Prescribed Fire & Stewardship Tech — Field Lead

The Nature Conservancy (All); Morehead (KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Kentucky seeks a Prescribed Fire and Stewardship Technician to lead burn operations and stewardship programs. Based in Lexington with possible remote negotiation for nearby counties; frequent travel required to Morehead, London, and surrounding areas.

You will develop burn and land management plans, coordinate crews, and manage equipment and budgets while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance. Strong ArcGIS/GIS skills and NWCG FFT1 certification are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management or equivalent experience.
• FFT1 and Wildland Faller qualifications or equivalent training.
• Experience with wildland fire management and prescribed burns.
• Foundational knowledge of prescribed fire, fuels, restoration, and eastern forests ecology.
• Experience operating fire and stewardship equipment and driving with a valid license.
• Proficient in ArcGIS, Avenza Maps, GPS, and Microsoft products.
• Ability to meet arduous fitness standards and travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead prescribed burns, maintain firebreaks, plan logistics with crews.
• Develop burn plans, fire management plans, and land management plans.
• Maintain supplies and equipment; track maintenance records.
• Maintain fitness for arduous pack tests and ensure valid driver's license.
• Work in varied conditions, remote sites, and hazardous terrain.
• Coordinate monitoring programs; collect and report data.
• Supervise teams including staff, interns, and volunteers over large areas.
• Assist with hiring, supervision, and budgeting; ensure policy compliance.
• Network with landowners, partners, and public to support Conservancy goals.

Skills

NWCG FFT1

Wildland Faller

ArcGIS

Avenza Maps

GPS

Microsoft Office

Driver's license

Physical fitness

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural resource management

Tools

Fire pumps

Power equipment

Tractors

Skid-steers

UTVs

Engines

Trailers

Job description

The Nature Conservancy in Kentucky seeks a Prescribed Fire and Stewardship Technician to lead burn operations and stewardship programs. Based in Lexington with possible remote negotiation for nearby counties; frequent travel required to Morehead, London, and surrounding areas.

You will develop burn and land management plans, coordinate crews, and manage equipment and budgets while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance. Strong ArcGIS/GIS skills and NWCG FFT1 certification are essential.