Prescribed Fire & Gopher Tortoise Management Technician

Position Overview

LOCATION: Longleaf Stewardship Center – Telfair County, GA
SALARY: $2,400/month + housing & training provided
APPOINTMENT: Seasonal, January 3 – June 3, 2026

The Orianne Society is seeking a dedicated Prescribed Fire & Gopher Tortoise Management Technician to join our team at the Longleaf Stewardship Center in Lumber City, Georgia. This position is primarily focused on prescribed fire operations that support the restoration of longleaf pine ecosystems and critical habitat for imperiled reptiles such as the Gopher Tortoise and Eastern Indigo Snake.

Technicians will work as part of an interagency prescribed fire team, assisting with all aspects of fire management—from line preparation to ignition and mop-up. Additional responsibilities may include wildlife surveys, invasive species control, and habitat maintenance, but the majority of time will be dedicated to prescribed fire implementation.

This role offers the opportunity to gain hands-on fire experience, work alongside conservation partners (The Nature Conservancy, Georgia DNR, Georgia Forestry Commission, and private landowners), and complete training toward Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) certification. On-site housing with internet is provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct prescribed burns across southeastern Georgia, including ignition, holding, mop-up, and fire weather data collection.
• Prepare and maintain firelines to support safe and effective operations.
• Operate and maintain fire equipment such as drip torches, 4WD trucks, ATVs/UTVs, portable pumps, small engines, tractors, and chainsaws.
• Keep fire equipment and vehicles in fire-ready condition, ensuring clean and organized workspaces.
• Support ecological monitoring including surveys for Gopher Tortoises, Eastern Indigo Snakes, and Diamondback Rattlesnakes.
• Participate in site stewardship and invasive species management as needed.
• Collaborate with diverse partners including landowners, conservation agencies, and the public.

Working Conditions

This is a fire-intensive field position requiring work in variable and extreme weather conditions, at remote locations, and on rugged terrain. Technicians should expect:

• Long days conducting physically demanding prescribed fire operations.
• Exposure to heat, smoke, and hazardous field conditions.
• Periods of isolation and long hours in the field with limited supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, ecology, or related field.
• 1–3 years of wildland fire experience, especially prescribed fire.
• FFT2 certification (or ability to obtain).
• Sawyer certification and/or experience operating heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of southeastern fire ecology and plant/animal identification skills.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience operating and maintaining off-road vehicles and field equipment.
• Acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Strong teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work long hours outdoors in hot, humid conditions.
• Willingness to live and work closely with coworkers in a remote setting.
• Ability to pass moderate-level wildland fire fitness test (2-mile walk with 25-lb pack in 30 minutes or less).