Prescribed Fire Apprentice-PT

Arlington, Virginia, USA

Location flexible within the United States

#LI-REMOTE

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 are lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube 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’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.”

The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading non-profit organization working on fire issues. We have been working with fire since 1962, when we conducted our first controlled burn. Our approach has evolved from one that was primarily focused on managing our preserves for biodiversity to one that includes developing more equitable policy and funding, elevating the leadership of Indigenous fire practitioners, growing skilled and diverse fire management workforces, and helping communities develop ways to live more safely with wildfire.

Over eighty percent of North American ecosystems depend on fire for essential ecological functions. Indigenous people have used fire for millennia and contemporary land managers continue the practice, although not to the same degree or effect. The North America Fire Team is working to maintain fire’s role where it benefits people and nature and keep fire out of places where it is destructive.

Together, we can increase the number of acres treated, individuals trained and have a positive influence on the social license to burn. Specifically, we will support The Nature Conservancy and partner organizations throughout the country during times when an increase in trained and qualified personnel will enable their burn crews to have a greater impact.

You will represent the North America Fire Team in the places you work. Your attitude and fire practitioner skills will be important as we prepare fire lines, maintain equipment, conduct pre- and post-burn monitoring and do other prescribed fire related tasks. You may perform other land management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire. We will ask you to serve in roles commensurate with your qualification and experience.

As a part-time prescribed fire crew member, you will participate in at least one prescribed fire assignment during the fall and winter burn seasons. Most of the work we need your help with will occur between September 1- November 15, 2022, with some opportunity to begin work earlier than September 1 and end work later than November 15. Assignment locations include but are not limited to Oregon, New Mexico, Minnesota, Georgia, and North Carolina. Assignments will vary from two to four weeks in duration, and you will be able to choose assignments based on your availability. If you are interested in working for several months at a time throughout the fall and winter burn seasons, consider applying for the full-time burn crew member position.

The intent of this position is to provide training and development for entry level fire practitioners to prepare them for additional and more complex roles in fire management. This is a part-time, seasonal, hourly wage position, and overtime applies after the first 40 hours each week. Travel expenses and lodging will be covered when traveling for prescribed fire assignments.

Hourly compensation will range from $18-$22/hour, with employees who are qualified as a Fire Effects Monitor or have experience as a FFT2 receiving wages on the high end of the range. First-time fire practitioners should expect to receive at least $18/hour- however pay adjustments will be made as experienced is gained.

Burn crew members will be expected to:

• Perform tasks under the supervision of the Director of Prescribed Fire Training or a designated Fire Manager.
• Ensure safe work practices.
• Assist with all aspects of prescribed burning.

• Maintain assigned equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of work time, expenses, etc. and submit reports in a timely manner.
• Work as team player.
• Operate ATVs, UTVs, tractors, chain saws, and leaf blowers and tow trailers.

Be able to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma and 6 months of related experience.
• If not already qualified, must be able to complete training and obtain Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualification during the first two weeks of employment. Details can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager and TNC Fire Manual.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g. First Aid, CPR, and driver’s license).

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Previous experience in prescribed fire activities.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
• A valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

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 competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

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

To apply for job ID 51841, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on August 14,2022. NOTE: Hiring will occur on an ongoing basis until all positions are filled. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.

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

Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption.