Job Type: On-site, full-time
Location: The Nature Conservancy - Missoula, Montana
Salary: $52,000-$55,000/year
Description:
The Prescribed Fire Coordinator (PFC) will be a key staff member within the Montana Chapter’s Forest Program focused on increasing the use of ecological fire to increase forest resilience, restore critical habitats and reduce the negative impacts of high severity wildfire. This position will work in coordination with other TNC Montana Business Unit (MTBU) staff, local communities, governmental agencies, tribal and NGO partners to build broad community-based support for prescribed fire. The position will include a mix of coordination (approx. 1/3 of time), partner and community engagement (approx. 1/3 of time) and implementation (approx. 1/3 of time). This position will help design, plan, and implement prescribed fire treatments in support of TNC and partners’ shared goals of increased burning on all lands including federal, state, local, tribal, and private lands. A major focus will be on supporting collaborative projects and efforts to enable more prescribed fire projects by public and private landowners.
The PFC will support MTBU fire programs to ensure the science-based execution of prescribed fire and forest restoration treatments, with the goal of increasing resilience of forest ecosystems and communities in the face of climate change. The PFC will engage with private landowners and the public to build understanding and support for increased use of prescribed burning as a tool for ecological restoration. The successful candidate will help shape this program through partnerships with public and private organizations and through engaging local community support for prescribed fire efforts, and developing innovative solutions with agencies, tribes, and landowners to restore resilient forests and build fire resilient communities. The PFC will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances in occupied grizzly bear habitat.
This salaried, three-year position will work closely with local communities and prescribed fire partners to inspire and support the growth of collaborative cross-boundary burning in Montana with a focus on the Blackfoot Valley. In addition, they will work to build and maintain partnerships with local communities, governmental agencies, tribal and NGO partners. They will support strategic action and drive implementation of forest management practices on state, private, and federal lands within the Blackfoot Valley. The PFC will participate in prescribed fire operations and may help develop prescribed burn plans on a variety of land ownerships. The PFC may supervise contractors and partner crews in completion of restoration and management activities to protect and restore fire-dependent native plant communities. They will implement strategic plans, coordinate community support, manage contracts and implement Forest Program strategies.
Qualifications:
BA/BS degree and 3 years of experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must meet NWCG qualifications for Squad Boss (FFT1). See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm
Experience in prescribed fire.
Annually pass physical fitness testing at the Arduous level.
Experience managing staff or volunteers.
Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
Experience using common software applications such as ArcGIS Pro, Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
Experience in training.
Desired Qualifications:
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience applying science to decision-making and guide activities.
Knowledge of ecological land management principles, especially related to forestry and fire management.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
Experience with prescribed burn planning.
Experience developing and maintaining relationships to expand the use of prescribed fire.
Additional Information:
This is a 3-year term position. The position will be based out of Missoula, MT and involve frequent travel throughout Western Montana.
