Coastal Region Fire Management Specialist - DPR65044334

Adult Correction; North Carolina; On-site; USD 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources seeks an Environmental Specialist I (S) to lead the regional ecological burning program across state parks. You will prepare burn prescriptions, lead ecological burns, monitor outcomes, and coordinate with partner agencies to ensure safety and ecological integrity.

You will supervise the Regional Fire Team, manage data and geospatial maps, maintain fire equipment, and deliver NWCG trainings for certification of burn bosses and

Qualifications

• Demonstrated on-the-ground prescribed fire experience.
• Knowledge of burn prescription development and fire protection practices.
• Understanding of ecological burning techniques and conservation principles.
• Ability to collaborate with Division staff, partner agencies and the public.
• Familiarity with managing natural resource-based parks and preserves.

Responsibilities

• Collect and manage data and geospatial maps for prescriptions and reporting.
• Assist with and lead prescribed burns, including site monitoring.
• Plan and maintain fire control lines and equipment.
• Coordinate fire activities with partner agencies on park lands.
• Deliver NWCG fire trainings to support certification of burn bosses.
• Operate and maintain fire vehicles per Division standards.
• Perform wildland fire suppression, mop-up, and mitigation duties as needed.
• Supervise a Regional Fire Team to ensure safe, effective burning.

Skills

Prescribed fire implementation

Fire management principles

Conservation practices

Stakeholder collaboration

Parks resource management

Job description

Agency
Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources
Division
Parks and Recreation
Job Classification Title
Environmental Specialist I (S)
Position Number
65044334
Grade
NC12

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people's lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina's natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

Description of Work

Many state parks contain fire-dependent natural communities that require periodic burning to stay healthy and resilient. The Division uses prescribed fire to maintain these ecosystems and aims to restore fire-adapted habitats across the state parks system. This position serves as the Regional Fire Management Specialist responsible for implementing the regional ecological burning program. Key duties include preparing burn prescriptions, leading ecological burns, monitoring fire effects, and recommending fire management strategies. The role also collaborates with staff across regions and supervises a Regional Fire Team to ensure safe, effective, and science-based ecological burning.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect and manage data and geospatial maps for prescriptions, burn units, reporting, and planning.
• Assist with and lead prescribed burns, including conducting site monitoring before, during, and after operations.
• Support the planning, installation, and maintenance of fire control lines.
• Purchase, maintain, and track fire equipment for regional fire crews.
• Coordinate prescribed fire activities with partner agencies on park lands and cooperating agencies lands.
• Work with program staff to plan and deliver NWCG fire trainings that support certification of Division burn bosses and coordinate additional experiential fire training opportunities.
• Operate, drive, and maintain fire vehicles according to Division standards.
• Perform wildland fire suppression, mop-up, and mitigation duties as requested and assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in on the ground prescribed fire implementation.
• Knowledge of fire management principles, burn prescription development, fire protection practices, firefighting equipment, and ecological burning techniques.
• Knowledge of conservation principles and best practices for protecting park resources.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Division staff, partner agencies, environmental organizations, park support groups, the public, and neighboring landowners.
• Understanding of the management of natural resource-based parks, natural areas, and nature preserves.

Position/Physical Requirements

• Typical work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm; projects at parks may require many additional hours of travel.
• Must be able to perform work inside and outside in various environmental conditions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Must have the ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Must have a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• This Position is designated as Essential/Mandatory and is required to work adverse weather events and may be called to work special events.
• Within 12-24 months of hire date, must have the ability to obtain and maintain:
• Class A CDL
• CPR Certification
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Recruitment Range

Recruitment Range: $47,703.00 - $65,591.00

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.