Fire Specialist​/Land Steward

What We Can Achieve Together:

This is a 6-month position that begins June 15. The Fire Specialist/Land Manager (FSLS) will be based at the Conservancy’s Wells, Maine office with supporting travel to additional TNC and partner sites including the Brunswick Maine TNC office. They will support the collaborative partners, trained volunteers and seasonal burn crews at as well as engage in preserve management activities outside of prescribed fire time frames.

The FSLS will assist in directing trained call-when-needed crews comprised of staff, volunteers and partners in Prescribed fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. The FSLS must use safety equipment and maintain a safety-conscious attitude at all times. Tasks may include assisting with preserve management activities such as preparing firebreaks, herbicide application, boundary maintenance, equipment/vehicle maintenance, fence construction/removal, constructing parking areas, meeting with local landowners, assisting with field trips, leading volunteers, biological and easement monitoring, research coordination, timber marking, and other land management activities as needed.

Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances is required. On Site Vehicle(s) and Transportation to preserves and work sites will be provided by The Nature Conservancy home unit. Camping in remote locations may be required as part of the job duties.

As part of the FSLS’s ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for maintaining current awareness of burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. In addition, they will build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local communities where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in wildland 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 .

The FSLS may also be asked to represent TNC at meetings with conservation partners.

The FSLS may contribute to monitoring and management efforts such as Ecological Reserve monitoring, invasive species management, and special projects such as contributing to restoration projects on TNC lands. The Field assistant may participate in the maintenance of human use infrastructure, including foot trails, kiosks and way finding signage, boundary marking, and will at times interact with the public to furnish information or coordinate with partners.

The ideal candidate will meet or exceed the competencies outlined below. The ideal FSLS candidate will also be capable of writing and updating forest management plans and burn plans. The FSLS will work as part of a small team directed by the Regenal Land Manager/ME Fire Manger responsible for implementing fire management and land stewardship activities across southern/western Maine region.

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures.

Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #inside

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Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the…