Prescribed Fire Coordinator

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Prescribed Fire Coordinator (PFC) will be a key staff member within the Montana Chapters 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 collaborative 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.

Were 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 worlds leading conservation organization!

This salaried three-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 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 Youll 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 Conservancys Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: 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.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
3-5 years experience in natural resource management similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience applying science to decision-making and guide activities.
Knowledge of ecological land management principles especially related to forestry and fire management.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation land management and natural resource preservation.
Experience with prescribed burn planning.
Experience developing and maintaining relationships to expand the use of prescribed fire.

Additional Job Information:

This is a 3-year term position. The position will be based out of Missoula MT and involve frequent travel throughout Western Montana.

This position requires a valid drivers license and compliance with TNCs 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 the Auto Safety information page 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 employees motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $52000 $55500 for annual base salary depending on experience. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidates actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors including for example the candidates 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.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancys 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 worlds toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. Were rooted in our mission and guided by our values which include respect for all people communities and cultures. Whether its career development flexible schedules or a rewarding mission theres many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One 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 addition to the requirements in our job postings we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicants unique experience. Please apply wed love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC youll join for the mission and stay for the people.

What We Bring:

Since 1951 TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits flexible spending accounts a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match parental leave accrued paid time off life insurance disability coverage employee assistance program other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

Were proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures races colors religions sexes national or regional origins ages disability status sexual orientation gender identity military protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancys background screening process.

Do you have military experience Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability please send a note to with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.