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Employment Opportunities

The Southern Fire Exchange is glad to share information about current, fire-related employment opportunities in the Southeast. If you know of any openings in your area, please contact us with the relevant details, and we’ll get the announcement posted for you.

Job: NWTF Wildlife Biologist/Forester, Louisiana

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The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has an immediate need for a full-time, term limited (minimum of 2 years) Forester to work in Louisiana. The preferred central location will be in proximity of Leesville, LA. This position will be responsible for completing forest management plans for private, non-industrial landowners in cooperation with conservation Partners including the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Duties:

  • Oversee, manage, and distribute over $100,000 to landowners in order to meet specified conservation needs such as prescribed burning and Longleaf pine plantings.
  • Work cooperatively with the NRCS state and local offices, agency partners, and other NWTF staff to provide technical assistance to landowners, primarily through the development of conservation plans and implementation of conservation practices via Farm Bill Programs.
  • Coordinate private landowner outreach via field days, workshops, and forestry / wildlife expos
  • Promote our cooperative work through landowner and Partner contacts
  • Generate landowner interest that leads to conservation plans being developed and subsequent contracts / producers for NRCS
  • Address significant forest health issues affecting important habitat for a suite of game and non-game species as part of America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative
  • Manage all aspects of planned project work including budgets, necessary reporting, and completion of established deliverables
  • Formulate geospatial aspects for all project work including the development of Arc maps outlining landowner properties, forest stands, and recommended conservation practices
  • Promote accomplishments through NWTF and Partners via public relations / media outlets

Application deadline July 2, 2021. Apply here.

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Job: Wildlife Tech, Longleaf Alliance, Florida

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Employment Opportunity Announcement: Wildlife Technician

Application Due Date: June 11th, 2021 The Longleaf Alliance (TLA) is seeking one Wildlife Technician to assist with the recovery of the reticulated flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma bishopi) in the Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership (GCPEP) landscape.

Priority work will center on habitat restoration, population monitoring, and captive rearing. The position is full-time for two years with the possibility of an extension.

Duties: The Wildlife Technician will assist with ongoing projects focusing on the conservation of the federally endangered reticulated flatwoods salamander with work focused primarily on the Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area in Santa Rosa County, Florida.

Field duties for salamander monitoring include construction and maintenance of drift fences and funnel traps, drift fence monitoring, egg searching, larval monitoring, and collection of genetic samples from larval and adult salamanders.

The Wildlife Technician will participate in captive rearing (head-starting), involving the installation and maintenance of “cattle tank” artificial ponds that house larval salamanders (monitoring of water quality variables, collecting and culturing invertebrate prey, and tracking growth and development of larval salamanders).

The selected applicants will restore and monitor wetland habitat through the following activities: removal of woody vegetation and duff/muck through hand clearing using chainsaws and brushcutters, prescribed fire, invasive species control, and monitoring of vegetation and hydrology.

The selected applicant will work with the wildlife biologist to coordinate and occasionally oversee a four-person seasonal restoration crew.

This position will perform detailed data collection, entry, proofing, and database management to support project updates and grant reports.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or related field and must have field experience and be comfortable working outside for long periods during non-standard hours and in inclement conditions both alone and with a team.

Preferred applicants will have NWCG fire certifications S130 and S190, as well as basic faller S212, however not required. Applicants should also be in good physical condition and comfortable walking long distances in the woods or wading in shallow water while carrying heavy equipment for short distances and hauling cut debris out of wetlands.

They should be familiar with the identification, collection, and handling of reptiles and amphibians, preferably in the southeastern US, including ability to safely remove venomous snakes from traps.

Additional qualifications: competence with 4×4 vehicle operation in challenging terrain, GPS navigation, GIS, field data collection, and data entry (i.e., Microsoft Excel), a desire and ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with others in the office and field, especially under stressful conditions.

Applicants must possess a valid US driver’s license. Salary will range from $33,000 to $34,500 plus benefits and will be commensurate with experience.

A resume, cover letter, and three references (Supervisors) must be received no later than June 11th, 2021 electronically to: Charlie Abeles charlie@longleafalliance.org 240-527-8146

Final candidates will be notified by June 18 th for interviews. Position start date is July 26th or sooner if possible.

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Job: North Carolina Fire Program Director, The Nature Conservancy

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The Fire Program Director supports and guides Chapter programs to ensure the scientifically defensible execution of forest restoration and management throughout NC, with the goal of increasing resilience of forest ecosystems in the face of climate change. This position provides oversight and technical support to TNC fire operations in North Carolina, ensuring adherence to the highest for safety and mitigation of risk, while achieving ecological outcomes. The NC burn season is year-round with a peak burn season between January and May, and the program accomplishes an average of 130 burns per year on 38,000 acres. Most burns are conducted in coastal plain longleaf pine systems and pine-oak forests in the Southern Blue Ridge. For most of the annual acreage burned, TNC is assisting partner agencies. TNC staff from across the state may lead or assist with burns in 3-5 locations on the same day, including in neighboring states, and often share crews with state partners. Permanent TNC fire staff are based in 5 locations across the state and an additional 50 seasonal fire staff are hired in support of our programs throughout the year. The Fire Program Director has oversight of fire qualifications and fire implementation but does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

