Prescribed Fire Module Crewmember

OFFICE LOCATION

Redmond and Pendleton, Oregon, USA

Hybrid (Remote and Office)

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.”

The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading non-profit organization working on fire issues. We have been working with fire since 1962, when we conducted our first controlled burn. Our approach has evolved from one that was primarily focused on managing our preserves for biodiversity to one that includes developing more equitable policy and funding, elevating the leadership of Indigenous fire practitioners, growing skilled and diverse fire management workforces, and helping communities develop ways to live more safely with wildfire.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Nature Conservancy’s Oregon Fire Partnership program is working to support prescribed fire planning, implementation, and monitoring across the fire-adapted forests of Oregon. The Prescribed Fire Module Crewmember will be an employee of The Nature Conservancy, based in one of two focal geographies working on a new, 5 to 10-person prescribed fire module. For approximately 6 months per year (late May through November), the Module Crewmember will work closely with the module leader, and 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. The Module Crewmember will be expected to travel frequently within their focal area for prescribed fire assignments.

The Module Crewmember will report directly to the Prescribed Fire Module Leader and Assistant within their geography. 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.

This six-month seasonal position is supported by federal, state, and private funding with the intention of assisting with prescribed fire across land ownerships. There may be an opportunity to extend the season if funding allows.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

You will represent The Nature Conservancy Oregon’s Fire Management Program in the places you work. Your can-do attitude, safety mindset and fire practitioner skills will be important as the module prepares fire lines, maintains equipment, conducts pre and post-burn monitoring, interacts with landowners and community members, and completes other prescribed fire related tasks. We will ask you to serve in roles matching your qualifications and experience.

The Module Crewmember may participate 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 seasonal, 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.  

Shared module housing will be provided by The Nature Conservancy and/or partner organizations at no cost to the employee.

Module Crewmember will be expected to:

• Perform tasks under the supervision of the Prescribed Fire Module Lead and Assistant and in coordination with local U.S. Forest Service Fire Management staff.
• Function as a contributing member of a diverse, mixed-gender, cross-generational team with a range of experience and skills.
• Follow established safe work practices.
• Be able to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. 
• Assist with all aspects of prescribed burning including planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• Operate ATVs, UTVs, tractors, chain saws, leaf blowers and tow trailers.
• Maintain assigned equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of work time, expenses, etc. and submit reports in a timely manner.
• Become competent with mobile mapping and data collection such as Collector for ArcGIS and Avenza Maps.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma and 6-months of related experience in fire operations, science-related field or similar field or related experience in land management.
• Must be qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) or higher, including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. See https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager and TNC Fire Manual.
• Must have experience operating and maintaining various types of hand tools and motorized equipment safely.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., herbicide application, chainsaw operation, First Aid and CPR).                                      
• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural experience appreciated.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being 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 $21.00-$25.00/ hr.  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.