Job Type: Full-time, Temporary
Location: Boise, ID
Salary: $71,000 - $81,500 annually
Deadline: 2/10/2025
WHO WE ARE
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We are the world’s leading environmental non-profit organization that conducts controlled burns and works on other fire-related issues, such as training people from all walks of life to safely use fire, and helping communities better prepare for wildfires. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.
Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”
WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The Prescribed Fire Manager is a three-year term position within the Idaho Chapter’s Forests and Fire Program. This program is aimed at improving the ecological and climate resiliency of Idaho forests and adjacent communities by using policy, strategic partnerships, and advocacy to catalyze science-based forest restoration activities at scale, including the expanded use of controlled fire and managed wildfire. We seek to influence forest management policy, leverage public and private funding, develop strategic partnerships, and help communities co-exist safely with fire.
To advance this mission, the Forest and Fire Program works with colleagues throughout TNC as well as a coalition of external partners, including the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Lands, Local Government, University of Idaho, Idaho Prescribed Fire Council, Tribal Nations, the Idaho Forest Restoration Partnership, and other NGO’s.
This position will work to increase public support, funding, workforce capacity and implementation of prescribed fire and forest restoration projects to improve wildfire resilience. Duties include strengthening existing partnerships with local, state, federal, tribal, and non-governmental partners, developing new partnerships, supporting prescribed fire training for TNC staff and partners, supporting local, regional, and national deployment of TNC prescribed fire personnel, and leading our Women in Fire program.
This position provides fire management supervision and coordination for the Idaho Chapter of The Nature Conservancy for prescribed fires, wildfires, fire training and qualifications. See TNC’s Fire Management Manual for more details ((https://www.tncfiremanual.org/.)
The incumbent should be an ICT4(t) and be able to obtain qualifications in National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Prescribed Fire Manager (RXMG, attainable on the job)) and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) within the first 18 months of employment. The position reviews and approves fire management plans, prescribed burn plans, and contractor qualifications. The Prescribed Fire Manager mentors, supports, evaluates, certifies, and designates burn bosses. They provide Ignition Authorizations for Conservancy prescribed burns. They ensure Conservancy fire management requirements and guidelines are met or exceeded and keep senior leadership in their area informed of fire program activities, needs, risks and accomplishments. The Prescribed Fire Manager modifies or exempts specific fire management guidelines as defined in the Fire Management Manual, with written justification.
This position will supervise the North Idaho Prescribed Fire Module lead and will work closely with TNC’s North American Fire program to coordinate and facilitate the deployment of TNC fire practitioners on federal projects across the state, and as necessary will serve as fire crew or module lead on wildfire or prescribed fire assignments.
This position supports prescribed fire workforce development and implements prescribed burns to increase community wildfire resilience. They ensure that fire personnel qualification records are annually collected and maintained in the IQCS database. They ensure timely notifications are made for all reportable fire incidents and annual reporting of the program's fire management activities. They review proposed contracts and agreements related to fire management activities and provide comments to TNC leadership and legal counsel.
This position oversees internal reviews, and designs and implements fire safety standards specific to the programs under their jurisdiction to meet or exceed organizational standards. They may suspend fire management program operations if there is clear evidence of safety violations, risk of potential safety violations, or non-compliance with Conservancy SOPs, requirements, or guidelines.
As part of the incumbent’s ongoing professional development, they will stay informed about new developments in land and fire management, pursue additional training or credentials, and participate in new initiatives as practicable. They will build strong partnerships with public and private cooperators to further the goals of the Conservancy, including fire management training with local, regional, national, and tribal partners.
The position will maintain an effective working relationship with staff in the Western Division’s Dry Forests and Fire Initiative and TNC North American Fire staff to ensure coordination with regional or national programs and priorities.
As workload and funding allow, the incumbent may contribute to other TNC Idaho programs in land and water protection, wildlife habitat improvement, or other chapter priorities.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU
Ready to be a part of wildland fire operations? Join us as a Burn Crew Member (BCM) and be at the heart of the action! From ignition to mop-up, you'll tackle tasks like preparing fire lines and monitoring post-burn activities. But that's not all – your journey with us means continuous growth. Master new techniques and equipment to level up your skills and certifications. Plus, you'll build strong relationships within the fire community and local areas where we operate. Come join TNC and apply today!
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
Bachelor’s degree and at least 4 years’ experience in fire management or natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Within 18 months of hiring, you will meet NWCG qualifications for Prescribed Fire Manager (RXMG), Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2), Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4), and Crew Boss (CRWB), including coursework and experience requirements. See the TNC’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements.
Experience in developing strategies to achieve organizational goals.
Experience in reviewing prescribed burn unit plans and site fire management plans.
Experience in fire training and curriculum design.
Supervisory experience.
Experience leading effectively in stressful situations.
Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Box, and Web Browsers.
Experience communicating effectively with internal colleagues, partners, and or media.
Annually pass physical fitness testing at the arduous level.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to be respectful of differences of identity and/or beliefs, and successfully work across those differences to meet work objectives.
Ability to achieve NWCG Prescribed Fire Manager (RXMG) and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) qualification within one year of hire.
Familiarity with fire effects and behavior in Idaho fuel types and geography.
Ability to evaluate people, programs, and potential problems.
Ability to apply science to decision-making and prescribed fire activities.
Ability to communicate and work closely with fire managers, land managers and scientists to build partnerships that help achieve conservation and fire management objectives.
Knowledge of ecological fire and land management principles.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in fire management, conservation, land management and natural resource conservation.
Knowledge of Conservancy fire management Standard Operating Procedure, requirements, and guidelines.
Experience writing and securing grant funding.
Completing tasks independently and with respect to timeline(s).
Excellent written, verbal, and graphical communication skills in English and other relevant languages.
WHAT WE BRING
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!
The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.
We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.
