The Forest Stewards Guild Fire Management Program is hiring for new crewmembers to reduce wildfire risk in northern Colorado! The team is based out of Loveland, CO and will reduce wildfire risk by burning slash piles, thinning forests, and assisting partners on their prescribed fire projects. This is an entry level position and is an excellent opportunity for young people who want to build a career in wildland fire or who are interested in exploring wildland fire as a career.  

The squad is part of Gravitas Peak Prescribed Fire Module, a wildland fire resource dedicated to increasing the pace and scale of prescribed fire. Gravitas Peak is a highly adaptable resource comprised of multiple wildland engines, a fully self-sufficient 10-person module, and appropriate overhead and equipment to implement meaningful fire management projects. 

Organization Description: 

We are dedicated to supporting fire as a natural process in fire-adapted ecosystems on a landscape scale to improve ecosystem function, health, and to increase wildfire resilience. We strive to create positive outcomes along a triple bottom line: to improve the lives of people, strengthen and protect the places where we work, and to safeguard our planet’s climate. 

We are dedicated to providing an open, transparent, and just organization and workplace. We strive for clear and kind communication and are committed to recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and supporting fire practitioners from underserved and underrepresented communities. We are dedicated to building a better way to do fire management – one that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, that supports work / life balance, and that provides an environment supporting growth.  

The successful candidate will have a passion for developing prescribed fire and wildland fire skills and experience, the ability to embrace adversity and uncertainty, and a clear commitment to working with diverse populations in an inclusive environment. They will:

• Lead a 5-person squad on daily operations for 5 months
• Serve as an RXB3 for pile burns.
• Support and build a supportive work environment for early career and new firefighters.
• Support logistical needs of the Module, including managing and maintaining supplies, equipment, vehicles and other needs to complete burning and fuels reduction work.
• Participate in best practices to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Work with crew members and partners to complete a variety of fire and fuels management tasks
• Complete burn operations at the direction of the burn boss to implement safe low complexity prescribed burning (i.e. pile burning) with minimal smoke impacts
• Operate chainsaws, hand tools, and other equipment on fire operations and fuels reduction projects
• Support other agencies prescribed burns as needed
• Manage vehicles, equipment, and supplies to complete burning and fuels reduction work.
• Travel for extended periods of time and work outside of normal business hours.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, including a commitment to principles of Duty, Integrity and Respect.
• Actively participate in creating a kind, safe and healthy work environment which encourages the diversity, equity, and inclusion of all people.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to complete an arduous pack test (carry a 45lbs backpack for 3 miles in under 45 minutes)
• FFT1 currency
• Strong leadership skills and a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and effective work culture.
• Ability to complete various outdoor tasks, such as operating chainsaws, using handtools, and prescribed burning material.
• Current driver’s license.
• Ability to work and lead independently.
• Ability to work in difficult weather conditions on steep and broken terrain within flexible schedules to accommodate burn windows.
• Must be 18 years in age or older
• Legally eligible to work in the U.S. and participate in a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Single resource boss or in a position to open a SRB taskbook shortly
• M410
• Experience creating and implementing SOPs and SOGs for projects and processes
• Strong mechanical ability. 
• First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder or higher medical qualifications. 

Compensation:

Pay: $22.50/hr. Paid leave and paid holiday benefits are provided. Employer-sponsored health and dental care coverage is available on the first day on the month after 30 days of continuous employment. Flexible Compensation Plan, and Short- and Long-Term Disability are available after 60 days of continuous employment. Employer-sponsored retirement is available after 90 days of continuous employment. Housing is not provided. The Forest Stewards Guild is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

This is an at-will 5-month position, with potential to renew and/or extend. Preferred start date 4 January, 2021 with expected end date in May. The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary.

Location and Schedule:

This position is based in Loveland, CO.  Up to 25% of the job may require extended overnight travel. The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary and will be weather dependent. 10-12 hour days may be frequently required. Projects may require working during weekends and/or up to 14 days continuously. Travel for extended periods of time, stay overnight near project locations, and work outside of normal business hours with no notice.

Contact Us: 

Interested applicants should review the Module Website and submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references.  Questions can be sent to Daniel Godwin (daniel at forestguild.org). This position is open until filled with an initial assessment deadline of 20– December 2020. Please specify your earliest available start date.