Job Type: Full time, on-site
Location: North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources - Wake County, NC
Pay: $47,703-$65,591/year
Application Deadline: November 20, 2026
Description:
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.
Many state parks contain fire-dependent natural communities that require periodic burning to stay healthy and resilient. The Division uses prescribed fire to maintain these ecosystems and aims to restore fire-adapted habitats across the state parks system. This position serves as the Regional Fire Management Specialist responsible for implementing the regional ecological burning program. Key duties include preparing burn prescriptions, leading ecological burns, monitoring fire effects, and recommending fire management strategies. The role also collaborates with staff across regions and supervises a Regional Fire Team to ensure safe, effective, and science-based ecological burning.
This position will be located at a park in the Mountain Region with regional responsibilities spanning several counties.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Collect and manage data and geospatial maps for prescriptions, burn units, reporting, and planning.
Assist with and lead prescribed burns, including conducting site monitoring before, during, and after operations.
Support the planning, installation, and maintenance of fire control lines.
Purchase, maintain, and track fire equipment for regional fire crews.
Coordinate prescribed fire activities with partner agencies on park lands and cooperating agencies lands.
Work with program staff to plan and deliver NWCG fire trainings that support certification of Division burn bosses and coordinate additional experiential fire training opportunities.
Operate, drive, and maintain fire vehicles according to Division standards.
Perform wildland fire suppression, mop-up, and mitigation duties as requested and assigned.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:
Demonstrated experience in on the ground prescribed fire implementation.
Knowledge of fire management principles, burn prescription development, fire protection practices, firefighting equipment, and ecological burning techniques.
Knowledge of conservation principles and best practices for protecting park resources.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Division staff, partner agencies, environmental organizations, park support groups, the public, and neighboring landowners.
Understanding of the management of natural resource-based parks, natural areas, and nature preserves.
Position/Physical Requirements
Typical work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm; projects at parks may require many additional hours of travel.
Must be able to perform work inside and outside in various environmental conditions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Must have the ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Must have a valid driver’s license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
Within 12-24 months of hire date, must have the ability to obtain and maintain:
Class A CDL
CPR Certification
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Single Resource Boss (ex: Engine Boss, Firing Boss, Heavy Equipment Boss, Crew Boss)
North Carolina State Certified Burner Certification
Certified in S-112 Chainsaw Operations Training - perform hazardous tree assessments and if necessary, tree removal within the park.
