prescribed burns, including training burns, while ensuring adherence to prescriptions and the safety of participants, neighbors, and the public. This is described as an entry-level position, with an anticipated promotion opportunity after successful completion of the first year of onboarding and performance expectations.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in forestry, wildlife management, plant ecology, fire ecology, or a closely related natural resources field.
At least three years of related experience.
Required prescribed fire training, certifications, and field experience.
Extensive knowledge and experience with prescribed fire, fire ecology, and wildfire as they relate to the South and Southeast United States.
Holds appropriate prescribed fire certifications; examples listed include S-130, S-190, L-180, ICS-100, S-230, S-290, and I-700.
Must obtain NC Prescribed Burner qualification after employment.
Current Pack Test or ability to acquire it within the first year.
Knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland and grassland management, and the ability to use habitat management tools in developing management plans.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partners.
Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal agencies, state agencies, private partners, and NGOs, including how programs are implemented in a Working Lands landscape.
Excellent computer skills, including working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, and ArcPro.
Demonstrated leadership experience and strong initiative.
Ability to organize, develop, and implement educational and outreach activities, including workshops, seminars, and publications.
Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
Conflict resolution skills.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule and some weekends as needed.
Valid driver’s license; some use of a personal vehicle is required, with mileage reimbursement provided.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of forestry and Working Lands agricultural operations is desired.

Responsibilities

Provide prescribed fire-related training.
Coordinate and support the daily operations of the Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association.
Provide one-on-one mentoring and technical assistance to private landowners interested in prescribed fire and longleaf management.
Coordinate Learn & Burn events, field days, workshops, and outreach activities.
Assist landowners with prescribed burn planning, implementation, and reporting.
Promote participation in NC Certified Burner and other prescribed fire training opportunities.
Maintain working relationships with NRCS, NC Forest Service, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Extension, and local conservation partners.
Track project metrics and prepare quarterly and grant reports.
Conduct outreach to landowners.
Organize and host new PBA start-up meetings when necessary and perform other duties associated with coordinating PBAs as determined by the Quail Forever North Carolina State Coordinator.
Monitor and facilitate PBA burn reporting through frequent communication and coordination with PBA membership; encourage members and volunteers to report completed burns.
Deliver public presentations, webinars, and workshops, and promote a healthy fire culture in North Carolina.
Foster relationships with landowners, fire practitioners, PBAs, NC Fire Council, state and federal agencies, NGOs, and others associated with prescribed fire and PBAs in North Carolina.
Perform other duties as assigned to promote the mission of SPBA and Quail Forever.
Meet and understand Quail Forever’s Prescribed Fire Policy requirements, including the distinction between QF employee requirements and SPBA member and North Carolina landowner requirements.
Participate in and lead prescribed burns, including training burns, ensuring compliance with prescriptions and safety requirements; encourage PBA members to lead their own burns and provide guidance and support on PBA burns.