Senior Prescribed Fire Leader – Appalachian Restoration

The Nature Conservancy (All); Sparta (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy’s Bridgestone Nature Reserve at Chestnut Mountain, TN is seeking a Prescribed Fire Manager to lead the Tennessee Business Unit’s fire program, oversee operations, and build capacity across the Appalachian region. This role focuses on coordinating prescribed burns, safety, and collaboration with partners to advance landscape-scale restoration.

This position requires NWCG RXB2, strong project leadership, and the ability to manage agreements, training, and data reporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 4 years’ experience in fire management or natural resource management or similar field.
• NWCG qualification RXB2.
• Experience developing and applying strategic thinking to fire management and conservation priorities.
• Experience writing, reviewing, and approving prescribed burn and wildfire plans.
• Strong knowledge of Appalachian ecosystem fuels and restoration strategies.
• Experience supervising staff and working with partners to develop MOUs/MOAs.
• Experience using Word, Excel, ArcGIS Pro.

Responsibilities

• Serves in operational fire leadership roles on prescribed fire projects.
• Oversees stewardship operations and preserve infrastructure, access, and firebreaks.
• Oversees training and staff development; provides feedback on performance.
• Identifies fire personnel and equipment capacity needs and develops strategies.
• Leads contracting and partnerships with agencies via MOUs/MOAs.
• Coordinates with TNBU and partners on fire management activities.
• Maintains IQCS records; annual reporting of fire program activities.
• Ensures compliance with Conservancy SOPs and safety guidelines.

Skills

Fire management

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Partnership development

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 4+ yrs in fire/natural resources

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Nature Conservancy’s Bridgestone Nature Reserve at Chestnut Mountain, TN is seeking a Prescribed Fire Manager to lead the Tennessee Business Unit’s fire program, oversee operations, and build capacity across the Appalachian region. This role focuses on coordinating prescribed burns, safety, and collaboration with partners to advance landscape-scale restoration.

This position requires NWCG RXB2, strong project leadership, and the ability to manage agreements, training, and data reporting