Prescribed Fire/Fuels Module Assistant

  • Full-time

Company Description

The Ember Alliance is a national organization of wildland fire practitioners, researchers, analysts, and instructors dedicated to increasing the pace and scale of prescribed fire. The Ember Alliance is dedicated to supporting fire as a natural process in fire-adapted ecosystems on a landscape scale to improve ecosystem function and health and increase wildfire resilience.  

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

Job Description

The Ember Alliance is hiring a full-time, 11-month prescribed fire assistant leadership position in Troy, NC. The Prescribed Fire/Fuels Module Assistant will play an integral role in reducing wildfire risk in central North Carolina. This position will assist in day-to-day operations of a module focused on thinning forests and aiding partners on prescribed fire projects. The position is predominantly in the field, in potentially difficult environmental conditions such as cold weather, loose footing, and steep terrain. Crewmembers will be required to pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test. Candidates should have a passion for increasing the pace and scale of prescribed fire on public and private lands, increasing diversity and inclusion in the fire practitioner community, and building skills and confidence for fire practitioners from all backgrounds and experience levels in an inclusive and supportive operational environment.  

Position Description:

A 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. The position will primarily focus on fuels management in the field in a team setting. Duty location is Troy, NC, but work site locations will vary. Housing is provided at no cost to employees (See below for further benefit details).

This position will require assisting with implementation of prescribed fire on public and private lands. A successful candidate will show enthusiasm for working with the public, and demonstrates proficiency and professionalism while on private property. The module will assist in project work, or other duties and projects as assigned by partners, when not participating in prescribed fire operations.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist leading up to a 5-person module, as well as other volunteers or fire personnel, throughout daily operations for an 11-month period. There is potential to extend through 2024 should funding be allocated.
  • Keep module timely and engaged in prescribed fire operations or other work as assigned by agency representatives, including but not limited to tree planting, treatment of non-native invasive plant species, campground cleanup, trail maintenance, and timber stand improvement (TSI).
  • Record and report daily metrics (acres of work completed, hours worked, etc.) to TEA staff.
  • Organize, upkeep, and repair tools used by the module.
  • Help conduct performance evaluations for crew members.
  • Assist with daily briefings and After Action Reviews.
  • Mix fuel for chainsaws, drip torches, and other uses.
  • Build a safe and supportive work environment for newer fire practitioners.
  • Support logistical needs of the module, including managing and maintaining supplies, equipment, vehicles, and other needs to implement prescribed fire and complete fuels reduction work.
  • Must 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 prescribed fire operations at the direction of the Burn Boss to implement safe, moderate complexity prescribed burning.
  • Support other agencies’ prescribed burns as needed.
  • Operate chainsaws, hand tools, hose lays, backpack sprayers, portable pumps, engines, and other equipment on prescribed fire operations and fuels reduction projects.
  • 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 diversity, equity, and inclusion of all people.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Understanding of risk management with a strong commitment to safety.
  • Firefighter Type 2 (FFT-2) currency (RT-130 Annual Refresher provided, as needed), working towards Firefighter Type 1 (FFT-1).
  • Faller 3 (FAL-3) certification working towards Faller 2 (FAL-2).
  • Ability to complete an arduous pack test annually (carry a 45lb backpack for 3 miles in under 45 minutes).
  • 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 hand tools, and implementing prescribed burns and other forestry related project work.
  • Ability to work and lead independently and as a team.
  • Ability to work in difficult weather conditions on steep and broken terrain within flexible schedules to accommodate prescribed fire implementation windows.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Current and valid U.S. driver’s license.
  • Legally eligible to work in the U.S. and participate in a background check.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Single Resource qualified (SRB) or trainee.
  • Faller 2 (FAL-2) qualified.
  • Experience creating and implementing SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures) for projects. and processes.
  • Efficient organizational skills.
  • Strong mechanical ability. 
  • First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or higher medical certification. 

Candidates meeting 75% of the requirements are encouraged to apply.  

Additional Information

Information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.  

Fitness and Red Card Requirements: must pass the arduous pack test annually (walk 3 miles with a 45lb pack in under 45 minutes) and maintain FFT1 currency.

Projects will require remote work outdoors in adverse conditions, on steep and rugged terrain, and/or in inclement and variable weather conditions. 

Employees must abide by The Ember Alliance’s current Covid policies, which as of date is complying with CDC guidelines.

Schedule Requirements:

Up to 25% of the position may require extended overnight travel. The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary and will be weather dependent. 10 to16-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, remaining overnight near project locations, and working outside of normal business hours with limited notice.

This is an at-will, 11-month position with potential to renew and/or extend for an additional year(s) if funding is available. Start dates range from February 1 - 15, 2023. The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary depending on project needs.

Pay and Benefits:

Pay: $19.50/hr.

Overtime will be based on operational needs. Paid leave and paid holiday benefits are provided. Employer-sponsored health and dental care coverage is available upon employment. Employer-matched retirement plan is available 3 months after hire. Housing is provided (see below).

The Ember Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.

Location:

This position is based out of Troy, NC. The team may work on various projects throughout North Carolina or surrounding states.

Housing:

Housing, selected by The Ember Alliance, will be provided at no cost to the module, in Troy, NC. Housing is paid for by The Ember Alliance and considered a benefit for module members and lead. Employer-provided housing is not required should candidates live locally.

How to Apply: 

Interested applicants should review The Ember Alliance website and submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references on: https://smrtr.io/4HRkT  Questions can be sent to Becky Flynn, contact info can be found on our website (emberalliance.org). This position is open until filled with an initial assessment deadline of December 27, 2022.

Please specify earliest available start date.