Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!
Over eighty percent of North American ecosystems depend on fire for essential ecological functions. Indigenous people have used fire for millennia and contemporary land managers continue the practice, although not to the same degree or effect. The Nature Conservancy and our partners seek a better future with fire—one where natural areas are sustained by and ready for fire and where communities are empowered and prepared to live with fire.
While in South Carolina, YRFLMF serves a foundational role within TNC-SC’s fire program, as an implementer of prescribed fire on TNC and partner lands as a member of the chapter’s 4-person burn crew. Prescribed fire work will be conducted statewide, from the mountains to the coast. As such, YRFLMF will learn to burn in a variety of terrains and fuel types, from montane oak-hickory forests to southern rough in the Lowcountry piney woods. Career development opportunities within Rx fire planning and fire program management, as well as with NWCG fire qualifications are available (and encouraged) for interested candidates. Opportunities for stewardship work are present but more limited due to the longer & more consistent burn season.
While in west central Minnesota, YRFLMF will serve as an integral part of the burn crew and stewardship team. Prescribed fire work will focus on the Agassiz Beach Ridges Landscape in MN (~23,000ac) and the Sheyenne Delta in ND (~75,000ac) and may also include time spent in central and northern MN. Opportunities for stewardship work abound through the summer months in MN. Tasks may include treating invasive species, fence removal/installation, tree removal, brush mowing, orchid monitoring, building/equipment maintenance, grazing projects burn break installation and more.
WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOUYear-Round Fire & Land Management Fellowship (YRFLMF) is a 2-year term position that will split time between South Carolina (January 2023 – April 2023; December 2023 – April 2024) and the Agassiz Beach Ridges of western Minnesota (May 2023 – November 2023; May 2024 – December 2024). They will be a part of the seasonal burn crews in each location as well as engaging in preserve management activities outside of prescribed fire timeframes.
While in South Carolina, position will be based near the city of Columbia (state capitol), with housing provided for. In Minnesota, position will be based at the Bluestem Preserve 20 miles west of Fargo, ND. It is expected that this position will arrange for travel between SC and MN when shifting geographies; however, time and reasonable travel expenses will be compensated by TNC.
YRFLMF must use safety equipment and maintain a safety-conscious attitude at all times. Tasks will include assisting with preserve management activities such as clearing and mowing firebreaks, prescribed burning, applying herbicide, boundary posting, repairing and organizing burn equipment, fence construction and removal, tree and brush cutting, constructing parking areas, maintaining vehicles and equipment, meeting with local landowners, identifying management needs for preserves, assisting with field trips, leading volunteers, and other land management activities as necessary. As part of the YRFLMF’s ongoing professional development, they 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.
Position will begin in South Carolina on January 2, 2023 and migrate to Minnesota in late April, 2023.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
