The Ember Alliance (TEA) is a national organization of wildland fire practitioners, researchers, analysts, and instructors. The mission of TEA is to restore the relationship between communities and fire on the landscape.  TEA is a just and transparent workplace that strives for clear and kind communication. We are dedicated to a workplace that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports work/ life balance, and encourages growth. Learn more about TEA at https://emberalliance.org

The Ember Alliance is hiring a full-time prescribed fire leadership position in Troy, NC. The Prescribed Fire/Fuels Module Leader position will play an integral role in reducing wildfire risk in central North Carolina. This position will serve as a key lead in day-to-day operations of a module focused on thinning forests and assisting partners on prescribed fire projects. The position is predominantly in the field, with potentially difficult environmental conditions such as cold weather, loose footing, and steep terrain. Module members 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, developing the capacity and competency of the fire practitioner community,  and coaching skills and fostering confidence among fire practitioners from all backgrounds and experience levels in an operational environment.   

A successful candidate will have a passion for developing field level fire management skills through hands on experience, the ability to embrace adversity, and a clear commitment to force multiplying team work among highly variable populations. The position will primarily focus on team based fuels management in the field. Duty location is Troy, NC, but work site locations will vary. 

This position will require assisting with implementation of prescribed fire on public and private lands. A successful candidate will show enthusiasm for working on behalf of the public by exemplifying proficiency and professionalism at all times. When not participating in prescribed fire operations the module will assist in project work, or other duties and projects as assigned by TEA partners.

Responsibilities: 

• Lead up to a 5-person module, as well as other volunteers or fire personnel, throughout daily operations for a three-year period. 

• Report daily to multiple land agency representatives. 

• 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). 

• Build a safe and supportive work environment for newer fire practitioners. 

• Conduct performance evaluations for crew members. 

• Lead daily briefings and After Action Reviews.  

• 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. 

• Work with module 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 consistent with the values 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. 

• Lead or assist in module development and training, including but not limited to 200-level NWCG courses. 

Qualifications 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Understanding of risk management with a strong commitment to safety. 

• NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) currency (RT-130 Annual Refresher provided, as needed). 

• NWCG Intermediate Faller (FAL2) chainsaw qualification, or ability to attain FAL2 within three months of hire 

• Ability to complete an arduous pack test annually (carry a 45lbs backpack for 3 miles in under 45 minutes) 

• Strong team leadership skills.

• Ability to establish and maintain a team culture of high performance in dynamic environments.

• 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. 

• Desire to assist with planning and implementing 100 and 200-level NWCG courses for module members. 

• 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: 

• NWCG Single Resource Boss (SRB) qualified or trainee. 

• M-410 or teaching equivalent and ability to be lead or assistant instructor for 100 and 200-level NWCG courses.  

• Experience creating and implementing SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures) for projects and processes. 

• Strong mechanical ability.  

• First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or higher medical certification.  

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 NWCG 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 comply 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 based on weather and project needs. 10 to 16-hour days may be frequently required. Projects may require working during weekends and/or up to 14 days continuously, traveling for extended periods of time, remaining overnight near project locations, and working outside of normal business hours with limited notice. 

Pay and Benefits: 

Pay: $26.00/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.

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. 

How to apply

Interested applicants should review The Ember Alliance website and submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references through the Smart Recruiters website. This position is open until filled with an initial assessment deadline of November 5, 2026. Please specify the earliest available start date.