Overview
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Prescribed Fire Coordinator (PFC) will be a key staff member within the Montana Chapter’s Forest Program focused on increasing the use of ecological fire to increase forest resilience, restore critical habitats and reduce the negative impacts of high severity wildfire. This position will work in coordination with other TNC Montana Business Unit (MTBU) staff, local communities, governmental agencies, tribal, and NGO partners to build broad community-based support for prescribed fire. The position will include a mix of coordination (approx. 1/3 of time), partner and community engagement (approx. 1/3 of time) and implementation (approx. 1/3 of time). This position will help design, plan, and implement prescribed fire treatments in support of TNC and partners’ shared goals of increased burning on all lands including federal, state, local, tribal and private lands. A major focus will be on supporting cross-boundary projects and efforts to enable more prescribed fire projects by public and private landowners. The PFC will support MTBU fire programs to ensure the science-based execution of prescribed fire and forest restoration treatments, with the goal of increasing resilience of forest ecosystems and communities in the face of climate change. The PFC will engage with private landowners and the public to build understanding and support for increased use of prescribed burning as a tool for ecological restoration. The successful candidate will help shape this program through partnerships with public and private organizations and through engaging local community support for prescribed fire efforts, and developing innovative solutions with agencies, tribes, and landowners to restore resilient forests and build fire resilient communities. The PFC will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances in occupied grizzly bear habitat. This is a salaried, four-year term position.
We’re Looking for You:
Are you interested in developing natural resources-based solutions to make forests, grasslands, and communities more resilient to wildfire? TNC Montana is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make our state unique, and one of our strategies is advancing the use of ecological fire. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!
This salaried, four-year position will work closely with local communities and prescribed fire partners to inspire and support the growth of collaborative cross-boundary burning in Montana with a focus on the Blackfoot Valley. In addition, they will work to build and maintain partnerships with local communities, governmental agencies, tribal and NGO partners. They will support strategic action and drive implementation of forest management practices on state, private, and federal lands within the Blackfoot Valley. The PFC will participate in prescribed fire operations and may help develop prescribed burn plans on a variety of land ownerships. The PFC may supervise contractors and partner crews in completion of restoration and management activities to protect and restore fire-dependent native plant communities. They will implement strategic plans, coordinate community support, manage contracts and implement Forest Program strategies.
What You’ll Bring:
• BA/BS degree and 3 years of experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must meet NWCG qualifications for Squad Boss (FFT1). See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm
• Experience in prescribed fire.
• Annually pass physical fitness testing at the Arduous level.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as ArcGIS Pro, Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience in training.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $ 51,000 – $ 54,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
Additional Job Information:
To apply for job ID# 56142, submit your resume and cover letter online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 2/2/2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
About The Nature Conservancy in Montana
The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends.