Prescribed Fire and Land Management Technician
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Position details:
• This job posting will be open until filled and will hire three individuals.
• This is a seasonal, full-time (40 hours/week) position is anticipated to start March 9, 2026 and end on October 30, 2026.
• This position is based out of Glyndon, Minnesota at TNC’s Bluestem Prairie Preserve.
• Housing and basic utilities are provided at TNC’s Bluestem Prairie to the employee upon signing and agreeing to housing terms. The value of the housing will be considered taxable income (vs charged rent.)
• Transportation from The Nature Conservancy office to the various preserves will also be provided.
• Hourly rate range: $18.00 - 19.05/hour dependent on experience.
• This position is benefits eligible.
What We Can Achieve Together:
As a Prescribed Fire & Land Management Technician (PFLMT,) you will maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public - the Agassiz Beach Ridges and Sheyenne Delta Landscapes in the Northern Tallgrass Prairie Ecoregion (western Minnesota and eastern North Dakota, respectively.) Although not responsible for supervising staff, you may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers, and will work as part of a crew. You will help manage prairie and oak savannah tracts as well as be responsible for preparation and implementation of prescribed fire at various nature preserves in these landscapes.
Technician duties will include vegetation and exotic species monitoring, management, and removal (herbicide applications, brush removal, tree removal, mowing, biological control, etc.), equipment and tool maintenance and organization, hand collecting native prairie seed, firebreak installation, boundary posting, fencing, prairie restorations, and assist with prescribed fires. You may also implement duties on partner lands such as the Minnesota DNR, USFS, and USFWS-owned properties.
You will participate in prescribed fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. You will participate in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring and other tasks. As part of the Technician’s 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.
This position occasionally requires irregular hours, travel on short notice and the ability to work weekends during the fire season. You may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and uneven terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances (requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.)
We’re Looking for You:
Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who thrives and enjoys the outdoors and a team player. Your journey with us means continuous growth. Master new techniques and equipment to level up your skills and certifications. Plus, you'll build strong relationships within the conservation team and local areas where we operate. Come join TNC and apply today!
What You’ll Bring:
High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
Experience operating various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
Experience working in a team environment.
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
Must be qualified, or able to become qualified, as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. (TNC can help with FFT2 training once offered the position. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.html)
Must be able to achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Desired Qualifications
1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
