Job Type: Full time, hybrid
Location: The Nature Conservancy - California
Pay: $28.26-$33.85/hour
Application Deadline: July 10, 2026
Description:
The Conservation & Fire Coordinator works in support of the Climate Program’s Forest Strategy and the Land Program’s Stewardship Strategy across the state of California. They provide administrative, research, project management and other general assistance to staff working toward increasing beneficial fire and reducing wildfire risk and impacts to conserved lands in California. This is a two-year termed position with the possibility of extension pending funding.
Essential Functions:
The Conservation & Fire Coordinator provides support in areas of team functions, meetings, data management, equipment management, internal/external communication, logistics and general administrative support in such areas of expense reporting, travel logistics, scheduling, and grant and contract support and management. They work closely with the Forest Strategy and the Stewardship Team to advance the California Chapter’s prescribed fire portfolio and wildfire preparedness.
Responsibilities and Scope:
Supports the Forest Strategy within the Climate Program on advancing beneficial fire projects, including prescribed burns led by TNC and partner burns conducted on non-TNC land (50% of the role).
Supports the Stewardship Strategy within the Land Program to increase the California Chapter’s wildfire preparedness and prescribed fire capacities, with a focus on preparing TNC Preserves for fire (50% of the role).
Provides coordination support to the planning and implementation phases of fire projects, including coordination of materials, supplies, food, and logistics for prescribed burn trainings, events and activities.
Engages in site visits, prescribed fire planning and implementation as assigned, and according to fire qualifications (up to 30% travel)
Maintains inventory of TNC fire supplies and equipment, including condition and location.
Coordinates the development of Wildfire Response Plans, Site Fire Management Plans, science review of proposed burns, and other fire management work products as assigned.
Provides administrative support as needed in the areas of scheduling, travel and logistics arrangements, calendar management and expensing.
Captures notes from key meetings, synthesizes information and shares out.
Assists with coordinating media engagements and the development of talking points and communications plans for beneficial fire projects.
Provides coordination support to prescribed fire monitoring and research efforts from data collection through analysis and into content for various types of communications.
Assists with grant and contract management, including interacting with external parties to develop and manage grants and contracts.
Tracks and assists with team deliverables related to annual planning, budgeting and performance management cycles.
Assists with management of fire records, including TNC staff fire qualifications in Incident Qualifications and Certifications System (IQCS).
Coordinator will attend prescribed burns. This will mean that the Coordinator will sometimes work in remote conditions on uneven terrain and will be exposed to fire and smoke from fires and other hazards as anticipated with prescribed burns.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management or related field and 2 years related work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with Microsoft Office suite.
Experience coordinating multiple projects.
Experience handling standard business communications.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience with coordinating public grants, contracts, and processing invoices.
Strong administrative skills including attention to detail and numerical ability.
Operational wildland fire experience, qualified as a NWCG Type 2 Fire Fighter (FFT2) and Public Information Officer (PIO).
Commitment to secure or maintain FFT2 fire qualifications, including annual arduous physical exam.
IQCS Account Manager, or an interest in becoming an IQCS Account Manager through on the job training.
Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, with assignments sometimes coming from a number of sources and work independently.
Ability to coordinate project information from a number of sources to populate databases, create reports and maintain records.
Experience utilizing databases for data entry and report production preferred.
Ability to plan, administer and record results of team meetings and activities.
Flexibility and can-do attitude.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
