Overview

Who We Are:

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 #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.

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 requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

 

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Prescribed Fire Manager provides support to Ohio and Michigan business units for fire management activities related to prescribed fires, wildfires, fire training and fire qualifications (See TNC’s Fire Management Manual). With prescribed burn qualifications including National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Prescribed Fire Manager (RXMG) and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2), the position reviews and approves fire management plans, prescribed burn plans, and contractor qualifications. The Prescribed Fire Manager mentors, supports, evaluates, certifies, and designates burn bosses. They provide Ignition Authorizations for Conservancy prescribed burns. They ensure Conservancy fire management requirements and guidelines are met or exceeded and keep senior leadership in their area informed of fire program activities, needs, risks and accomplishments. The Prescribed Fire Manager modifies or exempts specific fire management guidelines as defined in the Fire Management Manual, with written justification.

The Prescribed Fire Manager ensures that fire personnel qualification records are annually collected for and maintained in the IQCS database. They ensure timely notifications are made for all reportable fire incidents and annual reporting of the program’s fire management activities. They review proposed contracts and agreements related to fire management activities and provide comments to TNC legal counsel. The Prescribed Fire Manager oversees internal reviews and designs and implements fire safety standards specific to the programs overseen, provided that those standards meet or exceed organizational standards, and may suspend fire management program operations if there is clear evidence of safety violations, serious risk of potential safety violations, or non-compliance with Conservancy SOPs, requirements, or guidelines.

As part of the incumbent’s ongoing professional development, they will keep abreast of internal and external developments in the field of wildland fire management to maintain excellence in their program. Additionally, they shall build strong partnerships with public and private partners to further the goals of the Conservancy in their area of responsibility, including delivery of or assisting with fire management training at local, regional, and national levels, participating in wildland fire suppression activities with partners as TNC employee or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity, and by participating on prescribed fire councils in Ohio and or Michigan.

This position can be based anywhere in Ohio, but may be flexible to other locations. This position will include significant driving, especially during the burn seasons in spring and fall throughout Ohio and Southern Michigan.

We’re Looking for You:
Passionate about fire management and conservation? Join us as a Prescribed Fire Manager! You’ll oversee burns, manage wildfire activities, and ensure our team meets high standards. This position will serve as the Prescribed Fire Manager for both Ohio and Michigan TNC and will also coordinate fire on TNC preserves, other private lands such as in collaboration with US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife in Ohio or mutual aid agreements to be developed. The geography that this role will cover spans north in central Michigan to southern Ohio, along the Ohio River, and east-west along the entirety of each state. With certifications like NWCG RXMG and RXB2, you’ll mentor burn bosses and fire practitioners while keeping our leadership informed on current trends or new initiatives within wildland fire and fire science. Stay ahead with industry updates and help us advance conservation goals. Ready to ignite change? Come join TNC and apply today!

 

What You’ll Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree and at least 4 years’ experience in fire management or natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must meet NWCG qualifications for RXB2 (Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2), including coursework and experience requirements. See the TNC’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements.
  • Experience in developing strategies.
  • Experience in reviewing prescribed burn unit plans and site fire management plans.
  • Experience in training and curriculum design.
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Experience leading effectively in stressful situations.
  • Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
  • Experience communicating and collaborating effectively with internal colleagues, external partners, and or media.
  • Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by the local Fire Manager and TNC Fire Management Manual.
  • Fire Manager Qualification must be approved and designated in writing by the Conservancy Fire Management Coordinator.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability and willingness to achieve NWCG Prescribed Fire Manager (RXMG) qualification.
  • Familiar with the fuel types and geographies of Ohio and Michigan for which fire management activities occur and must have a demonstrated ability to evaluate people, programs, and potential problems, and to build partnerships.
  • Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
  • Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
  • Ability and willingness to communicate and work closely with burn bosses, land managers and scientists to develop strategies and meet conservation and fire management objectives.
  • Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
  • Familiarity with fire effects and fire behavior in local fuel types.
  • Knowledge of current trends and practices in fire management, conservation, land management, traditional ecological knowledge and natural resource preservation.
  • Knowledge of Conservancy fire management Standard Operating Procedure, requirements, and guidelines.
  • Completing tasks independently and with respect to timeline(s).
  • Excellent communication skills via written, spoken, and graphical means in English

 

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

 

Auto Safety Policy:

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

 

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $69,040 – $81,515 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.