Appalachians Fire Director

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 Nature Conservancy’s North America Fire program and the Appalachians program are working together to support prescribed fire teams and direct our fire program across 18 states. The person hired will be an employee of The Nature Conservancy based in one of the 18 Appalachian states (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, NJ, PA, MD, WV, VA, KY, TN, NC, SC, GA, AL), reporting to the Appalachians program and will have a close working relationship with the North American Fire program staff. The Appalachian Fire Director will serve as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations, and the academic community. They will establish the Conservancy as a major conservation partner within the Appalachians landscape, define conservation priorities and long-term conservation strategies, build strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field and develop key partnerships with public and private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

We’re Looking for You:

The Appalachians Fire Director will lead our fire strategy team, driving for continuity of purpose and maximizing results.  They will serve as the primary point of contact with federal partners (USDA Forest Service) at the regional level.  They will participate in and support the two Fire Learning Networks established in the Appalachian geography.  They will coordinate and mobilize prescribed fire resources across the Appalachians and nationwide as needed and work to create efficiencies across multiple strike teams. They will look to build workforce capacity throughout the region and assist in developing new models for seasonal firefighter recruitment.  They will strategically align and elevate prescribed fire work across the entire Appalachian geography.

As part of their ongoing professional development, the Appalachians Fire Director is expected to maintain their own fire line qualifications.  In addition, they will work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community, with public and private partners, and in the local communities where they are assigned. This may include participation in wildland fire suppression activities in partnership with other non-profits, Indigenous peoples and tribes, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee or as a short-term employee of a partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined short-term federal employee).

It is imperative that the Appalachians Fire Director is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and through strong and practiced interpersonal skills they are able to cultivate a learning culture within the team.

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join us as the Appalachians Fire Director! Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives across the Appalachian region, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks nationwide!

We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies
• Experience negotiating and managing complex agreements.
• Desired, but not required–Burn Boss RXB2 qualification. However, significant operational experience and NWCG qualifications will be required for successful candidates.
• Ability to travel during burn seasons, approximately 20-25% of time in the first year.

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!

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $95,000 – $115,000 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.