Prescribed Fire and Stewardship Technician

About the Role

The Prescribed Fire and Stewardship Technician is a key position for the growth of our prescribed fire and land stewardship programs in Kentucky. Based in Lexington, KY, this role may offer a remote work option for highly qualified applicants residing near TNC work areas in Lexington, Morehead, or London, KY. Frequent travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical leadership and support for preserve management programs and stewardship, addressing critical threats to natural systems and individual species.
• Assists with developing and implementing conservation strategies related to prescribed fire and preserve stewardship using a full range of habitat management tools.
• Implements prescribed burns by maintaining firebreaks, leading squads of 3–7 firefighters, maintaining fire equipment, and planning logistics.
• Assists with the development of prescribed burn plans, fire management plans, and land management plans.
• Maintains fire and stewardship supplies, equipment, and records.
• Leads vegetation and fire effects monitoring programs, collects and reports data.
• Leads and monitors work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers across a wide geographic area.
• Performs tasks with minimal supervision, making independent decisions based on analysis and experience.
• Assists with hiring, supervising, and managing seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Manages financial responsibilities, including budgeting, negotiating with vendors, and assisting with budget development.
• Manages preserves, infrastructure, and hiking trails; maintains herbicide applicator licenses and applies herbicides.
• Functions as a leader and team member in high-stress environments.
• Networks with landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, and the public to recruit support and publicize programs.
• Stays current with new burn techniques and equipment to maintain professional fire certification credentials.
• Builds and maintains relationships in the professional fire community and local community, including participation in wildland fire suppression activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• NWCG Squad Boss (FFT1) and Wildland Faller qualified, or equivalent documented training and experience.
• Experience with wildland fire management in the Appalachians or similar ecosystems, including prescribed burns, burn plan development, squad supervision, and working with engines and UTVs.
• Foundational knowledge of prescribed fire, fuels management, restoration, and ecology of eastern forests and native grasslands in Kentucky.
• Experience maintaining and operating fire and stewardship equipment (e.g., fire pumps, power equipment, off-road vehicles, skid-steers, tractors) and ability to load, transport, and tow trailers.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS, Avenza Maps, GPS, and Microsoft Products.
• Ability to maintain arduous fitness level, demonstrated by successfully completing the arduous pack test.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record; compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program required.

Desired Qualifications

• 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Single Resources Boss – Engine Boss (ENGB) and/or Firing Boss (FIRB) qualified.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles and current trends in conservation and natural resource preservation.

Pay

The starting pay range for this position is $55,000 - $57,000 for candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Actual pay will be based on factors such as location, qualifications, and experience.

Benefits

• Competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match.
• Parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, and an employee assistance program.
• Flexible work environment supporting health and well-being.