Wildland Fire Fellow

Location: Carterville

What We Can Achieve Together:

Selected trainees in the Wildland Fire Fellowship work as part of the Southern Illinois Interagency Habitat and Fuels Crew for a term of up to two years. As part of our team, you'll gain hands-on experience in the preparation and implementation of prescribed fire, wildfire suppression tactics and techniques, safely operating and maintaining equipment, invasive plant management, forest stand improvement, and other stewardship activities.

Experience is complemented by a robust training program consisting of formal and informal training related to Fire and Aviation Management (FAM) and wholistic management practices used in the restoration and preservation of a large, varied and unique landscape. You'll work alongside a cadre of mentors from The Nature Conservancy, US Forest Service, and others in growing your skills, knowledge, and connections for the next steps in your career.

Responsibilities & Scope:

• Perform other stewardship activities when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
• Works in team forward, goal-oriented, and sometimes high-stress environment.
• Works under close supervision.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in variable weather conditions, remote locations, hazardous environments, and terrain.
• Complete a final project that addresses a problem or knowledge gap within Fire and Aviation Management and showcases skills learned and developed during the Fellowship.
• Some projects and activities may require long days (10+ hour shifts), working weekends, and extended out-of-state travel. Out-of-state assignments are optional and include prescribed fire assistance in the late spring, wildfire assignments in the summer, and training opportunities throughout the year.

This is a full-time (35+ hours a week), term-based (up to 2 years) position located in Carterville, Illinois.

We're Looking for You:

Looking for an opportunity to kindle your career in wildland fire and fuel your professional development? The Wildland Fire Fellowship is a US Forest Service funded initiative to increase capacity within the fire service by preparing individuals new to fire management for entry/mid-level Fire and Aviation Management (FAM) positions with the US Forest Service and similar agencies. The fellowship provides experience, training, professional licenses and qualifications, and opportunities to network with federal and state agencies, and non-governmental organizations in Illinois and beyond.

Apply today to build your resume and confidence on the fireline with the world's leading conservation organization!

What You'll Bring:

• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience/education.
• Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (IS-100), National Incident Management System (NIMS), an Introduction (IS-700), Human Factors on the Fire Line (L-180), Firefighter Training (S-130), and Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 as a requirement of this position. See TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Ability to pass the Work Capacity Test (pack test) at the Arduous Level by completing a 3-mile walk with a 45-pound weight vest in 45 minutes or less within first 90 days of hire.
• Work Capacity Test Administration from the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (pg 177 or 182).
• Personnel taking the WCT will only complete the level of testing (pack, field, walk) required by the highest fitness level identified for a position on their incident qualification card. Employees shall not take the WCT unless they have an incident qualification card qualification that requires it and only at the fitness level required by that position as identified in the PMS 310-1 or agency-specific guidance or policy.
  
  Treadmills are not approved for work capacity testing.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR, Pesticide Applicator).

Desired

Qualifications:

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 6 months - 1 year related experience.
• Experience operating and maintaining various kinds of equipment.
• Must have valid driver's license and good driving record.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues and partners.

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 $21-$22 per hour (subject to…