Prescribed Fire Operations Specialist

The Prescribed Fire Operations Specialist will provide continued support, coordination, evaluation, and oversight of fire operations, mitigation, administrative, and training applications pertaining to prescribed fire operations and fuels management across the United States. The Prescribed Fire Operations Specialist is responsible for assisting the Department of Fire Management with the planning, development, and implementation of Fire Management projects. This will include leading prescribed fire and fuels crews and coordinating across multiple projects. The position will also supervise and support project managers within the Planning and Implementation program. Housing will be provided during extended assignment in support of ongoing prescribed fire and fuels management projects.

Full-time, 12-month position with the possibility to extend depending on funding 

Duties & Responsibilities  

Fire Operations 

• Engage in prescribed fire and wildfire operations in fireline positions as qualified or trainee.
• Execute prescribed fire and fuels management project work for TEA’s contracted project areas, including burn implementation, pile burning, and mechanical fuels treatment, in coordination with project partners and landowners.
• Support prescribed fire incident management organizations and coordinate with project partners to ensure planning, personnel, and equipment needs are met, including workplan development, project documentation, and pre-project checklists to ensure operational readiness across TEA project areas.
• Lead fuels reduction projects, including safety compliance, training, and equipment maintenance.
• May oversee staff, volunteers, and individuals or crews from other agencies or organizations when serving in a leadership role in prescribed fire or wildfire operations.
• Be supported in pursuing suppression opportunities through our partner network.

Workforce Development & Good Jobs Pipeline 

• Develop and maintain a structured entry pathway into TEA crews for graduates of TEA fire training courses, partner agency programs, and other wildland fire workforce development pipelines, including identifying and recruiting qualified candidates.
• Build relationships with fire training programs, tribal fire programs, conservation corps, and other workforce pipelines to create a consistent flow of candidates into TEA seasonal and full-time crew positions.
• Support crewmember progression through NWCG qualification pathways and experiential learning, including task book documentation and position evaluations.
• Track Good Jobs Pipeline participants from initial training through crew hire, connecting them to advanced training and career development opportunities within TEA and the broader wildland fire community.
• Provide mentorship to trainee firefighters, including multiple squads as the program develops.
• Serve as an instructor on NWCG trainings.

Logistics & Administration 

• Assist with cache management and other logistics assignments.
• Maintain fire equipment and apparatus.
• Maintain accurate records for assigned program areas and meet administrative requirements associated with fire operations.
• Manage work assignments with minimal direction from supervisors.
• May work in variable weather conditions, in remote locations, and on difficult or hazardous terrain and/or in other physically demanding environments.
• Travel for extended periods of time and work outside of normal business hours.
• Other Duties as Assigned

Pay and Benefits 

Pay: $30-$34 depending on experience 

Benefits: Overtime will be based on operational needs. Paid leave and paid holiday benefits are provided. Employer-sponsored health and dental care coverage is available upon employment. Employer-matched retirement plan is available 3 months after hire. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications 

• NWCG Crew Boss (CRWB) or Engine Boss (ENGB); trainee acceptable
• Faller 2
• Minimum of five years of wildland fire or fuels management experience with progressive operational responsibility
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to lead crews or teams in field conditions, including high-stress or time-sensitive environments
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related tools
• Valid U.S. drivers license
• Commitment to duty, integrity, and respect; ability to embrace adversity and uncertainty in operational environments

Desired Qualifications  

• RXB3 or higher
• ICT4
• Experience as lead instructor for NWCG courses (M410)
• Familiarity with GIS and basic spatial data tools relevant to operational planning

Schedule Requirements 

Up to 75% of the position may require extended overnight travel. The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary based on weather and project needs. 10 to 16-hour days may be frequently required. Projects may require working during weekends and/or up to 14 days continuously, traveling for extended periods of time, remaining overnight near project locations, and working outside of normal business hours with limited notice.  

Work Location 

Fort Collins, CO 

TEA will consider remote candidates who are exceptionally qualified and willing to travel to CO for extended periods of time.

Other Requirements 

Must be 18 years of age or older, have a current and valid US driver’s license, and be legally eligible to work in the US. Employees are required to live in the US. Employees are required to complete a background check and motor vehicle record check prior to employment. Employees are required to hold a company credit card and may be subjected to a credit check. Failure to pass any of these checks does not automatically disqualify you from employment.  

Employment is contingent on submission and review of NWCG qualification documentation.