Fire Ecologist

OFFICE LOCATION

California, USA

Northern Sierra Nevada region. Regular travel to Northern Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and Lassen National Park will be required for this position.

WHO WE ARE

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative 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; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world.

The California Chapter is TNC’s largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast.

The California Chapter believes that we are most effective when we are embedded in our state’s communities, politics, media, and environmental issues. For this reason, and to reduce our carbon footprint when meeting in person, all staff live in California, including those in a home office.

Finally, we are passionate about holding the middle ground in American politics and civic life and doing our part to make conservation a shared national value. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its “big tent” approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We are not activists. We do not litigate. We do not take public stands on matters unrelated to our purpose. We welcome everyone. Everyone in our organization should therefore be adept at working with people who may not share their personal values or opinions. We ask all employees to embrace the critical strategic position of our brand and organization as centrist and non-partisan. It is the foundation of our success.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Fire Ecologist provides technical and scientific support and leadership for conservation initiatives in Conservation by Design (CbD), other conservation activities and measures of conservation success (MOS). The Fire Ecologist collects and manages data for endangered, threatened and special animal species.  They classify targets and assess data to prioritize areas for conservation.  The Fire Ecologist conducts scientific surveys and research, records data, writes reports and develops proposals in order to administer and coordinate conservation programs within a conservation or business unit. They must work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

We are looking for a Fire Ecologist to provide scientific support for the Forest Strategy, with a focus in the Northern Sierra Nevada. The Strategy team is working to scale climate-adapted forest management to address the impacts of climate change and multiple disturbances. A rapid increase in the scale of ecologically based thinning followed by prescribed fire, prescribed fire alone, or managed wildfire is critical to the conservation of California’s fire-adapted forest ecosystems. The Fire Ecologist will lead studies on forest thinning, prescribed fire, and managed wildfire impacts on biodiversity and forest health.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Master’s Degree in science related field and 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.    
• Knowledge of working with fire: controlled burning, prescribed fire, cultural burning, and/or managed wildfire for resource benefit.
• Project management, organization, and collaboration skills.
• Experience collaborating across disciplines and working in partnership with a range of interested parties.     
• Experience leading and working with cross functional teams.                                    
• Experience synthesizing, interpreting and communicating scientific information.      
• Experience preparing reports of findings.
• Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals.
• Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Solid understanding of fire regimes, fire ecology, and the impacts of climate change on wildfire.
• Experience in fire effects research, including species diversity, forest structure, and carbon.
• Proficiency in using fire modeling tools, such as IFTDSS or FSIM.
• Research experience, including fieldwork, in California’s terrestrial ecosystems.
• Experience integrating science and traditional ecological knowledge in planning prescribed fire and monitoring the impacts.
• Familiarity with how to use science to inform policy, environmental regulation, permitting, adaptation and mitigation.
• Strong negotiation skills, including experience working in polarized stakeholder environments.
• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Strong knowledge of common software applications.
• Proven negotiation skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Training experience.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

WHAT WE BRING

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.  

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance.

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

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.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $78,000 – $100,000  for annual base salary. 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. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 55456, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/  by 8:59 PM PST on August 18. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. 

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.

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 with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.