What We Can Achieve Together
The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading non-profit organization working on fire issues. We have been working with fire since 1962, when we conducted our first controlled burn. Our approach has evolved from one that was primarily focused on managing our preserves for biodiversity to one that includes developing more equitable policy and funding, growing skilled fire management workforces, and helping communities develop ways to live more safely with wildfire. The Nature Conservancy’s Oregon Fire program is working to support prescribed fire planning, implementation, and monitoring across Oregon. The Prescribed Fire Module Leader will be an employee of The Nature Conservancy, based in Klamath Falls, Oregon, leading a 5 to 10-person prescribed fire module. For approximately 6‑8 months per year (spring through fall), the Module Leader will work closely with organization partners, such as the U.S. Forest Service and other local, state, federal, NGO, university, and Tribal partners, in preparing, conducting, and reviewing prescribed fire/fuels management activities in Oregon. During this time the module leader will be expected to live in the predetermined locations for the module, providing module leadership and other project planning, implementation, monitoring, and partnership support needs. For the remainder of the year, the Module Leader will assist with priority TNC‑focused projects including planning and implementation of prescribed fire/fuels on TNC and partner lands, engagement with TNC partners to develop and prioritize future projects, coordination with private, state, and Tribal entities to identify and recruit future module crewmembers, and other tasks. The Module Leader will be expected to travel frequently within their focal area for prescribed fire assignments. During the “offseason” (i.e., when the seasonal crewmembers are not working), the module leader may live and work from any location in Oregon but will be expected to travel to their assigned geography to meet with partners in support of future planning, implementation, monitoring, and relationship building. The Module Leader will report directly to Oregon’s Director of Fire Management. This position is expected to help TNC, the U.S. Forest Service, and other partners to meet their respective prescribed fire and fuels management goals. The Module Leader will lead, train, and mentor module crewmembers representing a diverse set of partner organizations on prescribed fire assignments. This position will work independently and in teams, lead others, follow direction from supervisors, teach courses, and mentor others, while also advancing their own training and qualifications. The Module Leader will work with and lead module crews which may consist of permanent and short‑term TNC employees as well as volunteers, contractors, and assigned partner agency staff serving on the module for a season or short‑term rotation. The person in this position will compile accomplishment reports, program reviews, and help capitalize on strategic opportunities to engage the TNC fire program to accelerate ecological fire in Oregon. This 3‑year term position is supported by federal, state, and private funding with the intention of assisting with prescribed fire across land ownerships.
We’re Looking for You
The Module Leader will lead crews on prescribed burns, prepare fire lines, maintain equipment, monitor post‑burn fire effects, and carry out other prescribed fire and vegetation management related tasks. They will also work with partners to plan and prepare for prescribed fire operations, including unit layout, burn plan writing, and following TNC’s Fire Manual and Standard Operating Procedures. The Module Leader will support prescribed fire planning, operations, monitoring, and training opportunities for other non‑profit NGOs, Indigenous Peoples and Tribes, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, with a focus on providing inclusive workforce development opportunities. In addition, they are responsible for safe and effective fire operations, and they will administer physical fitness testing, train, and organize crews, contribute to annual refresher training.
Relationship Building
The Module Leader will work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local communities where they are assigned. This may include participation in wildland fire management activities in partnership with other non‑government organizations, Indigenous peoples and tribes, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee or as a short‑term employee of a partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined short‑term federal employee).
Key Responsibilities
- Perform tasks under the supervision of the Oregon Fire Program and in coordination with local U.S. Forest Service Fire Management staff.
- Supervise the Prescribed Fire Module Assistant and assist with identification, recruitment, and supervision of module members.
- Function as a contributing member of a mixed‑gender, cross‑generational team with a range of experience and skills.
- Ensure a culture of safety and learning within the module.
- Be able to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Lead crew through with all aspects of prescribed burning including planning, implementation, and monitoring.
- Operate ATVs, UTVs, tractors, chain saws, and leaf blowers and tow trailers.
- Maintain assigned equipment.
- Maintain accurate records of work time, expenses, etc. and submit reports in a timely manner.
- Become competent with mobile mapping and data collection such as Collector for ArcGIS and Avenza Maps.
What You’ll Bring
High school diploma and 5‑year training in fire operations, science‑related field or similar field or related experience in land management. Qualified NWCG Single Resource Boss (or equivalent qualification) as described in the TNC Fire Manual. Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager and TNC Fire Manual. Must have experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment. Must have experience supervising staff or volunteers. Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., herbicide application, First Aid and CPR). Must have a valid driver’s license. Please indicate this in your resume. Ability to meet all Conservancy Youth Qualification requirements and background checks.
Desired Qualifications
Meets the NWCG qualifications for RXB2 (or equivalent), including coursework, and experience requirements. See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: http://tncfiremanual.org/BurnBoss.htm. OR Qualified Incident Commander Type 4 with an open RXB2 taskbook and desire to work toward RXB2 in the first 2 years.
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 are many reasons to love life inside TNC.
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.
