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Prescribed Fire Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As our Northwoods Prescribed Module Leader, you will oversee a module (two Module Members) focused onprescribed fire and related stewardship activities. You will work routinely in close coordination ...

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Prescribed Fire information

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$11

$29

$50

How much do prescribed fire jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for prescribed fire in the United States is $29.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $39.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Prescribed Fire job?

A Prescribed Fire job involves planning and conducting controlled burns to manage vegetation, reduce wildfire risk, and restore ecosystems. Professionals in this field work with fire crews, land managers, and environmental agencies to ensure burns are conducted safely and effectively. Responsibilities may include preparing burn plans, monitoring weather conditions, and using specialized equipment to ignite and control fires. These roles are often found in government agencies, conservation organizations, and private land management companies.

Who uses prescribed fire?

Prescribed fire is used by land management agencies, conservation organizations, and forestry professionals to reduce wildfire risk, manage ecosystems, and promote healthy plant growth. These professionals often hold certifications in fire management and work in outdoor environments, following strict safety protocols and environmental regulations.

What does a typical workday look like for someone in a Prescribed Fire position?

A typical workday in a Prescribed Fire position often involves planning and conducting controlled burns, monitoring weather conditions, preparing equipment, and coordinating with landowners and fire crews. You may spend time in both the field and the office, balancing hands-on fire implementation with administrative tasks such as reporting, mapping, and compliance documentation. Safety briefings and collaboration with various agencies or stakeholders are common parts of the job. The role can be physically demanding and may require irregular hours depending on burn windows, but it offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on ecosystem health and wildfire prevention.

How much do prescribed burners make?

Prescribed burners, also known as fire managers or fire specialists, typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Seasonal or entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced professionals with advanced certifications can earn higher wages. Many also work in remote or outdoor environments, often requiring specialized training in fire safety and environmental management.

Are prescribed burns legal?

Prescribed fire professionals, such as those trained in wildfire management, must follow federal, state, and local regulations that govern controlled burns. These regulations often require permits, environmental assessments, and adherence to safety protocols to ensure burns are conducted legally and safely. Certification and proper planning are essential for legal prescribed burning practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Prescribed Fire position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Prescribed Fire role, you need a strong understanding of fire ecology, land management, and wildland fire behavior, often demonstrated by education in natural resources or forestry and specialized fire training. Technical proficiency with fire management tools, GIS mapping systems, and completion of relevant certifications such as NWCG (National Wildfire Coordinating Group) courses are typically required. Attention to detail, effective teamwork, and strong communication skills are important soft skills for ensuring safety and successful coordination during burns. These qualities are crucial for minimizing risk while achieving ecological management goals and complying with safety regulations.

What does a prescribed fire do?

A prescribed fire is a controlled burn conducted by fire professionals to reduce excess vegetation, manage ecosystems, and decrease the risk of larger wildfires. Prescribed fire specialists plan and execute these burns using specific tools and safety protocols to ensure environmental and public safety.
More about Prescribed Fire jobs
What cities are hiring for Prescribed Fire jobs? Cities with the most Prescribed Fire job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Prescribed Fire jobs? The most popular types of Prescribed Fire jobs are:
What states have the most Prescribed Fire jobs? States with the most job openings for Prescribed Fire jobs include:
Infographic showing various Prescribed Fire job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,830 per year, or $29.2 per hour.
Prescribed Fire Practitioner II

$25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist with all aspects of prescribed burning and wildland fire operations under supervision.

  • Operate and maintain assigned equipment such as ATVs, UTVs, tractors, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and tow trailers.

  • Maintain accurate records of work time, expenses, and submit reports in a timely manner.


Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:
Join us as a Prescribed Fire Practitioner and be at the heart of an evolving fire culture. The Nature Conservancy's North America Fire program is developing a prescribed fire workforce to put more good fire on the ground in the places where it matters most. Our program works throughout the country to support fire adapted ecosystems and empower and prepare communities to live with fire. Your journey with the North America Fire program means flexible work schedules, living wages, and countless opportunities to grow as a fire professional. Plus, you'll build strong relationships within the fire community and local areas where we operate.
We're Looking for You:
The Prescribed Fire Practitioner II functions as a member of North America Fire's Prescribed Fire Modules program. They assist on prescribed and wildland fire operations throughout the United States by conducting prescribed burns, preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, monitoring post-burn fire effects, and carrying out other prescribed fire and vegetation management related tasks. As part of their ongoing professional development, the Prescribed Fire Practitioner II is responsible for keeping up with new burn techniques and equipment to enhance their skills and grow their professional fire certification credentials. In addition, they work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local communities where they are assigned. This includes participation in partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service and other local, state, and federal agencies, as well as other non-profits, local fire departments, and Tribal or Indigenous communities.
The Prescribed Fire Practitioner II will be expected to:
  • Perform tasks under the supervision of the Prescribed Fire Module Leader and in coordination with local TNC and/or U.S. Forest Service fire management staff.
  • Function as a professional and respectful member of a diverse team comprised of people from different backgrounds, skill sets, and life experiences.
  • Assist with all aspects of prescribed burning.
  • Operate ATVs, UTVs, tractors, chainsaws, and leaf blowers, tow trailers, and maintain assigned equipment.
  • Become competent with mobile mapping and data collection such as Collector for ArcGIS and Avenza Maps.
  • Be able to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
  • Follow established safe work practices.
  • Maintain accurate records of work time, expenses, etc. and submit reports in a timely manner.
  • Conduct themselves in ways that are consistent with TNC's Code of Conduct.

This is a part-time, seasonal, hourly position, and overtime applies after the first 40 hours each week. Hourly compensation will range from $22.00 to $25.00 per hour. Prescribed Fire Practitioners who are qualified at the Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Firefighter Type Two (FFT2) level will earn between $22.00 and $23.00 per hour. Prescribed Fire Practitioners who have one or more additional qualifications will earn up to $25.00 per hour.
The Prescribed Fire Practitioner II can reside anywhere in the contiguous United States and travel to and from assignments. They will be expected to be on prescribed fire assignments at least eight weeks during their six-month employment term, though they will be able to determine their dates of availability, length of assignment, and return home between assignments. In most cases, the minimum assignment length will be two weeks. Travel expenses, meals, and lodging will be covered when traveling for assignments. Approved purchases of required equipment will be partially or fully reimbursed.
The use of alcohol and recreational drugs is prohibited any time while on assignment to maintain a healthy, communal atmosphere and build trust among the partners and communities where we work.
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.
What You'll Bring:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 as a requirement for this position. See TNC Fire Management Manual.
  • Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
  • Experience operating various types of equipment.
  • Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR).

Desired Qualifications
  • Six months to one year of related experience.
  • Has a valid driver's license and good driving record.

Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $22.00 to $25.00 per hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
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's many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people."
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.
We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.