Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association Coordinator

Pheasants Forever; North Carolina; Remote; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, vision, dental insurance

401(k) with match

Student loan assistance

Vehicle stipend

PTO 12 days/year

Holidays 13

Job summary

Pheasants Forever is seeking a North Carolina SPBA Coordinator to provide prescribed fire training, support daily SPBA operations, and mentor private landowners in longleaf management. The role involves coordinating Learn & Burn events, field days, and outreach while maintaining relationships with federal, state, and NGO partners.

Applicants should hold a BS in forestry/wildlife, relevant certifications, and the ability to work independently.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in forestry or related field with 3+ years of experience.
• Prescribed fire training and certifications required.
• Knowledge of forestry operations and Working Lands is desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide prescribed fire related training and coordination.
• Support daily operations of the Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association.
• Mentor landowners and assist in planning, implementation, and reporting of burns.
• Coordinate Learn & Burn events, field days, and outreach.
• Prepare quarterly and grant reports and track metrics.

Skills

Prescribed fire expertise

Fire ecology

Certifications (S-130, S-190, L-180, I

Communication skills

Leadership

MS Word

MS Excel

ArcPro

Pack Test

Independent work

Education

Bachelor of Science in forestry or related field

Tools

ArcPro

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Start Date: December 2026

Location: Remote (Moore County, NC, preferred)

Coverage Area: Montgomery, Richmond, Moore, Lee, Harnett, Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland Robeson

Overview:

• Provide prescribed fire-related training.
• Coordinate and support daily operations of the Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association.
• Provide one‑on‑one mentoring and technical assistance to private landowners interested in prescribed fire and longleaf management.
• Coordinate Learn & Burn events, field days, workshops, and outreach activities.
• Assist landowners with prescribed burn planning, implementation, and reporting.
• Promote participation in NC Certified Burner and other prescribed fire training opportunities.
• Maintain working relationships with NRCS, NC Forest Service, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Extension, and local conservation partners.
• Track project metrics and prepare quarterly and grant reports.
• Assist outreach to landowners.
• Organize and host new PBA start-up meetings when necessary; and Complete all other duties and responsibilities associated with coordinating PBAs as determined by the QF North Carolina State Coordinator.
• Monitor and facilitate PBA burn reporting with frequent communication and coordination with PBA membership. Encourage all PBA members/volunteers to report completed burns.
• Deliver public presentations, webinars, and workshops, and promote a healthy fire culture in North Carolina.
• Foster a healthy relationship with landowners, fire practitioners, PBAs, NC Fire Council, State and Federal Agencies, NGOs, and all other parties associated with prescribed fire and PBAs in North Carolina.
• Complete other duties as assigned to promote the mission of the SPBA and Quail Forever.
• Meet and understand requirements of Quail Forever’s Prescribed Fire Policy, and understand the difference between QF employee requirements and SPBA requirements for PBA members and NC landowners.
• Participate in and lead prescribed burns, to include training burns, ensuring adherence to prescription and the safety of participants, neighbors, and the public. Encourage PBA members to boss their own burns and serve as guidance/support on PBA burns.

Desired Knowledge. Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge and experience with prescribed fire, fire ecology, and wildfire as it pertains to the South and Southeast US.
• Holds appropriate prescribed fire certifications
• EX: S-130, S-190, L-180, ICS-100, S-230, S-290, I-700, etc.
• Holds NC Prescribed Burner qualification after employment.
• Current Pack Test or ability to acquire Pack Test in first year.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all landowners and partners.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by Federal agencies (i.e. USDA and US Fish and Wildlife Service), state agencies, private and NGO partners, etc. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in a Working Lands landscape is desired.
• Excellent computer skills including working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, and ArcPro.
• Demonstrated experience as a leader with strong initiative.
• Ability to organize, develop, and implement educational and outreach activities, including workshops, seminars, and publications.
• Excellent and proven verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Willingness to work flexible schedule and some weekends as needed.
• Valid driver’s license required; work vehicle provided; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).

Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor of Science Degree in forestry, wildlife management, plant ecology, fire ecology, or a closely related natural resources field with a minimum of three years related experience. Prescribed fire training, certifications, and field experience is required. Knowledge of Forestry and Working Lands agricultural operations is desired.

Starting Salary

$50,000 (commensurate with knowledge, skills, and experience), with annual performance-based salary increases and a comprehensive benefits package. This is an entry-level position with an anticipated promotion opportunity following successful completion of the first year of onboarding and performance expectations.

• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans are available.
• 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
• Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
• Vehicle Stipend. QF Employees are required to comply with PF/QF’s Driving Record Verification Process and adhere to PF/QF’s Operating Motor Vehicle Policy.
• Paid Time Off accrued at 12 days (120 hours) per year for new employees.
• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
• 13 paid holidays.

Contact

Jake Comer, PF/QF North Carolina State Coordinator, [e-mail] or 336-254-7143, or Jesse Wimberly, SPBA Coordinator, [e-mail] or 910-603-1052.

Pheasants Forever is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.