The Fire Program Director approves Site Fire Management Plans and Prescribed Burn Unit Plans, and modifies or exempts specific fire management requirements as defined in TNC’s Fire Management Manual.  They mentor, evaluate and designates burn bosses, in writing, with notification to the Fire Management Coordinator; certifies task books, including RxB2; conducts or assists with training at local and national levels; and ensures that TNC’s fire guidelines and requirements are met or exceeded. They have the authority to temporarily suspend fire management program operations because of safety concerns or non-compliance with TNC standards. They provide technical and scientific support to fire planners and burn bosses, reviews proposed contracts and staff qualifications for prescribed fire operations and provides input to TNC legal counsel on fire policy. They may teach fire training classes with NC fire partners. They keep current on internal and external developments and trends in the field of wildland fire management and keeps abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow fire credentials of TNC staff. This may include participation in wildland fire suppression activities with external partners. To maintain excellence in their program, they build strong partnerships with public and private partners to further the goals of TNC, and keeps senior leadership in their area informed of fire program activities, needs, risks and accomplishments.

The Fire Program Director ensures that the best available science guides our forest restoration work and conservation strategies, with an emphasis on building resilience in natural communities, thus allowing them to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem function in a changing climate. They assist in developing and implementing relevant strategies as part of the chapter’s Conservation Steering Committee. They pursue grants and private donations to support the fire program and manages relevant grants and contracts. They are a member of the Southern Blue Ridge and Longleaf Whole Systems teams and connects chapter work to TNC’s North America Living with Fire strategy. They serve as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, and the academic community on fire issues. The position will build on a history of local collaboration as well as the support of national networks such as the Fire Learning Network. They play a guiding role in the Southern Blue Ridge Fire Learning Network and represents TNC on the NC Prescribed Fire Council, the NC Fire Environment Committee, and TNC’s Fire Management Advisory team.

We prefer that this position is based in Durham, North Carolina by early fall 2021.  Because of COVID, initial work may need to be conducted from a home office and in the field, until TNC guidance allows office work, likely in late summer of 2021.

Apply on the TNC Careers website, search “North Carolina fire.”

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Job: Land Management Technician, Bladen County NC

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Position: Land Management Technician
Location: Bladen County
The company office is in Bladen county NC 1.45 hours from
Raleigh, 1 hour from Wilmington, and 1 hour from
Fayetteville NC. Twin Creeks services most of the south east
of North Carolina and we manage properties in Bladen,
Pender, Sampson, Duplin, Cumberland, Columbus, New
Hanover, and Brunswick Counties.

Terms of employment:
We are looking to fill one immediate position.
• Pay based on training and experience.
• Some weekend work may be required.

Scope of Work:
We are a land management company based in Eastern Bladen County. We offer many services to our clients
such as prescribed burning, tree planting, herbicide application, and forestry mulching. We are looking for an
experienced, punctual, self-motivated person to assist with prescribed burns in the dormant and growing
seasons. On non-burn days the employee will assist with a variety of daily tasks such as operating and
maintaining equipment i.e. (mini ex, tractor, dozer, skidder, UTV, truck and trailer, etc.).
Candidates will need basic math skills and reliable transportation. Background in prescribed fire, forestry,
wildlife, or biology is preferred. A pesticide license is a plus. Candidate must be willing to work in all types of
weather conditions and work with herbicides.
Typically work-days are from 7:30am-5pm with an hour for lunch M-Th and half day on Friday except during
burn season Oct-May. During burn season, days can be longer and weekend work is a possibility.

Preferred qualifications:
• A minimum of one year of college studies in forestry, ecology or a closely related field.
• Familiarity with the plants and plant communities of the North Carolina coastal plain.
• Experience operating various types of heavy equipment as well as smaller Equipment (chainsaws, brush cutters,
UTVs, ATVs, portable pumps, drip torches, etc.).
• Successful completion of a forestry summer camp or an equivalent summer field skills camp.
• Manual labor skills (e.g., painting, basic equipment maintenance).

To Apply:
If interested, submit a resume and cover letter citing relevant skills or work experience to
brianbarnhill910@yahoo.com

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Job: Natural Resource Crew Technician, NC State Parks

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Job Type Temporary
Salary Details $15.00 per hour
Deadline May 24, 2021

The Natural Resource Crew Technician participates in operations, restoration, maintenance, and management of park properties. This crew will be primarily focused on invasive species management but will participate in other natural resource management activities such as prescribed fire, timber stand improvement, monitoring, planting, etc.

Prescribed fire which may include but not limited to burn unit prep, fire operations, managing staff and volunteers, maintenance of equipment and supplies, mop up, and monitoring.

Invasive Species management which may include but not limited to chemical and mechanical control, mapping/surveys, education, and monitoring project sites.

Restoration activities which may include but not limited to planting, mid-story control, timber marking, etc.

