Job Description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Prescribed Fire Manager provides fire management leadership for the Tennessee Business Unit (TNBU) by overseeing all aspects of the program and establishing TNC as a lead partner with prescribed fire in TN’s Appalachian Mountain region by creating and maintaining partnerships, increasing prescribed fire capacity, leading teams, writing agreements, writing and managing grants, maintaining fire supplies and equipment, ensuring TNC’s compliance with standard operating procedures, and developing strategic direction and sustainability for the prescribed fire program.

Located at The Nature Conservancy’s Bridgestone Nature Reserve at Chestnut Mountain, the Prescribed Fire Manager will play a key role in advancing landscape-scale forest restoration and stewardship on the Cumberland Plateau. Responsibilities include leading prescribed fire operations, supporting restoration projects, maintaining preserve infrastructure and access, and other activities that advance the goals of the Chestnut Mountain Strategic Plan. During the first 5-years, the Prescribed Fire Manager will spend approximately 30% of time assisting the North Zone of Cherokee National Forest to plan and implement hazardous fuels reduction projects

We’re Looking for You:

The Prescribed Fire Manager provides support to the Tennessee Business Unit for fire management activities related to prescribed fires, wildfires, fire training, fire qualifications, fire planning, and capacity building. With prescribed burn qualifications including National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), Prescribed Fire Manager (RXMG) and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2), the position, creates, 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 write and/or review MOUs, 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 Tennessee and ensures the fire program meets or exceeds organizational standards. They 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.

The Prescribed Fire Manager coordinates and implements stewardship and restoration projects on TNC’s preserves or on partner lands, and ensures the conditions of trails, roads, firebreaks, and preserve infrastructure is properly maintained.

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 a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Serves in operational fire leadership roles (including Burn Boss) on prescribed fire projects, as needed to support program implementation and maintenance of fire qualifications.
• Oversees stewardship operations at the Bridgestone Nature Reserve at Chestnut Mountain, including the maintenance of preserve infrastructure and equipment, management of access, upkeep of firebreaks, roads, and trails, and implementation of projects that support safe, effective, and sustainable land management.
• Oversees professional staff with responsibility for training and development but may not necessarily serve as supervisor; provides feedback on staff job performance to supervisors.
• Identifies fire personnel and equipment capacity needs annually and develops strategies for meeting annual and long-term prescribed fire and restoration goals.
• Oversees the hiring of seasonal workforce and contractors and establishes / maintains formal partnerships with agencies through development of MOUs and MOAs.
• May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns Represents The Nature Conservancy in interagency and partner coordination forums related to fire management, forest stewardship, and conservation, as appropriate.
• Coordinates regularly with other BUs on fire management activities and plans to ensure alignment.
• Applies ecosystem, conservation knowledge, and other resources towards developing fire regimes on TNC lands and for influencing partner decisions.
• Serves as the TNBU’s lead on the Southern Blue Ridge Fire Learning Network and Tennessee’s Prescribed Fire Council.
• Ensures that fire personnel qualification records are maintained; collects annual updates of information for IQCS and submits them to National training office.
• Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.

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.
• NWCG qualification of RXB2 (Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2). See RXB2 qualification requirements in the TNC Fire Management Manual - RXB2.
• Experience developing and applying strategic thinking to fire management, conservation priorities, and natural resource programs.
• Experience in writing, reviewing, and approving prescribed burn unit plans, site fire management plans, and wildfire response plans.
• Strong knowledge of Appalachian ecosystem fuels and restoration strategies.
• Experience supporting and developing fire training, qualifications, and curriculum design.
• Experience supervising seasonal and permanent staff.
• Experience leading effectively in stressful situations.
• Experience working with partners and developing fire management agreements such as MOUs and MOAs.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, ArcGIS Pro, and Web Browsers.
• Experience communicating effectively with internal colleagues, partners, and or media.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager and TNC Fire Management Manual and as appropriate to assigned fire qualifications and duties.
• Must possess the appropriate qualifications and experience necessary for becoming designated as a Prescribed Fire Manager shortly after hiring. Designation comes in writing by the Conservancy Fire Management Coordinator. See Prescribed Fire Manager qualification requirements in the TNC Fire Management Manual - Fire Manager.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and safely utilizing ATVs/UTVs, tractors, chainsaws, prescribed fire equipment, and other tools and machinery commonly used in forestry, habitat management, and land stewardship activities.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong ability to communicate prescribed fire, forest management, and ecological restoration principles to diverse audiences, including landowners, partners, community members, and the public, through outreach, field demonstrations, presentations, and one-on-one engagement.
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 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 and natural resource preservation.
• Knowledge of Conservancy fire management Standard Operating Procedure, requirements, and guidelines.
• Completing tasks independently and with respect to timeline(s)..

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 the Auto Safety information page. 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 $70,000-$80,000. 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.

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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s 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 valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll 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.

We’re 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 Conservancy's background screening process.

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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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.