Oregon Fire Traveling Burn Boss

OFFICE LOCATION

Oregon, USA

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 Nature Conservancy’s Oregon Fire Partnership (OR-FIRE) program is working to support prescribed fire planning, implementation, and monitoring across the fire-adapted forests Oregon. The Oregon Traveling Burn Boss will be a key staff member with the Oregon Chapter’s growing fire management program whose vision is to support healthy and resilient ecosystems and fire-adapted communities by demonstrating a shared-stewardship model and an inclusive fire management culture bridging western science and traditional ecological knowledge. The Traveling Burn Boss will support a growing fire program in prescribed fire planning and implementation across the state with a focus on the dry forest landscapes of southwest, southcentral, and eastern Oregon.

The Burn Boss will primarily support the Oregon Fire Partnership focused on planning, implementing, and monitoring prescribed burns in two key geographies: the East Cascades (Upper and Lower Deschutes Basins), and Southern Oregon (Lake, Klamath, and Rogue Basins). For approximately 6-8 months per year (spring through fall), the Burn Boss will work closely with partner organizations, such as the U.S. Forest Service and other local, state, federal, NGO, university, and Tribal partners, in preparing, conducting, and evaluating/monitoring prescribed fire/fuels management activities in Oregon.

For the remainder of the year, the burn boss will assist with priority TNC-focused projects including planning and implementation of prescribed fire/fuels on TNC and partner lands, engagement with TNC partners to develop and prioritize future projects, and coordination with private, state, and Tribal entities to identify and plan prescribed fire projects.  The Burn Boss will be expected to travel frequently for prescribed fire assignments. The Burn Boss may live and work from any location in Oregon but will be expected to travel to meet with partners in support of future planning, implementation, monitoring, and relationship building.

The Burn Boss will report directly to Oregon’s Fire Program Director. This position is expected to help TNC, the U.S. Forest Service, and other partners to meet their respective prescribed fire and fuels management goals.

The Burn Boss may lead, train, and mentor module crewmembers representing a diverse set of partner organizations on prescribed fire assignments. This position will work independently and in teams, lead others, follow direction from supervisors, teach courses, and mentor others, while also advancing their own training and qualifications.

This 5-year term position is supported by federal, state, and private funding with the intention of assisting with prescribed fire across land ownerships as requested by landowners.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

The Burn Boss will lead prescribed fire planning, operations, monitoring, and training opportunities for other non-governmental organizations, Indigenous Peoples and Tribes, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, with a focus on providing inclusive workforce development opportunities for under-represented groups. It is imperative that the Burn Boss is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Burn Boss will work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local communities where they work across the state. This may include participation in wildland fire management activities in partnership with other non-government organizations, 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).

This is a regular, full-time, hourly wage position. Working over 35 hours a week will occur occasionally, especially during prescribed fire seasons and while traveling for assignments; overtime rates apply after the first 40 hours each week. Travel expenses, meals and lodging will be provided by TNC when traveling for prescribed fire assignments.  

Module Leader will be expected to:

• Perform tasks under the supervision of the Oregon Fire Program Director and in coordination with local U.S. Forest Service Fire Management staff.
• Make decisions in rapidly changing and potentially hazardous conditions that may affect the safety of staff and resources.
• Function as a contributing member of a mixed-gender, cross-generational team with a range of experience and skills.
• Ensure a culture of safety and learning on burns they lead.
• Be able to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Maintain accurate records of work time, expenses, etc. and submit reports in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS, and 5-year training in fire operations, science-related field or similar field or related experience in land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Qualified NWCG Incident Commander Type Four and Type Two Burn Boss. See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/BurnBoss.htm
• Must have experience directing prescribed fire operations.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager and TNC Fire Manual.
• Must have experience training and supervising staff and burn crew members or volunteers.
• Experience leading effectively in stressful situations.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid and CPR).                                 

Desired Qualifications

• Must be committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
• Ability to perform GIS mapping and basic fire behavior modeling.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

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!

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including; health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions.  Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, 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 $28.00-32.00/hr. 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.

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.