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, but a remote work option may be negotiated for highly qualified applicants residing 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, plans and directs fire management activities, leads or assists with prescribed burn planning, fire training, and implementation, and oversees fireline construction and equipment readiness.

• Assist with the implementation of prescribed burns by leading squads of 3-7 firefighters, maintaining fire equipment, and planning logistics.
• Build and maintain fire breaks in varying terrains and ecosystems using heavy equipment including dozers, skid steers, farm tractors, and backhoes.
• Operate heavy equipment, tracked vehicles, fire engines, UTVs, and ATVs during prescribed fires.
• Design and fabricate fire equipment to serve the needs of the fire program.
• Participate in wildfire operations to retain and further qualifications and help develop qualifications of fire crew members.
• Assist with the development of prescribed burn plans and fire management plans.
• Maintain fire supplies, equipment, and maintenance records.
• Maintain the physical fitness necessary for wildland fire qualifications (arduous level).
• Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Supervise and monitor work groups consisting of seasonal firefighters, staff, interns, and volunteers across a wide geographic area.
• Perform tasks with minimal supervision and make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Assist with hiring, supervising, and managing seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Manage financial responsibilities, including working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development.
• Network 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 and preserves.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Maintain professional certifications and credentials through ongoing training and participate in wildland fire suppression activities with partners.

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years of experience in natural resource management or a 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 suppression experience, including dispatched assignments on crews and engines.
• Must obtain single resource boss positions within 12 months of hire date, contingent on training opportunities, and lead crews on assignments to further NWCG qualifications of TNC fire crews and partners.
• Experience with wildland fire management in the Appalachians or similar ecosystems, including implementing prescribed burns, assisting with burn plan development, supervising squads, working with engines and UTVs, preparing firebreaks, monitoring fire effects, writing prescribed burn plans, and working with state and federal partners.
• Experience with prescribed fire, fuels management, restoration, and overall ecology of eastern forests and native grasslands in Ohio and Michigan.
• Experience maintaining and operating various types of fire and stewardship equipment, including fire pumps, power equipment, off-road vehicles, skid steers, tractors, dozers, and the ability to load, transport, and tow trailers.
• Experience using ArcGIS, Avenza Maps, GPS, radio programming, and Microsoft products.
• Must maintain arduous fitness level demonstrated by successfully completing the arduous pack test and have a…