Fire Management Coordinator

Little Rock, Arkansas (AR) 

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.
TNC

The Fire Management Coordinator (FMC) is responsible foroversight and coordination of fire management operations in Arkansas.  The FMC hires, trains, and manages the Arkansas Field Office (ARFO) Burn Crew.  This position implements TNC fire management policy and procedures.  Coordinates with local, state and interagency fire management organizations and ensures fire management activities and training programs meet national and state accountability standards.  The FMC implements prescribed burns and manages field staff during prescribed burn operations.  The FMC builds partnerships with agencies and private landowners to accomplish common goals in fire management.  The FMC ensures prescribed fire planning, preparation and implementation activities on TNC, state, federal, and private lands meet the highest standards of professionalism and safety.  The FMC assists partner agencies with fire operations statewide.  The FMC creates, compiles and disseminates fire related incident reports and records and maintains fire program safety in a high risk environment.  The FMC manages fire equipment and fire cache supplies and oversees specifications, maintenance, and preparedness of equipment and staff resources.  The FMC works with managers and project leaders to mentor, evaluate, and certify TNC staff and track staff qualifications and certifications in the Incident Qualifications System database.  With the Arkansas Director of Fire Restoration, the FMC leads field staff in establishing and achieving fire management goals and objectives and develops training and experience opportunities to advance staff qualifications. 

As part of the incumbent’s ongoing professional development, he/she will be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials.  In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in wild land fire suppression activities in partnership with other non profits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies.
TNC

• Bachelor’s degree in a natural resources related field and four years’ experience in Natural Resources Management, Conservation Science, Fire Ecology or related field, to include at least three years’ experience in wildland fire management including writing, reviewing, and critiquing prescribed burn unit plans and area fire management plans, and implementing prescribed fires in multiple vegetation types and fuel models. 
• Experience directing prescribed fire operations.
• Current National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) FFT1 certification.
• Experience training and supervising staff and burn crew members.
• Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to pass the arduous duty physical fitness standard (walk 3 miles with 45 lb pack in 45 minutes or less).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3 to 5 years related experience in fire operations or ecological land management.
• Must possess or be able to obtain within 18 months of employment, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Type II Burn Boss (RXB2); See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements:http://www.tncfiremanual.org/BurnBoss.htm.On-going professional development is required to keep abreast of new burn techniques and equipment and to enhance skills.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.  Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to plan for and execute an ecologically appropriate fire regime.
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation
• Strong leadership skills.  Ability to lead effectively in complex and stressful situations.
• Managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Web browsers). 
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages
• Using maintenance tools, including lawn mowers, power tools, and construction tools, safely
• Ability to achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Fire Manager

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions:

• require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• present frequent possibility of injury
• require long hours in isolated settings

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, a 401k plan, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond. 
TNC

To apply to position number 41458, submit resume and cover letter as one document.  All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 17, 2013.

Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration. The information entered in the education and work experience sections are auto screened by the system based on the basic qualifications of the position.

You must click “submit” to apply for the position. You may select “save for later” if you prefer to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited.

If you are experiencing technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contactapplyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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