Internship Ecology Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Prescribed Fire and Stewardship Technician

The Prescribed Fire and Stewardship Technician is a key position for the growth of our prescribed fire and land stewardship programs in Kentucky. The position is based in Lexington, KY, however a remote work option may be negotiated for highly qualified applicants residing within proximity of TNC work areas Lexington, Morehead, or London, KY. Frequent travel is required.

The Prescribed Fire and Stewardship Technician (PFST) provides technical leadership and support to the Kentucky Business Unit and plans and directs preserve management programs and stewardship. The PFST addresses critical threats to natural systems and individual species, fosters cross-site learning among the conservation community, and supplies conservation planning teams with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process. The PFST assists with developing and implementing conservation strategies related to prescribed fire and preserve stewardship and employs a full range of habitat management tools and strategies. They will also implement a variety of strategies to secure public and private funding support for TNC conservation priorities. The PFST coordinates community support, coordinates with partners, and ensures the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and coordinates multiple projects, sets deadlines and manages completion.

Responsibilities and Scope:

• Assists with the implementation of prescribed burns by maintaining firebreaks, leading squads of 3 – 7 firefighters, maintaining fire equipment, and planning logistics.
• Assists with the development of prescribed burn plans, fire management plans, and land management plans.
• Maintains fire and stewardship supplies and equipment and maintains maintenance records.
• Maintains physical fitness necessary for maintaining wildland fire qualifications (arduous level).
• Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Leads vegetation and fire effects monitoring programs, collects maintains, and reports data.
• Leads and monitors work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Assists with hiring, supervising, and managing seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Financial responsibility including working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors and assisting with budget development.
• Manages preserves, preserves infrastructure, and maintains hiking trails.
• Maintains herbicide applicator licenses and applies herbicides.
• Functions as a leader and member of a work team, in high stress environments.
• Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, volunteers, and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.

As part of the Prescribe Fire and Stewardship Technician's ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in wildland fire suppression activities in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee, or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined, short-term federal employee).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years' experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• NWCG Squad Boss (FFT1), and Wildland Faller qualified, or equivalent, documented training and experience at or above the FFT1 and Wildland Faller qualifications.
• Experience with wildland fire management in the Appalachians or similar ecosystems including but not limited to implementing prescribed burns, assisting with burn plan development, supervising squads, working with engines and UTVs, preparing firebreaks, monitoring fire effects, writing prescribed burn plans, and working with state and federal partners.
• Must have foundational knowledge and experience of prescribed fire, fuels management, restoration, and overall ecology of eastern forests, native grasslands found within Kentucky.
• Must have demonstrated experience maintaining and operation various types of fire and stewardship equipment including but not limited to fire pumps, power equipment, off-road vehicles, skid-steers, tractors, and the ability to load, transport, and tow trailers.
• Must be experienced using ArcGIS, Avenza Maps, GPS, and Microsoft Products.
• Must be able to maintain arduous fitness level demonstrated by successfully completing the arduous pack test and must have and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must have valid driver's license and good driving record.

Desired Qualifications:

• 5 years' experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Single Resources Boss – Engine Boss (ENGB), and / or Firing Boss (FIRB) qualified.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.

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 the Auto Safety information page 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.