Job Type: Full-time, On-site
Location: Missoula, MT
Salary: $51,000 - $54,000 for annual base salary
Deadline: 2/2/2025
WHO WE ARE
The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”
WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
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 cross-boundary 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 is a salaried, four-year term position.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU
Are you interested in developing natural resources-based solutions to make forests, grasslands, and communities more resilient to wildfire? TNC Montana is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make our state unique, and one of our strategies is advancing the use of ecological fire. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!
This salaried, four-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.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
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.
Experience providing trainings related to prescribed fire.
Experience managing grants and contracts.
WHAT WE BRING
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
