The Nature Conservancy is a leader in forest landscape conservation and restoration in Minnesota. From the boreal forests of the Northwoods to the mixed oak openings of the Driftless Region, we actively test and demonstrate best practices in forest management and restoration action. The Prescribed Fire Coordinator (PFC) will lead The Nature Conservancy in the development of a new programmatic effort focused on a ‘Living with Fire’ strategy. This position will work closely with multiple internal TNC Teams to coordinate strategy development, and will engage with a broad set of state, federal, tribal, and local partners to advance forest planning and on-the-ground implementation of a fire management initiative as a means to improve forest condition and landscape integrity. The PFC will engage with private landowners and the general public in facilitating a vision for increased use of prescribed burning as a tool for ecological restoration.

This position will manage the day-to-day implementation of multiple grant funded restoration projects concurrently and in collaboration with multiple project partners. Position requires frequent travel. This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’s Auto Safety Program. Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

This position is full-time with benefits, located in Cushing, Minnesota. The starting salary range for this position is $48,000-55,000 dependent on experience, in addition to a robust benefits package. The position is contingent upon funding, with funding currently secured for three years. The PFC will collaborate with other program staff to obtain funding to maintain and expand capacity.

The Prescribed Fire Coordinator provides technical leadership and support to a new ‘Living with Fire’ initiative within The Nature Conservancy’s Forest Program. This new position will support strategic action and drive implementation on state, private, tribal, and federal lands within central and north-central Minnesota. The PFC participates in prescribed fire operations; develops Prescribed Burn Unit Plans and Site Fire Management Plans. The PFC will supervise seasonal staff in completion of restoration and management activities to protect and restore fire-dependent native plant communities, including globally rare oak savannas, and state rare mixed-pine woodland habitats.  They will implement strategic plans, coordinate community support, manage contracts and implement Forest Program strategies. They will work closely with the local TNC Staff to build on initial steps toward supporting and including area tribes in fire management and restoration.  They will serve as TNC Minnesota Forest Program’s fire lead to implement restoration and management on several thousand acres of private, public, and tribal lands in Minnesota.

The Prescribed Fire Coordinator will support the increased use of fire for restoration across forested systems in Minnesota. This will include in-office planning, project design, and partnership engagement, as well as taking a leadership role in prescribed fire activities including preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring, and other tasks. In all prescribed fire related activities, the PFC will work closely with the Minnesota Fire Manager to ensure all requirements are followed. In addition, the PFC shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and with many partners including government agencies, indigenous communities, and private organizations. This may include participation in wild land fire suppression activities in partnership with many of these partners, either as a TNC employee, or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined, short term federal employee).

 

• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Functions as both leader and member of a work team, in a high stress team environment.
• Works well in a multi-stakeholder environment, supporting cross-boundary and cross-cultural fire partnerships.
• Position will require frequent (sometimes overnight) travel across North-Central Minnesota.
• Supervises seasonal staff with responsibility for recruitment, performance management, training and development.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Manage budgets and reporting for a variety of public and private grants, and assist with fundraising.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by a local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual, specifically this includes carrying a 45-pound pack for 3 miles in 45 minutes.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.