What We Can Achieve Together:

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, growing skilled fire management workforces, and helping communities develop ways to live more safely with wildfire.

The Nature Conservancy’s Oregon Fire program is working to support prescribed fire planning, implementation, and monitoring across Oregon. The Prescribed Fire Module Leader will be an employee of The Nature Conservancy, based in Klamath Falls, Oregon, leading a 5 to 10-person prescribed fire module. For approximately 6-8 months per year (spring through fall), the Module Leader will work closely with organization partners, such as the U.S. Forest Service and other local, state, federal, NGO, university, and Tribal partners, in preparing, conducting, and reviewing prescribed fire/fuels management activities in Oregon. During this time the module leader will be expected to live in the predetermined locations for the module, providing module leadership and other project planning, implementation, monitoring, and partnership support needs. For the remainder of the year, the Module Leader will assist with priority TNC-focused projects including planning and implementation of prescribed fire/fuels on TNC and partner lands, engagement with TNC partners to develop and prioritize future projects, coordination with private, state, and Tribal entities to identify and recruit future module crewmembers, and other tasks. The Module Leader will be expected to travel frequently within their focal area for prescribed fire assignments. During the “offseason” (i.e., when the seasonal crewmembers are not working), the module leader may live and work from any location in Oregon but will be expected to travel to their assigned geography to meet with partners in support of future planning, implementation, monitoring, and relationship building.

The Module Leader will report directly to Oregon’s Director of Fire Management. 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.

The Module Leader will lead, train, and mentor module crewmembers representing a diverse set of partner organizations on prescribed fire assignments. This position will work independently and in teams, lead others, follow direction from supervisors, teach courses, and mentor others, while also advancing their own training and qualifications.

The Module Leader will work with and lead module crews which may consist of permanent and short-term TNC employees as well as volunteers, contractors, and assigned partner agency staff serving on the module for a season or short-term rotation. The person in this position will compile accomplishment reports, program reviews, and help capitalize on strategic opportunities to engage the TNC fire program to accelerate ecological fire in Oregon.

This 3-year term position is supported by federal, state, and private funding with the intention of assisting with prescribed fire across land ownerships.

We’re Looking for You:

The Module Leader will lead crews on prescribed burns, prepare fire lines, maintain equipment, monitor post-burn fire effects, and carry out other prescribed fire and vegetation management related tasks. They will also work with partners to plan and prepare for prescribed fire operations, including unit layout, burn plan writing, and following TNC’s Fire Manual and Standard Operating Procedures.

The Module Leader will support prescribed fire planning, operations, monitoring, and training opportunities for other non-profit NGOs, Indigenous Peoples and Tribes, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, with a focus on providing inclusive workforce development opportunities. In addition, they are responsible for safe and effective fire operations, and they will administer physical fitness testing, train, and organize crews, contribute to annual refresher training.

The Module Leader will work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local communities where they are assigned. This may include participation 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 regular, full-time, hourly wage position. Working over 40 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.

Module Leader will be expected to:

• Perform tasks under the supervision of the Oregon Fire Program and in coordination with local U.S. Forest Service Fire Management staff.

• Supervise the Prescribed Fire Module Assistant and assist with identification, recruitment, and supervision of module members.

• Function as a contributing member of a mixed-gender, cross-generational team with a range of experience and skills.

• Ensure a culture of safety and learning within the module.

• Be able to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

• Lead crew through with all aspects of prescribed burning including planning, implementation, and monitoring.

• Operate ATVs, UTVs, tractors, chain saws, and 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.

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma and 5-year training in fire operations, science-related field or similar field or related experience in land management.

• Qualified NWCG Single Resource Boss (or equivalent qualification) as described in the TNC Fire Manual.

• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager and TNC Fire Manual.

• Must have experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment.

• Must have experience supervising staff or volunteers.

• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., herbicide application, First Aid and CPR).

• Must have a valid driver’s license. Please indicate this in your resume.

• Ability to meet all Conservancy Youth Qualification requirements and background checks.

Desired Qualifications

• Meets the NWCG qualifications for RXB2 (or equivalent), including coursework, and experience requirements. See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: http://tncfiremanual.org/BurnBoss.htm

• OR Qualified Incident Commander Type 4 with an open RXB2 taskbook and desire to work toward RXB2 in the first 2 years.

• OR Qualified Incident Commander Type 4 with an open RXB2 taskbook and desire to work toward RXB2 in the first 2 years.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $28 - $32/hour. 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.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

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 and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.