CFL Burn Boss & Land Steward

The Nature Conservancy

4d • $60,000 - $70,000

About The Position

What We Can Achieve Together: The CFL Burn Boss/Land Steward (BB/LS) directs prescribed fire operations; coordinates fire suppression activities and develops and reviews Prescribed Burn Unit Plans and Site Fire Management Plans. The BB/LS is responsible for safe and effective fire operations, administers physical fitness testing, trains, and organizes crew; conducts annual refresher training, and maintains documentation files for crew member training and qualifications. The BB/LS evaluates trainees and certifies task books for positions up to RXB2. The BB/LS may perform other land management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire. As part of the incumbent’s ongoing professional development, the BB/LS 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 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 (such as an Administratively Determined, short term federal employee). The position coordinates and communicates with CFL Stewardship and Fire Program Manager and other staff to provide technical leadership and overall programmatic support for the Georgia Fire Management Program. Works with other Georgia program staff and partner land managers on planning and implementing prescribed burns on both Conservancy Preserves in SW Georgia and partner-owned land. The BB/LS performs and participates in preserve stewardship including tree/brush removal, invasive species monitoring/control (flora and fauna), fencing (installation and removal), firebreak installation and other tasks as assigned. Will also assist with the maintenance, management, development and coordination of conservation programs and partnerships. Serves as primary point of contact with 6 month seasonal fire management team of 4 personnel. Coordinates with other CFL team members to ensure that the CFL Program’s equipment is properly maintained and is responsible for providing technical expertise and direction on the operation and maintenance of equipment to less experienced personnel. Provides motivation, leadership, and technical guidance before, during and after prescribed fire/stewardship operations. This position will have supervisory responsibilities including the performance partnership process. RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE Make decisions in rapidly changing and potentially hazardous conditions that may affect the safety of staff and resources. Oversees staff and volunteers who serve as Burn Crew Members. Ensures Burn Crew Members are well-trained and maintains records of training. Reports experience and training for crew to Conservancy Fire Manager annually for recording to Incident Qualification and Certification System. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. Under minimal supervision makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment We’re Looking for You: Ready to lead fire operations and make a real impact on conservation? Join us as a CFL Burn Boss/Land Steward and direct prescribed fire activities! Coordinate suppression efforts, develop management plans, and train crews while staying updated on the latest techniques and equipment. Build strong relationships with the fire community and local partners. If you're passionate about fire management and conservation, apply now to protect our natural world!

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field and 3 years of related experience in fire operations or ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience
• NWCG-qualified Engine Boss (ENGB) or above including coursework and experience requirements with the ability to work towards Prescribed Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) within 2 years. See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements
• Must achieve arduous physical fitness standard as set by local Prescribed Fire Manager. See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements
• Experience directing prescribed fire operations
• Supervisory / leadership experience
• Experience leading effectively in stressful situations
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
• 3 to 5 years related experience in fire operations or ecological land management, a similar field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• NWCG-qualified Prescribed Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) including coursework and experience requirements. Completion of the RX-300 (Prescribed Burn Boss) course is preferred and is an additional organizational requirement for RXB2
• Relationship-building and negotiation skills
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species for executing an ecologically appropriate fire regime
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation
• Experience managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages
• Experience using maintenance tools, including lawn mowers, power and construction tools is preferred

Responsibilities

• Directs prescribed fire operations
• Coordinates fire suppression activities
• Develops and reviews Prescribed Burn Unit Plans and Site Fire Management Plans
• Responsible for safe and effective fire operations
• Administers physical fitness testing
• Trains, and organizes crew
• Conducts annual refresher training, and maintains documentation files for crew member training and qualifications
• Evaluates trainees and certifies task books for positions up to RXB2
• Performs other land management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire
• Keeps abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials
• Works to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works
• Coordinates and communicates with CFL Stewardship and Fire Program Manager and other staff to provide technical leadership and overall programmatic support for the Georgia Fire Management Program
• Works with other Georgia program staff and partner land managers on planning and implementing prescribed burns on both Conservancy Preserves in SW Georgia and partner-owned land
• Performs and participates in preserve stewardship including tree/brush removal, invasive species monitoring/control (flora and fauna), fencing (installation and removal), firebreak installation and other tasks as assigned
• Assists with the maintenance, management, development and coordination of conservation programs and partnerships
• Serves as primary point of contact with 6 month seasonal fire management team of 4 personnel
• Coordinates with other CFL team members to ensure that the CFL Program’s equipment is properly maintained and is responsible for providing technical expertise and direction on the operation and maintenance of equipment to less experienced personnel
• Provides motivation, leadership, and technical guidance before, during and after prescribed fire/stewardship operations
• Oversees staff and volunteers who serve as Burn Crew Members
• Ensures Burn Crew Members are well-trained and maintains records of training
• Reports experience and training for crew to Conservancy Fire Manager annually for recording to Incident Qualification and Certification System
• Makes decisions in rapidly changing and potentially hazardous conditions that may affect the safety of staff and resources

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