ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MNL

Prescribed Fire Burn Boss 2 (RXB2)

Otsego, MN · On-site

$38 - $45/hr

The Opportunity As a Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) , you'll serve as the Incident Commander and Burn Boss on prescribed fire operations, leading crews through every stage of the burn while ...

Acorn Forestry

Be Seen First

Dozer Operator - Prescribed Fire Crew

Lufkin, TX · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Follow the direction of the Burn Boss and supervisors during prescribed fire operations. * Assist with reforestation, site preparation, and general forestry activities as needed. * Operate and ...

Acorn Forestry

Be Seen First

Dozer Operator - Prescribed Fire Crew

Lufkin, TX · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Follow the direction of the Burn Boss and supervisors during prescribed fire operations. * Assist with reforestation, site preparation, and general forestry activities as needed. * Operate and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGovernment JobsEmergency Services JobsFire Chief JobsPrescribed Fire Burn Boss Jobs

Prescribed Fire Burn Boss information

See salary details

$12

$17

$21

How much do prescribed fire burn boss jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prescribed fire burn boss in the United States is $17.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prescribed fire burn boss?

A Prescribed Fire Burn Boss is a trained professional responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing prescribed burns, which are intentionally set, controlled fires used to manage vegetation and reduce wildfire risk. The Burn Boss ensures that all safety protocols are followed, coordinates with fire crews and agencies, and monitors weather conditions to achieve ecological objectives. This role requires specialized knowledge in fire behavior, local regulations, and natural resource management, as well as leadership skills to direct teams and communicate with stakeholders.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a prescribed fire burn boss?

To thrive as a Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, you need expertise in fire ecology, fire behavior, risk assessment, and experience in wildland fire operations, typically supported by specialized training and NWCG certification. Familiarity with tools like fire weather monitoring equipment, GIS mapping systems, and incident command protocols is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and clear communication skills are crucial for managing teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure safe, effective, and ecologically responsible management of prescribed burns to meet land management objectives.

What are common challenges faced by a prescribed fire burn boss during a burn operation?

A Prescribed Fire Burn Boss often faces challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, ensuring all safety protocols are followed, and coordinating a diverse team of fire personnel. Managing smoke impacts and minimizing risks to nearby communities requires constant situational awareness and communication. Additionally, balancing ecological objectives with regulatory compliance can be complex, making flexibility and decision-making skills essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Prescribed Fire Burn Boss vs Firefighter?

AspectPrescribed Fire Burn BossFirefighter
CertificationsFireline Safety, Prescribed Fire CertificationFirefighter I & II, Basic Firefighter Certification
Work EnvironmentControlled burns, planning, supervisionWildfire suppression, emergency response
Industry UsageForestry, land management, conservationFire departments, emergency services

The Prescribed Fire Burn Boss specializes in planning and leading controlled burns to reduce wildfire risk, requiring specific certifications and knowledge of fire behavior. Firefighters focus on wildfire suppression and emergency response. While both roles work in fire management, the Burn Boss oversees prescribed burns, whereas firefighters respond to active wildfires.

What are popular job titles related to Prescribed Fire Burn Boss jobs?

For Prescribed Fire Burn Boss jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Prescribed Fire Burn Boss job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,980 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Prescribed Fire Burn Boss 2 (RXB2)

Otsego, MN • On-site

MNL
See more jobs at MNLexternal

$38 - $45/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Serve as the Incident Commander and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss on prescribed fire operations.

  • Direct and coordinate assigned personnel and resources throughout prescribed fire operations.

  • Develop, review, and implement prescribed burn plans, and complete operational documentation and post-burn evaluations.

