Coastal Fire Practitioner and Land Steward

The Nature Conservancy; Perdido (AL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Alabama seeks a Coastal Fire Practitioner and Land Steward (CFPLS) to lead prescribed fire operations and land management across Splinter Hill Bog and partner lands in the Southern Deltas BU coastal landscapes. The role includes supervising Burn Crew Members, coordinating logistics, and advancing restoration goals while building partnerships with agencies and non-profits.

Ideal candidates will have a science-related degree, FFT1 qualification or FFT1 task book, hands-on

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in science-related field or equivalent
• 1 year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar
• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) or FFT1 task book
• Two or more seasons as a Senior Burn Crew Member or similar
• Must meet physical fitness standards
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers
• May obtain CPR/herbicide licenses as needed
• Experience with natural systems and ecological land management principles
• Experience operating and repairing equipment
• Ability to work with timelines and independently
• Valid driver’s license required

Responsibilities

• Function as a leader and team member in a productive team environment
• Supervise Burn Crew Members and/or Senior Burn Crew Members during fire operations
• Provide mentoring for Burn Crew Members and other fire staff
• Assist with logistics, expenses, time reporting, and admin tasks for squad members
• Convey work instructions to Burn Crew members
• Monitor progress toward fire management goals and safety
• Make decisions on the fire line based on fire behavior and resources
• May work within a budget and assist with contracting and fundraising targets
• Aid in prescribed fire preparation and burns on TNC and partner lands
• Perform preserve maintenance tasks and maintain trails and boundaries
• Travel regularly and occasionally overnight; valid driver's license required

Skills

Fire management

Staff supervision

Physical fitness

Driver's license

Equipment operation

Independent work

CPR/AED certification

Education

BA/BS degree in science-related field

Tools

ArcGIS

GPS

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together

The Coastal Fire Practitioner and Land Steward (CFPLS) supports prescribed fire implementation and land stewardship at the Splinter Hill Bog Office (Baldwin Co. AL) and on TNC and partner land congruent to Southern Deltas Business Unit (BU) coastal landscapes. The CFPLS also supervises (3 Burn Crew Members) in prescribed and wildland fire activities associated with the USDA Forest Service or the US Fish and Wildlife Service, as directed by a Burn Boss, or other command position.

The CFPLS participates in preparing firelines, maintaining equipment, prescribed fire operations, mop-up, post-burn monitoring and other tasks as assigned. As part of the CFPLS’s 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. The CFPLS may also participate in fire course facilitation and provide training to other fireline personnel. 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 wild land 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 CFPLS may also perform a variety of land management tasks. This position will partially work to advance the restoration and management of natural systems and fire-dependent habitats in Coastal Alabama & Mississippi as well as occasional support throughout the Southen Deltas BU. The CFPLS implements ecological restoration activities, maintains preserve facilities, trails, and roads, removes non-native invasive plants, monitors management effects, and operates and maintains tools and equipment. This position is required to work under minimal supervision and must make independent decisions based on experience and judgements. The CFPLS must have a willingness to work long hours and travel extensively throughout the Southern Deltas BU. This position must have the ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

We’re Looking For You

Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, over 200,000 acres in Alabama have been preserved for people and nature. From the mountains to the sea, the Southern Deltas Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make our landscape unique. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!

Responsibilities & Scope

• Function as both leader and member of a work team, in a productive team environment.
• Will supervise Burn Crew Members, and/or Senior Burn Crew Members during fire operations.
• Provides mentoring for Burn Crew Members and other fire staff.
• Assists with logistics, expenses, time reporting, and other administrative tasks for squad members as assigned.
• Convey work instructions to Burn Crew members.
• Monitor the progress of Burn Crew Members toward achieving fire management goals and ensures safety.
• Makes decisions on the fire line based upon evaluation of fire behavior, available resources, and judgment.
• Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
• Aids in prescribed fire preparation and participates on prescribed burns on TNC and partner lands.
• Performs preserve maintenance tasks (maintain signage, build and maintain trails, mark boundaries, control invasives).
• Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may supervise staff; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Travel regularly and occasionally overnight for projects, monitoring, and other needs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

What You’ll Bring

• BA/BS degree in science-related field and 1 year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) or open FFT1 task book. Requirements for FFT1 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual.
• Two or more seasons as a Senior Burn Crew Member or similar agency qualification.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
• Experience in supervising staff or volunteers is required.
• May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application.
• Experience with natural systems and ecological land management principles.
• Experience operating and repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Must have valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in land management, fire management, or another science-related field.
• Coursework/training and/or experience working in natural systems of the southeastern U.S.
• Experience with regional natural systems and ecological land management principles, with an emphasis on the Southern Deltas and the southeastern US. Knowledge of characteristic plant and animal species found in the longleaf ecosystems and willingness to learn to identify native and non-native plant and animal species.
• Qualified National Wildfire Coordinating Group Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss), with completed FFT1 position task book preferred.
• Coursework/training and/or experience in current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource conservation.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Experience with ArcGIS, including database knowledge to maintain geospatial management records.
• Experience evaluating inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and making decisions that affect the safety and work of fire crewmembers.
• Experience with effective communication via written, spoke, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

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. 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.

Salary Information

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $24.00 – 26.00 per hour. 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. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

What We Bring

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.