Illinois Women in Fire Coordinator

Office Location:

Carterville, Illinois, USA

This is a permanent, full-time (35+ hours a week) position based in Carterville, Illinois.

Who We Are:

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.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Women in Fire Coordinator administers the Women in Fire (WIF) Fellowship, supervising and guiding the development of 2-4 fellows each year. This position serves as a trainer and auxiliary burn crew leader for the Southern Illinois Interagency Habitat and Fuels Crew (SIIHFC) under the direction of the Deputy Program Director, or other leadership positions. They shall strive to build and maintain relationships within our organization, partnership, and in the local communities where TNC works. As part of the WIF Coordinator’s ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for staying up to date with current best management practices (BMPs), techniques, and equipment, and are encouraged to engage in activities to maintain/grow their overall experience and National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualifications.

Responsibilities & Scope:

• Function as a leader, mentor, and member of a work crew in a dynamic team environment.
• Administer the Women in Fire Fellowship:
  • Participate in the annual hiring cycle of fellows and oversee their onboarding.
  • Develop and oversee training plans for formal and informal training, in addition to coordinating opportunities for interdisciplinary job shadowing.
  • Mentor the fellows in wildland fire operations, natural resource stewardship activities, equipment maintenance, and other aspects of professional development.
  • Coordinate with program staff and partners to ensure important aspects of the fellowship are completed in a timely manner (e.g. hiring, recruitment events, selection/completion of the fellows’ final projects, etc.)
  • Serve as an ambassador of the Women in Fire Fellowship and TNC to raise awareness and support of the program and our greater organization in recruitment and fundraising efforts.
  • Approve timesheets and expense reports of their direct reports and other administrative duties.
• Assist partners in the preparation and implementation of prescribed fire, wildfire suppression, non-native invasive species removal, timber stand improvement, monitoring/inventory projects, and other stewardship activities.
• Maintain a safety-first mindset and high level of situational awareness to identify and mitigate potential hazards to ensure the physical and mental health of the crew.
• Perform arduous work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Perform tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Some projects and activities may require long days (10+ hour shifts), working weekends, and extended out-of-state travel. Out-of-state assignments are optional and include prescribed fire assistance in the late spring, wildfire suppression activities in the summer, and training opportunities throughout various parts of the year.

This is a permanent, full-time (35+ hours a week) position based in Carterville, Illinois.

We’re Looking for You:

The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is looking for a Women in Fire Coordinator to lead their Women in Fire Fellows on the fireline and beyond.  The Women in Fire Fellowship (WIF) Program was developed to prepare women, trans, and nonbinary candidates for entry or mid-level Fire and Aviation Management (FAM) positions with the US Forest Service and similar agencies.  The WIF Coordinator and Fellows work as part of the Southern Illinois Interagency Habitat and Fuels Crew (SIIHFC) within TNC’s partnership with the Shawnee National Forest, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Southern Illinois Prescribed Burn Association, and other partners. If you are passionate about working outdoors and fostering the next generation of fire practitioners and conservationists, come join us today and help make a difference with the world’s leading conservation organization!

What You’ll Bring:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience in prescribed fire and/or wildfire suppression, natural resource management or similar field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing, training, and mentoring staff or volunteers.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion and creating a safe and supportive workplace for women and other marginalized and underrepresented groups.
• Qualified as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1 – Squad Boss) with a completed Position Task Book.
• Experience building relationships to work closely with a variety of partners including federal and state agencies; non-governmental organizations (NGOs); and private landowners.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Experience with communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications (ex: Word, Excel, PowerPoint) in the development of reports, technical documents, training and reference guides, infographics, and presentations for professional, public, and donor engagement.
• Ability to pass the Work Capacity Test (pack test) at the Arduous Level by completing a 3-mile walk with a 45-pound weight vest in 45 minutes or less.
• Ability to obtain and maintain related licenses or certifications as required. (Pesticide Applicator, First Aid/CPR/AED, etc.).

Desired Qualifications:

• Multilingual skills, multicultural/cross-cultural experience is appreciated.
• 3-5 years’ experience in wildland fire, natural resource management, similar field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Qualified as an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) with a completed Position Task Book.
• Qualified as a Faller 2 (FAL2 – Intermediate Faller), with experience as a trainer in chainsaw operations.
• Knowledge of the Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) and management of associated documentation.
• Knowledge of the ecological principles and best management practices for restoring and maintaining oak-hickory forests and woodlands, grasslands, hill prairies, glades, and barrens habitats in the central hardwoods.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.

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!

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 $50,500 to $53,700 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.