Job Type: Full-time, temporary, on-site
Location: Tall Timbers - Tallahassee, FL
Pay: $40,000/year
Application Deadline: March 2, 2026
Description:
Tall Timbers Research Station is seeking a motivated and dependable Assistant Fire Team Lead to support the implementation of prescribed fire primarily on privately owned lands through the Department of Prescribed Fire Application (PFA). This position plays a critical role in increasing the use of prescribed fire to restore and maintain fire-adapted ecosystems across the Southeast. The Assistant Fire Team Lead will assist in planning, preparing, and conducting prescribed burns. Additionally, with this position, we aim to grow our support for landowner engagement, mentorship of fire practitioners, and monitoring activities. The current funding for this position will run for two years.
Key Responsibilities
Prescribed Fire Operations/Ecosystem restorations (Primary Focus – ~60%)
Assist the Fire Team Lead in coordinating and implementing prescribed burns on private lands in execution of at least 50 burn days per year.
When Fire Team Lead is offsite or absent assume responsibility for coordination and leading burns.
Ensure fire equipment, including UTVs, engines, drip torches, radios, hand tools, and other pertinent equipment are fire ready.
Communicate, record, and facilitate repairs and equipment needs.
Ensure all burns are conducted in accordance with Tall Timbers protocols, burn plans, and safety guidelines.
Serve in key operational roles on burn days, such as holding, ignition, and burn bossing (if applicable/able)
Document fire behavior, weather, and outcomes post-burn.
Assist with writing and editing burn plans.
Tracking work completed to include use of spreadsheets, mapping, etc.
Training, Professional Development and Mentorship (~15%)
Support the mentoring of emerging fire professionals
Serve as a positive role model in the field, emphasizing safety, skill-building, and teamwork.
Participate in safety briefings, field/classroom training, and mentorship opportunities.
Assist with onboarding and supervising technicians, interns, or other Tall Timbers staff.
Assist with writing, brainstorming, and implementing future projects.
Assist Burn Team Lead and Wildland Fire Training Specialist with updating IQS experience records for PFA staff.
Planning and Logistics (~10%)
Assist with pre-burn site visits, preparation (e.g., line work), and coordination with landowners.
Help ensure that all tools, PPE, and communications gear are field-ready.
Support documentation and data entry related to burns and site conditions.
Landowner Engagement and Outreach (~10%)Professionally represent Tall Timbers during interactions with landowners and partners.
Communicate respectfully and clearly with private landowners before, during, and after burns.
Help promote prescribed fire as a land management tool in Tall Timbers focal areas.
Promote and direct landowners to PBAs and cost share programs when appropriate.
Other Duties (~5%)Assist with administrative tasks, field logistics, other departments of Tall Timbers, support for seasonal crew members/interns as needed or other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
NWCG Fire Fighter Type-2 qualified. (FFT2) (S-130/190, IS-700)
High school diploma or GED; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, fire ecology, or related field preferred.
2–4 years of prescribed fire experience, ideally including prescribed burning on private lands.
Strong commitment to prescribed fire as a conservation tool and culture.
Individuals must be able to drive Tall Timbers vehicles and, as such, need a valid driver’s license and a clean three-year driving record. Tall Timbers will require a review of your driving record.
Must be able to commute to Tall Timbers daily.
Preferred Qualifications
NWCG Fire Fighter Type-1 Qualified. (FFT1)
Experience working with or mentoring groups in fire or natural resources
Familiarity with fire dependent pine ecosystems, and Southeastern land management practices.
Certified burn manager for FL, GA, and/or AL or ability to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.
Basic GIS or mapping skills for burn unit navigation and documentation.
Understanding of mechanics of basic firefighting equipment such as chainsaws, pumps, drip torches and hand tools.
Work Environment & Conditions
Field-based position requiring frequent travel (sometimes overnight for multiple days), early mornings, (sometimes) weekends, and long hours particularly on burn days.
Exposure to smoke, heat, rugged terrain, and inclement weather.
Office time for planning, documentation, and coordination as needed.
Garage time for rehabbing and caring for equipment.
90-day probationary period.
About the Department of Prescribed Fire Application:
The PFA is a department of Tall Timbers that increases prescribed fire use on private lands, particularly in fire-dependent ecosystems across the Red Hills, Big Bend, and Wiregrass regions of the southeast. The department aims to address impediments to restoring fire to the landscape and instilling a culture of prescribed burning.
Benefits: Tall Timbers provides a package of standard benefits including health care, dental care, vision insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, and medical flexible spending account. These benefits are subject to employee contributions according to Tall Timbers’ policy.
Vacation and Sick Leave: Up to 5 days of leave is available in your first year, following a 90- day probationary period. Employees accrue up to 10 days of annual leave for calendar year two, then 15 days in calendar years three and four, followed by 20 days at years five.
How to Apply: Submit a CV or resume, cover letter, and references to Stephen Wasp (Swasp@talltimbers.org) by March 2, 2026.
