Appalachians Fire Practitioner and Land Steward

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Appalachians Fire Practitioner and Land Steward (AFPLS) supports prescribed fire implementation and land stewardship in the southern Appalachians of Alabama on TNC and partner land congruent to the Appalachians Program’s 2030 goals in the Resilient and Connected Network. The AFP also supervises (2 Burn Crew Members) in prescribed and wildland fire activities associated with the USDA Forest Service or the US Fish and Wildlife Service, as directed by a Burn Boss, or other command position.

The AFPLS participates in preparing firelines, maintaining equipment, prescribed fire operations, mop-up, post-burn monitoring and other tasks as assigned.  As part of the AFPLS’s ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. The AFPLS may also participate in fire course facilitation and provide training to other fireline personnel. 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, 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).

The AFPLS may also perform a variety of land management tasks. This position will partially work to advance the restoration and management of natural systems and fire-dependent habitats in Central and North Alabama. The AFPLS implements ecological restoration activities, maintains preserve facilities, trails, and roads, removes non-native invasive plants, monitors management effects, and operates and maintains tools and equipment. This position is required to work under minimal supervision and must make independent decisions based on experience and judgements. The AFPLS must have a willingness to work long hours and travel extensively throughout Central and North Alabama.  This position must 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. Please note that this position has funding for two (2) years with a possibility of extending contingent on funding.

• 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) or open FFT1 task book.  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. 
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers is required.
• May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application.
• Experience with natural systems and ecological land management principles.            
• Experience operating and repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Must have valid driver’s license.

• 2 years of experience in land management, fire management, or another science-related field.
• Coursework/training and/or experience working in natural systems of the Southeastern U.S.
• Experience with regional natural systems and ecological land management principles, with an emphasis on the Appalachian region of Alabama and the Southeastern US. Knowledge of characteristic plant and animal species found in the southern Appalachians and montane longleaf pine and willingness to learn to identify native and non-native plant and animal species.
• Qualified National Wildfire Coordinating Group Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss), with completed FFT1 position task book preferred.  
• Coursework/training and/or experience in current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource conservation.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Experience with ArcGIS, including database knowledge to maintain geospatial management records.
• Experience evaluating inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and making decisions that affect the safety and work of fire crewmembers.   
• Experience with effective communication via written, spoke, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

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 the Auto Safety information page. 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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $23.50 – $25.50 per 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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.