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Manager Prescribed Fire Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Manager Prescribed Fire information

What is a Manager Prescribed Fire?

A Manager Prescribed Fire is a professional responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing controlled burns, also known as prescribed fires, to achieve specific land management objectives. These objectives can include reducing wildfire risk, improving ecosystem health, and promoting native species. The manager ensures that all burns are conducted safely, in compliance with regulations, and under appropriate weather conditions. They work closely with landowners, fire crews, and regulatory agencies to create burn plans, obtain permits, and monitor fire effects. This role requires expertise in fire behavior, ecological principles, and safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager Prescribed Fire?

To thrive as a Manager Prescribed Fire, you need expertise in fire ecology, land management, and incident command, usually backed by a degree in natural resources or a related field and wildland fire certifications. Familiarity with GIS mapping, fire behavior modeling software, and safety compliance systems is crucial. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate with agencies under dynamic conditions. These competencies ensure safe, effective prescribed burns that support ecological goals and minimize risk.

What are some common challenges faced by a Manager Prescribed Fire and how can they be addressed?

A Manager Prescribed Fire often encounters challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, coordinating with multiple agencies, and ensuring public safety. Effective planning, clear communication with team members and stakeholders, and staying updated on local regulations are essential to address these challenges. Additionally, Managers must be adept at risk assessment and problem-solving to adapt plans when conditions change suddenly. Developing strong relationships with local communities and training teams in the latest fire management techniques can also help overcome these obstacles and ensure successful prescribed burns.

What is the difference between Manager Prescribed Fire vs Prescribed Fire Specialist?

AspectManager Prescribed FirePrescribed Fire Specialist
CertificationsFire Management Officer, S-130/190, and other certificationsFirefighter Type 2, S-130/190, and related certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple prescribed burns, manages teams, plans projectsConducts prescribed burns, implements fire plans, monitors conditions
Employer & IndustryFederal, state agencies, land management organizationsFire departments, land agencies, conservation groups

While both roles involve prescribed fire, the Manager Prescribed Fire typically oversees planning and management, whereas the Prescribed Fire Specialist focuses on executing burns and monitoring conditions. The manager has more leadership responsibilities and often holds advanced certifications, while the specialist is more hands-on with fire implementation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prescribed Fire jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Prescribed Fire jobs in Colorado are:

What job categories do people searching Manager Prescribed Fire jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Manager Prescribed Fire jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various Manager Prescribed Fire job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution.

Supervisory Wildland Fire Fighter (Fire Engine Operator)

Lake George, CO • On-site


U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 852 rated public administrative organizations

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$62K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
Serves as first line supervisor on a High Complexity Fire Engine Module. The primary purpose of the position is to perform wildland firefighting work and to provide leadership for a crew performing such work.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for contact information.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-07: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-06 in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is defined as examples of the following: Evaluated initial fire situations to determine suppression method to use, hose lays, deployment of crew, point of initial attack, type of tools to use, and application of water; Communicated with dispatcher and superiors on the progress on fire situation requesting additional resources when applicable; Demonstrated safety practices relative to all-hazard incident management involving crews, resources, and equipment; Served as a working leader on a wildland fire engine; Directing others and provided leadership in wildland fire operations including prescribed fire.
For the GW-08: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-07 in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is defined as examples of the following: Operated and maintained pump engine and specialized equipment used to respond to wildland and prescribed fire situations; Assisted with search and rescue incidents, victim recoveries, automobile accidents, and hazardous materials incidents during local responses involving multi-jurisdictional and multi-agency co-operators; Served as Initial Attack Incident Commander on wildland and/or urban interface and all-hazard incidents; Directed project work in support of ecosystem management such as prescribed fire, including development of burn plans.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Engine Boss (ENGB) -AND- Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
This position has been identified as HIGH Complexity under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER


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