Appalachians Fire Practitioner and Land Steward

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Appalachians Fire Practitioner and Land Steward (AFPLS) supports prescribed fire implementation and land stewardship in the southern Appalachians of Alabama on TNC and partner land congruent to the Appalachians Program’s 2030 goals in the Resilient and Connected Network. The AFP also supervises (2 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 AFPLS participates in preparing firelines, maintaining equipment, prescribed fire operations, mop‑up, post‑burn monitoring and other tasks as assigned. As part of the AFPLS’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 AFPLS 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 AFPLS 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 Central and North Alabama. The AFPLS 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 AFPLS must have a willingness to work long hours and travel extensively throughout Central and North Alabama. 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. Please note that this position has funding for two (2) years with a possibility of extending contingent on funding.

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 Alabama unique. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!

• Function as both leader and member of a work team, in a productive team environment.
• Supervises 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.
• Aids in prescribed fire preparation and participates on prescribed burns on TNC and partner lands.
• Performs preserve maintenance tasks (maintain signage, build and maintain…