Weekend Prescribed Fire Jobs Near Me

The Nature Conservancy in Indiana is looking for a Strike Team Member to join a two-person team as they protect and restore some of the finest natural areas across Southern Indiana! As a Strike Team Member, you'll be supervised and directed by the Southern Indiana Strike Team Leader and will work cooperatively with other crew members, TNC Staff, volunteers, and partners to manage preserve areas and partner properties and to implement prescribed fire operations.

You will master new techniques and equipment to build your skills and certifications, increase your leadership capabilities, and build strong relationships with the fire community and partners in local areas where we operate. TNC strongly supports the professional development of our prescribed fire staff through travel and training to obtain and/or maintain National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualifications. This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world's leading conservation organization!

The Southern Indiana Strike Team Member will participate in the implementation of land management plans. Activities include maintaining natural areas; removing exotic species; monitoring species; using and maintaining tools, equipment, and heavy machinery; and serving as part of an extensive state-wide prescribed fire workforce. Fire activities include preparation and implementation of prescribed fire and wildfire suppression; and keeping abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and to maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. The Team Member will build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works.

Responsibilities and Scope:

• May monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
• Networks with varied groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Some projects and activities may require long days, working weekends, and extended travel. Frequent travel throughout Indiana and the Midwest (up to 50% time) is expected. Occasional camping may be required.

This is a full-time (average 35 hours per week), hourly position, funded through November 2028 with the possibility to extend. Location is based at one of our Southern Indiana project offices in Nashville or Laconia, Indiana.

Required Qualifications:

• AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 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. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment (e.g.: chainsaw, UTV, tractor and implements, chippers, leaf blower, BK radio, hand tools, drip torch, etc.).
• Ability to obtain and maintain related licenses and certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide application).
• Experience with natural systems and ecological land management principles.

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. 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.