Job Information
The Nature Conservancy Northwoods Prescribed Fire Module Leader (56027) in Ely, Minnesota
OFFICE LOCATION Ely, Minnesota, United States #Li-Onsite 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." WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER As the Prescribed Fire Module Leader, you will lead a TNC prescribed fire module based in Ely, Minnesota, considered the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Ely is a hot spot for year-round outdoor recreation and home to an energetic conservation community. You will be responsible for the daily oversight and coordination of the Module which includes project identification, prioritization, logistics planning, and purchasing. You will collaborate closely and engage with community members to build trust and support for prescribed fire projects. This may include collaboration with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies, tribal or indigenous communities. You will be part of an extensive state-wide TNC prescribed fire workforce and will team up with other TNC prescribed fire modules in the Midwest from time to time. Although primarily be based in Ely, Minnesota, you will be expected to assist with prescribed and wildland fire operations in other parts of the United States. Those assignments may be administered by TNC's North America Fire program, and/or through details with federal and state agency partners. As the Module Leader, you will supervise and train module members in wildland fire activities which include - conducting prescribed burns, pile burns, and preparing firebreaks, all while assuring the safety of the crew. You will also assist prescribed fire training for TNC partners and pile burn training to the public. You will be responsible for maintenance of fire equipment, post-burn monitoring, maintenance of vehicles, the Module's shop, and lodging. You may perform other stewardship and planning activities when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire. As part of ongoing professional development, you will also be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. You should have the ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU Ready to lead in wildland fire activities and preserve our natural landscapes? Join us as a Prescribed Fire Module Leader. You'll oversee a team, participate in various tasks, and manage preserve duties. Stay updated on the latest techniques and build strong relationships in the fire community. We're looking for someone who is interested in working with habitats ranging from boreal-transition l forest, to pine-oak forest, to prairie openings, and from remote wilderness areas to wildland urban interface. This position will require occasional travel and camping. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, enjoy building relationships to further the mission of conservation, and want to help hold us accountable to our goals, apply now! We'd love to hear from you! WHAT YOU'LL BRING High school diploma and 1-year training in fire operations, science-related field or similar field or related experience in land management. Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss). Requirements for FFT1 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual. Two or more seasons as a Senior Burn Crew Member or similar agency qualification. Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment. Experience supervising staff or volunteers. Experience working in a team environment. In addition, the following DESIRED skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required. For applicants without these, please view these as areas or skillsets where you will have opportunities for growth and professional development. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Willingness to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application. Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual. Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. Experience working with diverse groups of people (Indigenous people, private landowners, etc.). Two (2) years of training in fire operations or other science-related fields or related experience in land management or a similar field. NWCG FAL2 qualified, or comparable chainsaw experience. Ability to evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions that affect the safety and work of firefighters within squad. Single Resource Boss qualified. PC familiarity, including database knowledge, to maintain preserve records. 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. ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION TNC also fosters an environment supportive of empowering our employees, amplifying an equitable workforce, and creating opportunities to participate in our nine Employee Resource Groups. In alignment with the global organization, the Tri-State chapter is making an intentional effort to creating a community of inclusivity and belonging through collaboration and feedback. We're committed to building a culture based on trust, transparency, empathy, and accountability. We value individuality and difference of backgrounds and ideas, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We are targeting a start date of February 2025. 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 c