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 Technician to support the implementation of prescribed fire primarily on privately owned lands through the Department of Prescribed Fire Application (PFA). This position plays a key role in increasing the use of prescribed fire to restore and maintain fire-adapted ecosystems across the Southeast. The Technician will assist in planning, preparing, and conducting prescribed burns while supporting landowner engagement, field operations, and post-burn documentation. The current funding for this position will run for two years.
Key Responsibilities
Prescribed Fire Operations & Ecosystem Restoration (Primary Focus – ~40%)
Assist Burn Team Lead and Crew Leaders in implementing prescribed burns on private lands.
Operate and maintain fire equipment, including drip torches, hand tools, engines, UTVs, and radios.
Perform operational roles during burns, such as holding, ignition, or firing tasks, depending on qualifications and experience.
Ensure all burns are conducted in accordance with Tall Timbers protocols, burn plans, and safety guidelines.
Document fire behavior, weather conditions, and outcomes post-burn.
Equipment & Vehicle Maintenance (~20%)
Maintain hand tools, fire engines, vehicles, and PPE to ensure operational readiness.
Assist in inventory management and preparation for field operations.
Fire Line Construction & Fuel Management (~10%)
Cut and maintain fire lines and manage vegetation to prepare burn units.
Assist with fuel reduction and other field operations to support safe and effective burns.
Planning, Documentation, & Logistics (~10%)
Assist burn team coordinator and assistant with PFA inventory. Ensuring inventory is up to date and physical items match records.
Support documentation of burns, monitoring data, and site conditions.
Help ensure tools, PPE, and communications equipment are operational and ready for field use.
Landowner Engagement & Outreach (~10%)
Professionally represent Tall Timbers in communications with private landowners and partners.
Explain burn objectives and ecological benefits, answering questions and promoting prescribed fire.
Training & Professional Development (~5%)
Participate in safety briefings, field/classroom training, and mentorship opportunities.
Serve as a positive role model for safe and professional field practices.
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
High school diploma or GED; coursework or degree in forestry, natural resources, fire ecology, or related field preferred.
Previous experience in prescribed fire, ideally on private lands.
Ability to work in physically demanding outdoor conditions.
Commitment to prescribed fire as a conservation and ecological restoration tool.
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
Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) (S-130/190, IS-700)
Experience working with or mentoring individuals in fire or natural resources.
Familiarity with longleaf pine ecosystems, fire-adapted habitats, or Southeastern land management practices.
Basic GIS or mapping skills for burn unit navigation and documentation.
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.
