Prescribed Fire Burn Boss 2 (RXB2)

Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc.; Otsego (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Part time

Job summary

Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc. is seeking an RXB2-qualified Prescribed Fire Burn Boss to lead operations from planning through completion. This on-call role involves directing crews, coordinating resources, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance across burns in the Otsego region.

You will mentor future fire leaders, contribute to program development, and participate in site evaluations, planning, and post-burn reviews. Travel and extended shifts during peak seasons are expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible wildland and prescribed fire experience.
• Current NWCG qualification as RXB2 with Position Task Book.
• Working knowledge of prescribed fire operations, fire behavior, smoke management, risk assessment, and Incident Command System (ICS) principles.
• Ability to travel for prescribed fire projects, often with limited notice.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Current DOT Medical Certificate or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Incident Commander and Burn Boss on prescribed fire operations.
• Direct and coordinate assigned personnel and resources throughout prescribed fire operations.
• Conduct pre-burn briefings, operational risk assessments, and Go/No-Go evaluations while monitoring weather and fire conditions and implementing contingency actions as needed.
• Ensure prescribed fire objectives are achieved while protecting personnel, property, and natural resources.
• Supervise assigned personnel and maintain compliance with approved burn plans, NWCG standards, agency requirements, and organizational procedures.
• Develop, review, and implement prescribed burn plans.
• Coordinate with clients, landowners, agency partners, emergency responders, and cooperating organizations before, during, and after prescribed fire operations.
• Complete operational documentation, burn records, and post-burn evaluations accurately and on time.
• Conduct site evaluations to assess fuels, weather considerations, access, hazards, water sources, and operational needs.
• Assist in developing prescribed burn plans, operational strategies, and resource requirements for upcoming projects.
• Participate in pre-season planning, equipment maintenance, operational readiness, training activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor employees pursuing NWCG qualifications and support the development of future fire leaders.
• Support post-burn evaluations and recommend improvements to future prescribed fire operations.

Job description

Do you have the experience and qualifications to lead prescribed fire operations from planning through completion ? Do you thrive making critical operational decisions while leading crews in dynamic field environments ? Are you passionate about using prescribed fire as a tool to restore and manage natural landscapes ?

About Us

MNL is a full-service ecological restoration company dedicated to Healing the Earth. Our services include native seed and plant production, shoreline and wetland restoration, prescribed burns, conservation grazing, vegetation management, and ecological consulting. We also support solar and infrastructure projects with pollinator-friendly practices and land stewardship expertise.

Red Rock Fire (RRF), an MNL company, provides professional prescribed fire services throughout the region. We combine experienced personnel, strong operational planning, and a commitment to safety to deliver high-quality prescribed fire projects that help restore and manage natural ecosystems while protecting people, property, and natural resources.

The Opportunity

As a Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) , you'll serve as the Incident Commander and Burn Boss on prescribed fire operations, leading crews through every stage of the burn while ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved burn plans and industry standards. You'll play a key role in protecting personnel, property, and natural resources while helping clients achieve their land management objectives.

Beyond leading prescribed burns, you'll contribute to the growth and improvement of MNL's prescribed fire program through project planning, operational readiness, mentoring future fire leaders, and supporting continuous improvement across the program.

This is an on-call position. Prescribed fire assignments may require the ability to deploy with limited notice, travel, and work extended shifts during the spring and fall burn seasons.

What You Will Do

• Serve as the Incident Commander and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss on assigned prescribed fire operations.
• Direct and coordinate assigned personnel and resources throughout prescribed fire operations.
• Conduct pre-burn briefings, operational risk assessments, and Go/No-Go evaluations while monitoring weather and fire conditions and implementing contingency actions as needed.
• Ensure prescribed fire objectives are achieved while protecting personnel, property, and natural resources.
• Supervise assigned personnel and maintain compliance with approved burn plans, NWCG standards, agency requirements, and organizational procedures.

Project Coordination & Documentation

• Develop, review, and implement prescribed burn plans.
• Coordinate with clients, landowners, agency partners, emergency responders, and cooperating organizations before, during, and after prescribed fire operations.
• Complete operational documentation, burn records, and post-burn evaluations accurately and on time.

Program Development & Operational Readiness

• Conduct site evaluations to assess fuels, weather considerations, access, hazards, water sources, and operational needs.
• Assist in developing prescribed burn plans, operational strategies, and resource requirements for upcoming projects.
• Participate in pre-season planning, equipment maintenance, operational readiness, training activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor employees pursuing advanced NWCG qualifications and support the development of future fire leaders.
• Support post-burn evaluations and recommend improvements to future prescribed fire operations.

What You Will Need To Be Successful

• Current NWCG qualification as a Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2), with a completed RXB2 Position Task Book.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible wildland and prescribed fire experience.
• Working knowledge of prescribed fire operations, fire behavior, smoke management, risk assessment, and Incident Command System (ICS) principles.
• Demonstrated ability to safely lead prescribed fire operations and make sound operational decisions in dynamic environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively supervise crews and coordinate with clients, landowners, agency partners, and cooperating organizations.
• Experience serving as the Incident Commander on complex prescribed fire operations.
• Experience supporting utility, conservation, or natural resource prescribed fire projects.
• Ability to travel for prescribed fire projects, often with limited notice.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Current DOT Medical Certificate or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
• Ability to successfully complete the NWCG Arduous Work Capacity Test annually.
• Ability to work extended periods in physically demanding outdoor environments, including heat, smoke, dust, and adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to hike over steep, uneven, and remote terrain and lift, carry, or move equipment weighing up to 100 pounds.

Required NWCG Training

• ICS-100
• ICS-200
• IS-700
• RT-130 Annual Fireline Safety Refresher

Preferred NWCG Training

• Crew Boss (CRWB)
• Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) or higher.

The pay range for this role is:

38 - 45 USD per hour (Otsego Headquarters)