Work Schedule:

  • Standard work week will be Monday through Friday 0800 hours to 1700 hours but will change frequently and on short notice
  • Work week is 40 hours with occasional weeks over 40 hours, occasional weekend hours
  • Requires ability to travel and stay overnight frequently
  • Based at Raven Rock State Park, Lillington, NC
  • Housing is available at Raven Rock State Park

Required Qualifications:

  • Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (chainsaws, ATV/UTV, tractor and implements, leaf blower, radio, hand tools, drip torch, backpack sprayers, etc.)
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions from co-workers
  • Ability to develop time frames and then complete task within time frames
  • Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
  • Ability to navigates to remote sites with map, written directions, and GPS
  • Qualified as, or able to meet qualifications for Fire Fighter Type 2

Minimum Experience and/or Education:

  • High school diploma and 1 year experience in science related field, or land management field work
  • Prefer associates with 1-year experience or bachelor’s degree in forestry, biology, ecology, natural resources management or related field

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability and willingness to handle herbicides during vegetation management
  • Ability to mix, handle, and apply herbicides in accordance with label directions and crew supervisor instructions
  • Ability to learn how to correctly identify invasive plants with minimal review, and to differentiate invasive plants from native vegetation of similar appearance
  • Ability to operate and conduct field maintenance of vehicles and to recognize and avoid hazards associated with operating them
  • Ability to operate various types of hand and power tools and machinery in a safe and efficient manner
  • Ability to handle and maintain tools, equipment, and supplies in good working order for daily operations
  • Ability to record and maintain data and keep monitoring records
  • Qualified as Fire Fighter Type 2 or quickly meet the qualifications

Complexity/Problem solving:

  • Resolves challenges with supervisor
  • May resolve management problems independently or as delegated by natural resource staff
  • Consult with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex problems

Discretion/Latitude/Decision Making:

  • Consults with supervisor on unusual or complex issues
  • Make day to day decisions affecting individual work and work of the natural resource crew

Responsibility/Oversight-Financial and Supervisory:

  • Receives detailed instructions to complete required tasks
  • May work under close supervision or infrequent supervision
  • Conducts support duties such as routine maintenance of equipment with help of supervision

Communications/Interpersonal contacts:

  • Ability to interact with the members of crew, park staff, and public
  • Consults with supervisor in event of any unusual circumstance, problem or question that falls outside of general park management realm

Working Conditions/Physical Effort:

The Natural Resource Crew Technician may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

These conditions:

  • Present frequent possibility of injury
  • Require long hours in isolated settings
  • Require physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult and sometimes hazardous terrain
  • Outdoor environment presents potential exposure to poisonous plants and biting or stinging insects.
  • Require the ability to operate heavy machinery

HOW TO APPLY

Applicant needs to email a cover letter and resume to jonathan.short@ncparks.gov

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Jobs: Crew Members, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Conservation Corps and General Field Crew

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Conservation Legacy North Carolina is hiring for two crews with terms beginning June 8. A BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Conservation Corps Trail Crew will be based in Cherokee, NC and a Field Crew open to all applicants will be based in Durham NC.

Full information and applications instructions here.

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Job: Natural Resources Specialist, Huntersville, NC

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POSITION SUMMARY
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is excited to add a Natural Resources Specialist to our team! This position will participate in and oversee the management of invasive species at Latta Nature Preserve. The incumbent will also perform a variety of technical tasks in support of habitat restoration, natural resource management, and flora and fauna inventory. In addition, they will be a key member of the Natural Resources team in managing and improving the nature preserves and natural communities. This full-time position will primarily work Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm at Latta Nature Preserve.

Application instructions and full information here.

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Jobs: Brevard County Florida Environmentally Endangered Lands Program

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Brevard County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands Program we have been working hard on scrub restoration across the region, in hopes of increasing Scrub Jay populations in South Brevard.

In order to support this work, there are now two positions open in the South Region. One for a Land Management Specialist and the other is for a Land Management Technician.

Both positions close May 3.

 

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Job: Environmental Lands Management Coordinator, Hillsborough County, FL

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This position is responsible for coordinating and administering environmental land management and land use services to fulfill parks and conservation management plan requirements and Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP) objectives. This is a supervisory position that will be based out of the Odessa area in the northwest region of Hillsborough County, FL.

The job duties emphasize team leadership, prescribed burning, exotic control, site security, public recreation and ecosystem restoration.

Apply here by May 4.

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Jobs: Ember Alliance

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The Ember Alliance is hiring two positions in Colorado!

Are you excited to create and deliver innovative wildland fire training courses to reach a more diverse audience? Our Wildland Fire Practitioner Training Specialist may be the job for you! This position will have a mix of wildland fire operations, office, and coursework delivery duties.

Training Specialist: https://www.smartrecruiters.com/TheEmberAlliance/1786234394

Are you interested in developing innovative planning documents to support fire adapted communities, increase the use of prescribed fire, and bring partners together to get good work done? Join our team as a Resilient Communities & Forests Coordinator!

Resilient Communities & Forests Coordinator: https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/TheEmberAlliance/743999742102456-resilient-communities-and-forests-coordinator

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