Coastal Fire Practitioner and Land Steward

What We Can Achieve Together:
The Coastal Fire Practitioner and Land Steward (CFPLS) supports prescribed fire implementation and land stewardship at the Splinter Hill Bog Office (Baldwin Co. AL) and on TNC and partner land congruent to Southern Deltas Business Unit (BU) coastal landscapes. The CFPLS also supervises (3 Burn Crew Members) in prescribed and wildland fire activities associated with the USDA Forest Service or the US Fish and Wildlife Service, as directed by a Burn Boss, or other command position.
The CFPLS participates in preparing firelines, maintaining equipment, prescribed fire operations, mop-up, post-burn monitoring and other tasks as assigned. As part of the CFPLS’s ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. The CFPLS may also participate in fire course facilitation and provide training to other fireline personnel. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in wild land fire suppression activities in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee, or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined, short term federal employee).
The CFPLS may also perform a variety of land management tasks. This position will partially work to advance the restoration and management of natural systems and fire-dependent habitats in Coastal Alabama & Mississippi as well as occasional support throughout the Southen Deltas BU. The CFPLS implements ecological restoration activities, maintains preserve facilities, trails, and roads, removes non-native invasive plants, monitors management effects, and operates and maintains tools and equipment. This position is required to work under minimal supervision and must make independent decisions based on experience and judgements. The CFPLS must have a willingness to work long hours and travel extensively throughout the Southern Deltas BU. This position must have the ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
We’re Looking for You:
Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, over 200,000 acres in Alabama have been preserved for people and nature. From the mountains to the sea, the Southern Deltas Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make our landscape unique. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!
Responsibilities & Scope:
Function as both leader and member of a work team, in a productive team environment.
Will supervise Burn Crew Members, and/or Senior Burn Crew Members during fire operations.
Provides mentoring for Burn Crew Members and other fire staff.
Assists with logistics, expenses, time reporting, and other administrative tasks for squad members as assigned.
Convey work instructions to Burn Crew members.
Monitor the progress of Burn Crew Members toward achieving fire management goals and ensures safety.
Makes decisions on the fire line based upon evaluation of fire behavior, available resources, and judgment.
Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
Aids in prescribed fire preparation and participates on prescribed burns on TNC and partner lands.
Performs preserve maintenance tasks (maintain signage, build and maintain trails, mark boundaries, control invasives).
Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may supervise staff; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
Travel regularly and occasionally overnight for projects, monitoring, and other needs.
Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
What You’ll Bring:
BA/BS degree in science-related field and 1 year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) or open FFT1 task book. Requirements for FFT1 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual.
Two or more seasons as a Senior Burn Crew Member or similar agency qualification.
Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
Experience in supervising staff or volunteers is required.
May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application.
Experience with natural systems and ecological land management principles.
Experience operating and repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
Must have valid driver’s license.
Desired Qualifications
2 years of experience in land management, fire management, or another science-related field.
Coursework/training and/or experience working in natural systems of the Southeastern U.S.
Experience with regional natural systems and ecological land management principles, with an emphasis on the Southern Deltas and the Southeastern US. Knowledge of characteristic plant and animal species found in the longleaf ecosystems and willingness to learn to identify native and non-native plant and animal species.
Qualified National Wildfire Coordinating Group Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss), with completed FFT1 position task book preferred.
Coursework/training and/or experience in current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource conservation.
Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timelines.
Experience with ArcGIS, including database knowledge to maintain geospatial management records.
Experience evaluating inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and making decisions that affect the safety and work of fire crewmembers.
Experience with effective communication via written, spoke, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $24.00 – 26.00 per hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
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’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visi