Northwoods Prescribed Fire Module Leader

Office Location:

Ely, Minnesota, United States

#Li-Onsite

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our 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-transitional 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, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs 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 contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $26.00 – $28.00 hourly. 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.