SD Prescribed Fire Specialist

Application Deadline: Open until filled (application review will begin immediately)
Anticipated Start Date: As Soon As Possible        
 
Overview: Pheasants Forever is seeking a Prescribed Fire Specialist to help increase prescribed fire capacity throughout South Dakota. The specialist will work directly with agricultural producers to develop conservation plans to accelerate the implementation of conservation practices including and supporting prescribed fire through stewardship and management activities in South Dakota. The employee will build advocacy for prescribed fire with landowners, local prescribed burn associations, fire departments, and key decision makers within the state by encouraging and supporting the safe and effective use of prescribed burning on private lands in South Dakota. This position will be headquartered in an USDA Service Center in Chamberlain, SD. The position will be an employee of Pheasants Forever (PF) and be supervised by the SD PF Prescribed Fire Coordinator.

Primary Duties:

• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contract documents for applicants and participants of USDA-NRCS conservation programs and other local and state programs including specifically the writing of prescribed burn plans.
• Assist in prescribed fire efforts throughout the state including with the Prescribed Burn Associations including the Mid Missouri River (MMRPBA), River Breaks (RBPBA), and Southeast Dakota (SEDPBA).
• Help supervise and assist seasonal employees with Rx fire, firebreak preparation, and associated activities.
• Accelerate conservation program enrollment by conducting outreach such as workshops, field days, demonstration events, habitat tours, and through various media channels.
• Provide prescribed fire training for NRCS and other natural resource management staff.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

• Extensive knowledge and experience with prescribed fire and/or wildfire.
• Extensive knowledge of wildlife habitat management techniques, principles, goals and objectives including knowledge of grazing systems, prescribed fire, tree clearing and exotic plant control.
• The individual must be able to work effectively with private landowners, governmental agency staff and conservation organization representatives.
• Ability to work and perform independently with little supervision and with diverse personalities.
• Ability to work and perform in remote locations, inclement weather conditions,  and irregular schedules.
• Ability to organize, develop, and implement educational and outreach activities, including workshops, seminars, and publications.
• Motivated self-starter with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of conservation program offerings, including USDA Conservation Programs (CRP, CCRP, EQIP, WHIP, etc.) and state and local programs.
• Proficiency with Conservation Desktop, ArcGIS, GPS, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
• Safe use of ATV/UTVs, Chainsaws, and similar power tools.
• Experience backing up trailers and safely securing machinery and equipment.
• Patient and positive demeanor in working with team members and inexperience technicians
• Able to obtain USDA Security Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, plant ecology, range management, or closely related natural resources field.
• Prior experience with private lands conservation and land management is also preferred.
• Working knowledge of farming and ranching operations.
• Prescribed fire training and field experience required.

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting salary of $45,000 to $58,000 (Commensurate with qualifications and experience)
• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans available.
• 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
• Technology Stipend provided.
• Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
• Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees (increasing after 3 years).
• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
• 13 Paid holidays.
• An Employee Benefit Summary can be found on our page at www.pheasantsforever.org/careers