Prescribed Fire & Stewardship Specialist

Malaysianwildlife; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy seeks a Prescribed Fire and Stewardship Technician in Kentucky, based in Lexington with possible remote negotiation for qualified applicants near Lexington, Morehead, or London, KY. Frequent travel required as part of this role.

You will contribute to land stewardship and fire management programs, coordinate teams, and support funding efforts while ensuring safe, effective operations across multiple preserves.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• NWCG Squad Boss (FFT1) and Wildland Faller qualified, or equivalent, documented training at or above FFT1 and Wildland Faller.
• Experience with wildland fire management in the Appalachians or similar ecosystems including prescribed burns, burn plans, supervising squads, engines/UTVs, firebreaks, monitoring fire effects, and working with partners.
• Fundamental knowledge of prescribed fire, fuels management, restoration, and ecology of eastern forests and native Kentucky grasslands.
• Experience maintaining and operating fire and stewardship equipment (pumps, power equipment, off-road vehicles, skid-steers, tractors) and ability to transport trailers.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS, Avenza Maps, GPS, and Microsoft products.
• Must maintain arduous fitness and possess a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementation of prescribed burns by maintaining firebreaks, leading squads of 3–7 firefighters, maintaining equipment, and planning logistics.
• Assist with development of prescribed burn plans and land management plans.
• Maintain fire and stewardship supplies and maintenance records.
• Maintain arduous fitness level and comply with safety requirements.
• Work in variable weather, remote locations, and challenging terrain.
• Lead vegetation and fire effects monitoring programs and report data.
• Supervise work groups of staff, interns, and volunteers across a wide area.
• Contribute to budgeting, vendor contracts, and program compliance.

Skills

Squad Boss FFT1

Wildland Faller

ArcGIS

Avenza Maps

GPS

Microsoft Office

Driver's license

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural resources

Job description

The Nature Conservancy seeks a Prescribed Fire and Stewardship Technician in Kentucky, based in Lexington with possible remote negotiation for qualified applicants near Lexington, Morehead, or London, KY. Frequent travel required as part of this role.

You will contribute to land stewardship and fire management programs, coordinate teams, and support funding efforts while ensuring safe, effective operations across multiple preserves.