Lead Prescribed Fire & Forest Restoration Manager

The Nature Conversancy; Sparta (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

401(k) with employer match

Parental leave

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee is seeking a Prescribed Fire Manager to lead prescribed fire operations, manage the TNBU fire program, and build partnerships to expand capacity. The role will focus on advancing landscape-scale restoration and ensuring safety and compliance across fire activities.

You will mentor staff, oversee MOUs and contracts, coordinate with partners across public lands, and drive fuel-reduction efforts at Chestnut Mountain and surrounding areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years in fire management or related field.
• NWCG RXB2 qualification required; training and certification expectations.
• Experience developing and applying strategic thinking to fire management and conservation priorities.
• Experience writing burn unit plans, site fire management plans, and wildfire response plans.
• Strong knowledge of Appalachian ecosystem fuels and restoration strategies.
• Experience supervising seasonal and permanent staff and coordinating with partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead prescribed fire projects and burn boss activities as needed.
• Oversee preserve infrastructure, equipment, trails, and firebreaks for safety and sustainability.
• Hire and manage seasonal staff and contractors; develop MOUs/MOAs with agencies.
• Develop and manage fire management plans, burn plans, and contractor qualifications.
• Maintain fire personnel qualification records in IQCS and ensure compliance with SOPs.

Skills

Fire management leadership

Strategic thinking

Staff training & development

Partnerships / coordination

Communication

Physical fitness

NWCG RXB2 qualification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee is seeking a Prescribed Fire Manager to lead prescribed fire operations, manage the TNBU fire program, and build partnerships to expand capacity. The role will focus on advancing landscape-scale restoration and ensuring safety and compliance across fire activities.

You will mentor staff, oversee MOUs and contracts, coordinate with partners across public lands, and drive fuel-reduction efforts at Chestnut Mountain and surrounding areas.