Job description

Do you have the experience and qualifications to lead prescribed fire operations from planning through completion? Do you thrive making critical operational decisions while leading crews in dynamic field environments? Are you passionate about using prescribed fire as a tool to restore and manage natural landscapes?
About Us
MNL is a full-service ecological restoration company dedicated to Healing the Earth. Our services include native seed and plant production, shoreline and wetland restoration, prescribed burns, conservation grazing, vegetation management, and ecological consulting. We also support solar and infrastructure projects with pollinator-friendly practices and land stewardship expertise.
Red Rock Fire (RRF), an MNL company, provides professional prescribed fire services throughout the region. We combine experienced personnel, strong operational planning, and a commitment to safety to deliver high-quality prescribed fire projects that help restore and manage natural ecosystems while protecting people, property, and natural resources.
The Opportunity
As a Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2), you'll serve as the Incident Commander and Burn Boss on prescribed fire operations, leading crews through every stage of the burn while ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved burn plans and industry standards. You'll play a key role in protecting personnel, property, and natural resources while helping clients achieve their land management objectives.
Beyond leading prescribed burns, you'll contribute to the growth and improvement of MNL's prescribed fire program through project planning, operational readiness, mentoring future fire leaders, and supporting continuous improvement across the program.
This is an on-call position. Prescribed fire assignments may require the ability to deploy with limited notice, travel, and work extended shifts during the spring and fall burn seasons.
What You Will Do
Prescribed Fire Leadership
  • Serve as the Incident Commander and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss on assigned prescribed fire operations.
  • Direct and coordinate assigned personnel and resources throughout prescribed fire operations.
  • Conduct pre-burn briefings, operational risk assessments, and Go/No-Go evaluations while monitoring weather and fire conditions and implementing contingency actions as needed.
  • Ensure prescribed fire objectives are achieved while protecting personnel, property, and natural resources.
  • Supervise assigned personnel and maintain compliance with approved burn plans, NWCG standards, agency requirements, and organizational procedures.

Project Coordination & Documentation
  • Develop, review, and implement prescribed burn plans.
  • Coordinate with clients, landowners, agency partners, emergency responders, and cooperating organizations before, during, and after prescribed fire operations.
  • Complete operational documentation, burn records, and post-burn evaluations accurately and on time.

Program Development & Operational Readiness
  • Conduct site evaluations to assess fuels, weather considerations, access, hazards, water sources, and operational needs.
  • Assist in developing prescribed burn plans, operational strategies, and resource requirements for upcoming projects.
  • Participate in pre-season planning, equipment maintenance, operational readiness, training activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Mentor employees pursuing advanced NWCG qualifications and support the development of future fire leaders.
  • Support post-burn evaluations and recommend improvements to future prescribed fire operations.

What You Will Need To Be Successful
  • Current NWCG qualification as aPrescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2), with a completed RXB2 Position Task Book.
  • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible wildland and prescribed fire experience.
  • Working knowledge of prescribed fire operations, fire behavior, smoke management, risk assessment, and Incident Command System (ICS) principles.
  • Demonstrated ability to safely lead prescribed fire operations and make sound operational decisions in dynamic environments.
  • Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to effectively supervise crews and coordinate with clients, landowners, agency partners, and cooperating organizations.
  • Experience serving as the Incident Commander on complex prescribed fire operations.
  • Experience supporting utility, conservation, or natural resource prescribed fire projects.
  • Ability to travel for prescribed fire projects, often with limited notice.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Current DOT Medical Certificate or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
  • Ability to successfully complete the NWCG Arduous Work Capacity Test annually.
  • Ability to work extended periods in physically demanding outdoor environments, including heat, smoke, dust, and adverse weather conditions.
  • Ability to hike over steep, uneven, and remote terrain and lift, carry, or move equipment weighing up to 100 pounds.

Required NWCG Training
    • Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2)
    • ICS-100
    • ICS-200
    • IS-700
    • RT-130 Annual Fireline Safety Refresher

Preferred NWCG Training
    • Engine Boss (ENGB)
    • Firing Boss (FIRB)
    • Crew Boss (CRWB)
    • Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) or higher.

The pay range for this role is:
38 - 45 USD per hour (Otsego Headquarters)

Apply