Fire Management Specialist

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Fire Management Specialist is a key position for the growth of our prescribed fire programs in Ohio and Michigan. The position is based in Swanton, Ohio, however a remote work option may be negotiated for highly qualified applicants residing within proximity of TNC work areas near Swanton, Ohio or Tecumseh, Michigan. Frequent travel is required.

The Fire Management Specialist (FMS) provides technical leadership and support to the Ohio and Michigan Business Units and plans and directs fire management activities. The FMS leads or assists with prescribed burn planning on TNC and partner lands, leads or assists with fire training, and assists with prescribed burn implementation. This position will lead fireline construction efforts in varying habitats and terrain utilizing heavy equipment.

They will be responsible for ensuring fire readiness of equipment and personnel for upcoming prescribed burns and operating in compliance with internal policies and external requirements. This position will be essential in providing a safe work environment for our fire crews.

• Assists with the implementation of prescribed burns by leading squads of 3 – 7 firefighters, maintaining fire equipment, and planning logistics.
• Builds and maintains fire breaks in varying terrains and ecosystems using heavy equipment including dozers, skid steers, farm tractors, backhoes.
• Operates heavy equipment, tracked vehicles, fire engines, UTV’s and ATV’s during prescribed fires in varying terrain.
• Designs and fabricates fire equipment to serve the needs of the fire program.
• Participates in wildfire operations to retain and further fire crew qualifications and help develop the qualifications of fire crew members.
• Assists with the development of prescribed burn plans and fire management plans.
• Maintains fire supplies and equipment and maintains maintenance records.
• Maintains physical fitness necessary for maintaining wildland fire qualifications (arduous level).
• Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Supervises and monitors work groups consisting of seasonal firefighters, staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Assists with hiring, supervising, and managing seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Financial responsibility including working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors and assisting with budget development.
• Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, volunteers, and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
• Other duties as assigned.

As part of the Fire Management Specialist ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping up on new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. 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 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 (such as an Administratively Determined, short‑term federal employee).

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join TNC and apply today!

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years' experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• NWCG Squad Boss (FFT1), and Wildland Faller qualified, or equivalent, documented training and experience at or above the FFT1 and Wildland Faller qualifications.
• Wildland fire…