Southwest Prescribed Fire Project Manager

Job title: Southwest Prescribed Fire Project Manager  

Location: Santa Fe, NM  

Status: Regular, full-time  

Supervisor: SW Associate Director 

Compensation: $33.28-$36.35/hour plus benefits  

Application deadline: July 6th, 2025 at 11:00 pm 

The Forest Stewards Guild is hiring a full-time Project Manager position in Santa Fe, New Mexico. As a key member of the fire and fuels program in the Southwest region of the Forest Stewards Guild, your position will ensure that projects meet the Guild’s mission of creating forests and forest dependent communities that are ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable in the Southwest.   

Organization description  

Since 1995, The Forest Stewards Guild’s national network of members, staff, and partners have advanced the culture of forest stewardship based on ethical principles, best-available science, and diverse experience. Practicing what we preach through real-world projects is a distinction that brings value and substance to investors. We explore and demonstrate what works in the woods and showcase effective forest management practices through outreach, training, and policy development. In other words, we combine strategy and action to position ourselves as the heart of the forest stewardship movement, driving its growth and impact nationwide.     

Position Description  

The Prescribed Fire Project Manager will manage and coordinate projects within the Guild’s fire management program in New Mexico, which seeks to find innovative ways to build fire adapted communities and landscapes by increasing implementation of prescribed fire on private and public land, creating training and education opportunities, increasing collaboration, and broadening the definition of fire management. This position supports programs including the All Hands All Lands Burn Network (AHAL) and the Forest Stewards Youth Corps Fire and Fuels Crews, in addition to other existing programs and landscapes across the region.  

Responsibilities: 

• Manage and coordinate prescribed fire projects in New Mexico, working across jurisdictions with diverse partners to apply ecologically appropriate treatments.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement prescribed burns led by the Guild, supporting partner burn efforts, and supervising field-based prescribed fire crews.
• Lead wildland and prescribed fire training, including NWCG classes, and support education and outreach efforts to create a supportive environment for prescribed fire.
• Hire, supervise, and mentor field staff, including seasonal and call-when-needed employees.
• Contribute to strategic planning and development of the Fire and Fuels program.
• Maintain and grow partnerships with project partners and funders in the Southwestern United States.
• Manage the Guild’s fire equipment cache and provide chainsaw instruction for field-based crews.
• Perform administrative duties, including project management, budget tracking, grant writing, and reporting.
• Actively participate in creating a safe work environment and demonstrate strong work ethic, including a commitment to Duty, Integrity, and Respect.
• Support planning efforts as needed, including burn planning and Community Wildfire Protection Plans.
• Work to create a social and political environment that supports prescribed fire by supporting outreach and education efforts, and policy work.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in fire ecology, forestry, environmental science, or related field, OR five years of professional experience in these areas
• NWCG Qualification at FFT1, state certified burn manager, or equivalent prescribed fire experience
• Proven leadership in prescribed fire or wildfire operations
• Strong self-direction, and project management skills to complete projects under deadlines
• Strong project management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• Experience in delivering training, including formal classes and on-the-job instruction
• Commitment to collaboration and partnership building
• Ability to work in challenging weather conditions and flexible schedules
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Forestry knowledge or experience in Southwest forest ecosystems
• Experience in burn planning, grant writing, and project budget tracking
• Proficiency in ArcGIS for map production and basic analyses
• Single Resource NWCG Qualification (FIRB, CRWB, ENGB)
• FAL 2 certification
• RXB3 qualification or ability to become a New Mexico certified pile burner

Compensation and Benefits Package  

Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications ranging from $69,200 to $74,600 annually. In addition, the Guild offers a competitive benefits package. Paid leave is accrued hourly from the first day of employment, with an additional 12 paid holidays a year. Employer-sponsored comprehensive health and dental care coverage is available after 30 days and the Guild covers 80% of the cost. Short and long-term disability policies, accidental death/dismemberment, life insurance, and family leave are paid by the Guild. Participation in a retirement plan with an employer match is available after 90 days.   

The Guild is dedicated to providing an open, transparent, and just organization and workplace. We foster a work culture that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports a healthy work-life balance, and fosters personal growth. The Guild is an equal opportunity employer.   

Location  

This position is located at the Forest Stewards Guild’s office in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This position requires travel throughout the state, including overnight stays. All travel costs from the Guild office in Santa Fe are covered, including the use of a Guild vehicle. The opportunity to work from a home office on administrative tasks will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  

Fitness and Red Card Requirements:  

You must pass the arduous pack test. 

Projects will require remote work outdoors in adverse conditions on steep and rugged terrain and/or in inclement and variable weather conditions.  

Schedule Requirements:  

The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary depending on operational needs. Projects may require working 10-16 hour days and/or outside of normal business hours, working during weekends and/or up to 14 days continuously, and travel for extended periods of time to respond to weather windows and other demands of the position. Flexible work schedules will be considered to accommodate family or other commitments.