Fire Management Specialist

About the role

The Fire Management Specialist is a key position for the growth of our prescribed fire programs in Ohio and Michigan. The position is based in Swanton, Ohio, however a remote work option may be negotiated for highly qualified applicants residing within proximity of TNC work areas near Swanton, Ohio or Tecumseh, Michigan. Frequent travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the implementation of prescribed burns by leading squads of 3 – 7 firefighters, maintaining fire equipment, and planning logistics.
• Builds and maintains fire breaks in varying terrains and ecosystems using heavy equipment including dozers, skid steers, farm tractors, backhoes.
• Operates heavy equipment, tracked vehicles, fire engines, UTV’s and ATV’s during prescribed fires in varying terrain.
• Designs and fabricates fire equipment to serve the needs of fire program.
• Participates in wildfire operations to retain and further fire their qualifications and help develop the qualifications of fire crew members.
• Aids in the development of prescribed burn plans and fire management plans.
• Maintains fire supplies and equipment and maintains maintenance records.
• Maintains physical fitness necessary for maintaining wildland fire qualifications (arduous level).
• Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Supervises and monitors work groups consisting of seasonal firefighters, staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Assists with hiring, supervising, and managing seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Works within a budget to complete projects, negotiates and contracts with vendors, and assists with budget development.
• Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, volunteers, and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years' experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• NWCG Squad Boss (FFT1), and Wildland Faller qualified, or equivalent, documented training and experience at or above the FFT1 and Wildland Faller qualifications.
• Wildland fire suppression experience, including dispatched assignments on crews and engines.
• Must obtain single resource boss positions within 12 months of hire date contingent on training opportunities, and lead crews on assignments to further NWCG qualifications of TNC fire crews and partners.
• Experience with wildland fire management in the Appalachians or similar ecosystems including but not limited to implementing prescribed burns, assisting with burn plan development, supervising squads, working with engines and UTVs, preparing firebreaks, monitoring fire effects, writing prescribed burn plans, and working with state and federal partners.
• Experience with prescribed fire, fuels management, restoration, and overall ecology of eastern forests, and native grasslands found within Ohio and Michigan.
• Experience maintaining and operating various types of fire and stewardship equipment including but not limited to fire pumps, power equipment, off-road vehicles, skid-steers, tractors, crawler dozer, and the ability to load, transport, and tow trailers.
• Experience using ArcGIS, Avenza Maps, GPS, radio programming and Microsoft Products.
• Must be able to maintain arduous fitness level demonstrated by successfully completing the arduous pack test and must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Currently has or will obtain a CDL within 12 months of hire date.

Skills

• Knowledge of prescribed fire techniques and equipment.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery and equipment.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work in variable weather conditions and remote locations.
• Ability to network and build relationships with diverse groups.

Benefits

This position does not offer benefits.

Pay

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $54,000 - $63,500. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is flexible and may require frequent travel.