Regional Fire Management Specialist: Prescribed Fire Leader

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

Job summary

North Carolina Zoo is seeking a Fire Management Specialist for the Piedmont Region to oversee ecological burning programs and regional fire operations across multiple counties. The role will author burn prescriptions, supervise ecological burns, monitor outcomes, and advise on fire management strategies.

The position requires collaboration across divisions and partner agencies, with capacity to train staff and coordinate field activities, including equipment and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, biology, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or closely related field.
• Experience with prescribed fire field operations and ecological burning is preferred.
• Knowledge of NWCG training and certification processes is beneficial.
• Ability to build and maintain working relationships with staff, partner agencies and the public.

Responsibilities

• Collect and manage data and geospatial maps for prescriptions, burn units, reporting, and planning.
• Lead prescribed burns and conduct site monitoring before, during, and after operations.
• Support fireline installation, maintenance, and equipment tracking.
• Coordinate prescribed fire activities with partner agencies and park lands.
• Organize NWCG trainings to support certification of burn bosses and related opportunities.
• Operate and maintain fire vehicles as required.
• Perform wildland fire suppression, mop-up, and mitigation duties as assigned.

Skills

Prescribed fire implementation

Fire management principles

Burn prescription development

Conservation principles

Stakeholder collaboration

Park resource protection

Interagency coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture/biology/engineering/environmental or natural resource sciences

Job description

North Carolina Zoo is seeking a Fire Management Specialist for the Piedmont Region to oversee ecological burning programs and regional fire operations across multiple counties. The role will author burn prescriptions, supervise ecological burns, monitor outcomes, and advise on fire management strategies.

The position requires collaboration across divisions and partner agencies, with capacity to train staff and coordinate field activities, including equipment and safety protocols.