WI Prescribed Burn Coordinator

Overview:

Pheasants Forever (PF) in Wisconsin is seeking qualified candidates for a Prescribed Burn Coordinator position to promote, coordinate, and support the safe and effective use of prescribed fire on private and public lands across southwest Wisconsin.

The Prescribed Burn Coordinator will join the 23 team members of the Wisconsin PF staff and will work in close collaboration with the Southern Driftless Grasslands partnership (see more at https://www.driftlessgrasslands.org/the-partnership) as well as other key partners. The primary responsibilities of this position are prescribed fire planning, outreach, training, and coordination. This position will work closely with the PF Conservation Outreach Coordinator and a wide range of individuals and resource professionals promoting the development and implementation of prescribed fire in grassland and savanna landscapes on working and conservation lands. This position will require a self-starter with excellent communication and organizational skills and a strong work ethic. This prescribed fire partnership effort will provide an opportunity to make significant contributions to the conservation of natural resources across southwest Wisconsin.

Expected Duties:

• Work with Wisconsin PF team, Southern Driftless Grassland partners, Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council (WPFC), and other wildlife and fire management partners to identify and deliver prescribed fire outreach and training needs.
• In consultation with private landowners, conduct site visits and assess burn units prior to burns to verify adherence to prescriptions, hazards, and minimize risk associated with prescribed fire operations.
• Lead, coordinate, and participate in prescribed burns as training, demonstration, and treatments.
• Write, review, and acquire permits for prescribed burn plans for private landowners, burn contractors, and biologists.
• Support the development of landowner-led Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) to facilitate increased practice implementation.
• Communicate regularly with Wisconsin fire practitioners across the state to build upon the use of prescribed fire.
• Stay current on broad grassland conservation issues and emerging opportunities to help private landowners protect and manage grasslands.
• Provide advice or forward information about basic land management questions to landowners (e.g. invasive species control, grass-based agriculture, Farm Bill programs).
• Help evaluate and adapt programs to maximize results and outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to provide or pursue prescribed fire certifications. Preference given to holders of any combination of:
  • State: WPFC Qualifications for Prescribed Fire Personnel (https://prescribedfire.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Qualifications-for-Prescribed-Fire-Personnel-3.pdf)
  • Federal NWCG: S-130/S-190/L-180, S290, S-219 (formerly S-234), S-390, and FEMA online courses I-100 & IS-700 
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the use and delivery of prescribed fire.
• Working knowledge of prescribed fire standards and practices within the state of Wisconsin.
• Extensive knowledge of the ecology and management of prairies and oak savanna in the upper Midwest.
• Knowledge of typical agricultural concepts and practices employed in Southwest Wisconsin.
• Must work effectively with private landowners, agency and partner staff, technical service providers, and other conservation organizations.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse personalities.
• Ability to accomplish goals associated with grant deliverables and agreements.
• Ability to organize, develop, and implement educational and outreach activities including workshops, seminars, and publications.
• Experience working with federal, state, and/or local conservation programs.
• Strong computer skills including working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, ArcPro.
• Strong coordination and communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

Education and Experience Preferred:

Prior prescribed fire training and field experience required. Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, plant ecology, range management, or closely related natural resources field and three years of relevant experience preferred. Proven experience with private lands conservation and land management is highly desirable.