Job Information

The Nature Conservancy Prescribed Fire Practitioner III (55952-MN) in Minneapolis, Minnesota

OFFICE LOCATION United States #LI-REMOTE #PDN 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." The Nature Conservancy is the world's leading non-profit organization working on fire issues. We have been working with fire since 1962, when we conducted our first controlled burn. Our approach has evolved from one that was primarily focused on managing our preserves for biodiversity to one that includes developing more equitable policy and funding, supporting the leadership of Indigenous fire practitioners, growing skilled and diverse fire management workforces and helping communities develop ways to live more safely with wildfire. WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER Landscapes throughout North America are adapted to fire, and Indigenous Peoples have lived alongside and used fire to steward the land since time immemorial. Today, the relationships between fire and people, and fire and the land, are quite different resulting from a legacy of fire exclusion policy, land use practices and a changing climate. Extreme wildfire events can be devastating with mounting societal costs, and the absence of fire can damage ecosystems and Indigenous cultures. The Nature Conservancy and our partners envision a better future with fire -one in which natural areas are sustained by and ready for fire and communities are empowered and prepared to live with fire. 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. By expanding the use of proactive beneficial fire, we're working to ensure resilient landscapes and improve the safety of human communities. Moreover, your journey with us means flexible work schedules, living wages, and continuous growth. With the North America Fire program, you'll have countless opportunities to 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! WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU The Prescribed Fire Practitioner III works in a team environment and participates in prescribed fire assignments, wildland fire operations, and other land stewardship activities as assigned. The Prescribed Fire Practitioner III engages in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring and other tasks. They may perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire. As part of their ongoing professional development, the Prescribed Fire Practitioner III will be responsible for keeping up ith new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. In addition, they will work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local communities where The Nature Conservancy works. 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. Prescribed fire assignments will take place between January and June 2025. Most of our work takes place on U.S. Forest Service lands in the western United States, in addition to a number of other nationwide assignments. Crew members 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. Please indicate your earliest potential start date and periods of availability in your application. 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. Travel expenses, meals, and lodging will be covered when traveling for assignments. Approved purchases of required equipment will be partially or fully reimbursed. Alcohol use is prohibited anytime while on assignment, in the interest of the North America Fire program's efforts to maintain a healthy, communal atmosphere and build trust among the partners and communities where we work. The Prescribed Fire Practitioner III will be expected to: Perform tasks under the supervision of the Prescribed Fire Module Leader and in coordination with local TNC and/or USDA 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. Conduct themselves in ways that are consistent with TNC's Code of Conduct. Follow established safe work practices. Be able to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Assist with all aspects of prescribed burning, including overseeing staff and volunteers during fire related activities. Operate ATVs, UTVs, tractors, chain saws, and leaf blowers, and tow trailers. Maintain assigned equipment. Maintain accurate records of work time, expenses, etc. and submit reports in a timely manner. Become competent with mobile mapping and data collection such as Collector for ArcGIS and Avenza Maps. This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job. WHAT YOU'LL BRING 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)