Wakefield, Virginia, USA

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."

The Virginia Pinelands Program is located in the rural southeastern coastal plain of Virginia and encompasses the northern range of the longleaf pine ecosystem, recognized as one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in North America. Our work is focused on restoring fire-maintained pine savanna habitat to contribute to TNC's nine-state conservation goals for the longleaf pine system. Other TNC priority systems in the region include floodplain forests situated along the region's river corridors and peatland forests of the Great Dismal Swamp. All project work is highly collaborative with public agency partners. TNC and partners have protected 160,000 acres in the region and are actively acquiring lands to expand the land base for fire management. TNC's anchor property,4,000-acre Piney Grove Preserve, serves as a regional hub for collaborative conservation. The Virginia Pinelands Program is within an hour's drive of the City of Richmond's vibrant festival, food, brewery, museum and music culture

The Seasonal Burn Boss directs prescribed fire operations and assists the VA Fire Manager with training and qualifications of crew members at the local level.

The Burn Boss (BB) directs prescribed fire operations; coordinates fire suppression activities and develops and reviews Prescribed Burn Unit Plans and Site Fire Management Plans. The BB is responsible for safe and effective fire operations, administers physical fitness testing, trains, and organizes crew;, and maintains documentation files for crew member training and qualifications. Seasonal burn boss maintains records for burns and burn assists and reports to VA Fire Manager. The BB evaluates trainees and certifies task books for positions up to RXB2. The BB may perform other land management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire. As part of the incumbent's ongoing professional development, the BB 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).

* Makes decisions in rapidly changing and potentially hazardous conditions that may affect the safety of staff and resources.
* Oversees staff and volunteers who serve as Burn Crew Members.
* Ensures Burn Crew Members are well-trained and maintains records of training. Reports experience and training for crew to Conservancy Fire Manager annually for recording to Incident Qualification and Certification System.
* May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
* Under minimal supervision makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.

* Bachelor's degree in a science-related field and 3 years of related experience in fire operations or ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Must meet NWCG qualifications for RXB2, or RXB1 including coursework and experience requirements. See the Conservancy's Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements.
* Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Prescribed Fire Manager.
* Experience directing prescribed fire operations.
* Experience training and supervising staff and burn crew members or volunteers.
* Experience leading effectively in stressful situations.
* Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
* 3 to 5 years related experience in fire operations or ecological land management, a similar field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Relationship-building and negotiation skills.
* Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
* Ability to recognize plant and animal species for executing an ecologically appropriate fire regime.
* Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
* Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
* Experience managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
* Excellent communication skills via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
* Experience using maintenance tools, including lawn mowers, power and construction tools is preferred.

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Position is from December 2024 to May 2025.

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ 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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $84,000 - $94,0000 for annual base salary. 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.

To apply for job ID 55921, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on November 26, 2024 Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.