Fire Ecology Field Technician

Flagstaff, Arizona, USA

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Fire Ecology Field Technicians performs a variety of routine tasks that assists the implementation of fire monitoring work plans within the Forest Program. The Technicians will work from the Flagstaff office and field sites throughout the Flagstaff area. This a short-term temporary, non-exempt, position expected to be funded through December 2025 and could change based on business needs.

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!
The Fire Ecology Field Assistant performs a variety of routine tasks that assists the implementation of fire monitoring work plans within the Forest Program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Fire Ecology Field Assistant provides assistance to science and program staff in the collection of ecological field monitoring data in pre- and post-fire forested environments of Northern Arizona. Duties are anticipated in the percentages below, and may fluctuate based on the business needs:

A. Field work (approx. 90%)

• Navigating to field plots using GPS.
• Measuring fuels and forest structure (e.g. tree diameters) using a variety of equipment.
• Recording detailed information from measurements into handheld tablets.

B. Participation in AZ Chapter functions and administrative tasks (approx. 10%)

• Participate in Arizona Chapter and TNC-wide meetings and efforts.
• Timely and accurate completion of administrative functions such as performance reviews, expense reports, and timecards.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Maintain project records.
• May perform financial or administrative work related to project appraisals, surveys or title work.
• May purchase equipment and supplies as provided for in budget.
• May assist with program budget development and monitoring.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Position executes all duties within the Conservancy’s Policies, Standard Operating Procedures, business practices, processes and guidelines and Business Unit (BU) practices.
• Occasionally requires travel including overnight throughout Arizona for meetings, staff retreat, etc. and occasionally in U.S. for meetings, trainings, retreats, etc.
• Occasionally requires working long hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Work is diverse and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
• Work environment involves infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, pull 25 pounds.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Associates Degree in natural resources; environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months’ experience.
• Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
• Youth certified (completes TNC training within initial 30 days of employment; annually thereafter).
• Experience:
  o Working with computers and related software, such as Windows, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel and Word), “Box”, Teams, web browsers and internet research.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Field experience.
• Ability to assist with program budget development and monitoring.
• Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment.
• Time management skills.
• Experience using Geographic Positioning Systems hardware (e.g., Trimble, Garmin) and/or software.
• Experience with detail-oriented and numerical tasks, specifically collection of ecological field data.
• Experience working in a metrics driven culture.
  

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

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

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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $19.61 – 21.00 for hourly rate. 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.

To apply for job ID 56650, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. 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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.