Job Type: Full-time, on-site
Location: All Hands Ecology - Based in Petaluma, CA. Field work is required. Additional travel throughout North Bay and beyond, with overnight travel required
Pay: $28/hour
Application Deadline: May 8, 2026
Summary
All Hands Ecology (formerly Audubon Canyon Ranch) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit land-based conservation organization founded in 1962 to protect sensitive wildlife habitat. Today we are guardians of a system of nature preserves spanning 5,000 acres across Marin and Sonoma counties. Through the integration of education, science, and stewardship, our 50+ staff work with communities and partners to ensure Northern California’s biodiversity endures through research, land stewardship, and mentorship for new generations of conservationists.
The Prescribed Fire Practitioner plays a key role in advancing the mission of a dynamic conservation organization that stewards over 5,000 acres of protected land and works closely with private landowners, government agencies, other organizations, and the community to bring “good fire” to the landscape. Working as part of the collaborative and highly motivated Fire Forward program, this work is performed in service of ecological health and community safety and is rooted in healing our relationship with the land and each other. The Prescribed Fire Practitioner will operate as a member of a 12-person Prescribed Fire Module working under the supervision and leadership of a Squad Lead and a Module Lead . The Practitioner position is a fullt ime, hourly, non-exempt position. Prescribed Fire Practitioners will prepare and implement prescribed burn projects throughout the greater North Bay Area. Practitioners will support and implement stewardship projects across All Hands Ecology’s preserves, serve as mentors to the Prescribed Fire Apprentices, participate in or support professional development courses and workshops as appropriate, with occasional assignments outside the area to support growth as a student of fire.
Key Responsibilities:
Prescribed Fire and Stewardship
Participate in prescribed fire operations, including the preparation, implementation, holding, and monitoring of prescribed burns. This includes pre-burn monitoring, understory thinning and fireline preparation work, ignitions and holding of prescribed fire, unit securement, patrol of prescribed burns, and burn reporting.
Operate power tools such as chainsaws, brush cutters, and mowers.
Support pre- and post-burn ecological and fire effects monitoring.
Support other stewardship activities including invasive species management, seed collection, vegetation plot monitoring, and botany surveys, among others.
Draft burn plans, produce burn unit maps, and obtain necessary permits and approvals related to prescribed burning.
Actively engage in, and participate in, After Action Reviews and sand table exercises.
Prioritize and maintain positive, inclusive, and respectful interpersonal dynamics, even in challenging working conditions.
Participate in occasional fire assignments with partner organizations and agencies, some requiring overnight and/or out of state travel.
Courses and Workshops
Participate in NWCG and associated courses as needed to support professional development.
Attend, as appropriate, training covering fire ecology, monitoring, prescribed burn planning, smoke management and permitting, CAL FIRE permit processes, burn unit map making, meteorology and f ire, etc.
Assists in the instruction of basic fire line courses and workshops for the community and Apprentice Squad
Other Responsibilities
Maintain gear, equipment, and vehicles in a clean, functional, and orderly fashion.
Participates in team meetings, retreats, initiatives, committees, and events as appropriate, contributing to meeting strategic outcomes and a collaborative team dynamic.
Maintain minimum physical fitness requirements (below) and actively participate in regularly scheduled crew physical training activities.
Other duties as assigned
Required Skills and Experience
1 year of field work experience in forestry, fuels, fire, conservation, or other similar fields
*Firefighter Type 2
Familiarity with basic concepts of fuels and fire use
Familiarity with common forestry tools such chainsaws, brush cutters, pumps, hand tools.
Ability to maintain positive attitude and respectful, inclusive disposition with diverse colleagues and partners even in challenging working conditions
Ability to exercise sound judgment, employ proper safety measures, and show appropriate levels of problem solving.
Superior and consistent attention to detail with commitment to continuous improvement
Demonstrated commitment to values and mission of Fire Forward and All Hands Ecology
Valid California driver’s license and good driving record
Experience with arduous physical labor
Familiarity with California ecosystems
Alignment with and commitment to the mission and values of All Hands Ecology
Legal authorization to work in the United States and ability to successfully pass a criminal background check.
Valid California driver’s license (or ability to get one) and satisfactory driving record.
* Proof of completion of coursework must be submitted with application. All courses are free and available online through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.
IS-100.C Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100
IS-700.b Introduction to National Incident Management System
S-130, Firefighter Training
S-190, Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior
L-180, Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
Proof of successful completion of the Arduous Pack Test (walk 3 miles on flat ground with 45 lbs. in under 45 minutes) required by time of interview, if selected. Pack test may not- be completed on a treadmill.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Includes indoor and outdoor work in all weather conditions and many types of terrain.
Requires occasional weekend work and extra hours during peak seasons, as well as high-intensity work on/around wildland fire and direct exposure to heat, smoke, high temperatures, poison oak, and other hazards.
Ability to maintain a high level of physical fitness, including demonstrated ability to consistently and successfully pass the arduous pack test.
Work schedule: Regular weekly work schedule is four 9.5-hour days, 7 am – 5 pm, Tuesday through Friday. Hours will vary by season and assignment, including required overtime during prescribed fire assignments.
