About The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is one of the world’s leading environmental organisations, dedicated to protecting the lands and waters on which all life depends. Since 1951, TNC has worked across the globe to address critical conservation challenges through science-based solutions, partnerships, and community engagement.
Supported by over one million members, hundreds of scientists, and conservation professionals worldwide, TNC works to create a future where people and nature thrive together.
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Role Overview
The Nature Conservancy is seeking an experienced and motivated Northwoods Prescribed Fire Module Lead to oversee a three-person prescribed fire module consisting of two Module Members and a Module Leader.
Job Title: Northwoods Prescribed Fire Module Lead
Location: Ely, Minnesota, USA
Organisation: The Nature Conservancy
Contract Type: Permanent or Seasonal (Depending on Candidate Preference)
Work Arrangement: Field-Based
Salary: $26.70 – $29.50 per hour (Overtime Eligible)
Housing: Optional Employer-Provided Housing Available
Application Status: Open Until Filled (Rolling Recruitment Process)
Based in Ely, Minnesota, this role focuses on prescribed fire implementation, forest restoration, wildfire support, stewardship activities, and community engagement across the Northwoods landscape. The successful candidate will work closely with the United States Forest Service (USFS) and other conservation partners to support fire-dependent ecosystems and advance conservation goals throughout the region.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced fire professional who is passionate about land stewardship, ecosystem restoration, and conservation leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Prescribed Fire Operations
- Lead and supervise prescribed fire activities across assigned landscapes.
- Assist with burn planning, fireline preparation, and prescribed burn implementation.
- Conduct post-burn monitoring and evaluation activities.
- Support wildfire response assignments when required.
- Build and burn slash piles as part of habitat management activities.
- Participate in timber stand improvement and vegetation management projects.
Team Leadership and Supervision
- Supervise and mentor Module Members during field operations.
- Coordinate work plans and daily activities with US Forest Service partners.
- Promote a strong safety culture during all fire and stewardship operations.
- Support training and professional development opportunities for team members.
Equipment and Resource Management
- Operate, inspect, and maintain fire equipment and vehicles.
- Ensure equipment readiness and compliance with safety standards.
- Support inventory management and equipment tracking.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
- Build and maintain relationships within the conservation and fire management community.
- Participate in Firewise and Fire Adapted Communities initiatives.
- Collaborate with local fire departments, Tribal Nations, conservation partners, and community organisations.
- Help communicate the value and impact of prescribed fire and habitat management activities.
Professional Development
- Maintain and enhance prescribed fire qualifications.
- Stay informed about emerging fire management techniques and technologies.
- Participate in training programs and professional networking opportunities.
About the Landscape
The Northwoods region encompasses a unique and ecologically important landscape of fire-dependent hemi-boreal forests, wilderness areas, lakes, wetlands, state forests, national forests, and Tribal lands near the international border.
This role offers the opportunity to work in one of North America’s most significant natural environments while contributing directly to ecosystem resilience and conservation outcomes.
Required Qualifications
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least one year of training in fire operations, land management, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field.
- Minimum of two seasons serving as a Senior Burn Crew Member or equivalent qualification.
- Experience operating and maintaining various types of field equipment.
- Previous experience supervising staff, volunteers, or field crews.
Fire Qualifications
Applicants must possess:
- Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1/Squad Boss) certification and completed FFT1 task book.
- Qualified FAL2 certification.
- Ability to meet physical fitness standards established by TNC and local Fire Management leadership.
Additional Requirements
- Valid driver’s license.
- Ability to meet requirements under The Nature Conservancy’s Auto Safety Program.
- Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in remote environments and challenging weather conditions.
- Willingness to travel within and outside Minnesota for prescribed fire and wildfire assignments.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with the following qualifications will be highly competitive:
- Two years of training in fire operations, natural resources, environmental science, or related disciplines.
- Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) qualification.
- CPR Certification.
- Single Resource Boss qualification.
- Experience making operational decisions in rapidly changing fire environments.
- Strong computer skills and familiarity with databases and record-keeping systems.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary
The anticipated starting salary range is:
$26.70 – $29.50 per hour
This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime compensation.
Housing
Optional housing is available in Minnesota. Employees who elect employer-provided housing will have the housing value reported as taxable income.
Benefits Package
The Nature Conservancy offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- 401(k) retirement plan with 8% employer match
- Paid parental leave
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional development opportunities
- Wellness and work-life balance benefits
Why Join The Nature Conservancy?
Joining TNC means becoming part of one of the world’s most respected conservation organisations.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Protect and restore critical ecosystems.
- Lead meaningful conservation initiatives.
- Work alongside passionate environmental professionals.
- Develop advanced fire management and leadership skills.
- Contribute directly to climate resilience and landscape restoration efforts.
- Build lasting partnerships with communities, Tribal Nations, and conservation agencies.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Nature Conservancy is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where individuals from all backgrounds are welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute.
The organisation encourages applications from candidates of all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, veteran statuses, disabilities, and other protected groups.
Application Process
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as the position may close once a strong applicant pool has been identified.
All successful candidates must complete The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process and satisfy all employment eligibility requirements.
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