Job Type: Part-time, seasonal, on-site
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Salary: $25-$28/hour
Job Description:
Join us as a Prescribed Fire Practitioner and be at the heart of an evolving fire culture. The Nature Conservancy’s North America Fire program is developing a prescribed fire workforce to put more good fire on the ground in the places where it matters most. Our program works throughout the country to support fire adapted ecosystems and empower and prepare communities to live with fire. Your journey with the North America Fire program means flexible work schedules, living wages, and countless opportunities to grow as a fire professional. Plus, you’ll build strong relationships within the fire community and local areas where we operate.
The Prescribed Fire Practitioner III functions as a member of North America Fire’s Prescribed Fire Modules program. They assist on prescribed and wildland fire operations throughout the United States by conducting prescribed burns, preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, monitoring post-burn fire effects, and carrying out other prescribed fire and vegetation management related tasks. As part of their ongoing professional development, the Prescribed Fire Practitioner III is responsible for keeping up with new burn techniques and equipment to enhance their skills and grow their professional fire certification credentials. In addition, they work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local communities where they are assigned. This includes participation in partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service and other local, state, and federal agencies, as well as other non-profits, local fire departments, and Tribal or Indigenous communities.
This is a part-time, seasonal, hourly position and overtime applies after the first 40 hours each week. Hourly compensation will range from $25.00 to $28.00 per hour. Prescribed Fire Practitioners who are qualified at the Firefighter Type One (FFT1) level will earn between $25.00 and $26.00 per hour. Prescribed Fire Practitioners who are qualified at the Firefighter Type One (FFT1) level who have one or more additional qualifications including Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO), Intermediate Faller (FAL2), and/or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) will earn up to $28.00 per hour.
The Prescribed Fire Practitioner III will be expected to be on prescribed fire assignments at least eight weeks during their six-month employment term, though they will be able to determine their dates of availability, length of assignment, and return home between assignments. In most cases, the minimum assignment length will be two weeks. Travel expenses, meals, and lodging will be covered when traveling for assignments. Approved purchases of required equipment will be partially or fully reimbursed.
The use of alcohol and recreational drugs is prohibited any time while on assignment to maintain a healthy, communal atmosphere and build trust among the partners and communities where we work.
Responsibilities:
Perform tasks under the supervision of the Prescribed Fire Module Leader and in coordination with local TNC and/or U.S. Forest Service fire management staff.
Function as a professional and respectful member of a diverse team comprised of people from different backgrounds, skill sets, and life experiences.
Assist with all aspects of prescribed burning.
Operate ATVs, UTVs, tractors, chainsaws, and leaf blowers, tow trailers, and maintain assigned equipment.
Become competent with mobile mapping and data collection such as Collector for ArcGIS and Avenza Maps.
Be able to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
Follow established safe work practices.
Maintain accurate records of work time, expenses, etc. and submit reports in a timely manner.
Conduct themselves in ways that are consistent with TNC’s Code of Conduct.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 as a requirement for this position. See TNC Fire Management Manual
Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
Experience operating various types of equipment.
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR)
Desired Qualification: two or more years of experience in fire operations related experience in land management or a similar field
See the “Learn More” link below for more information and to apply.
