The Prescribed Fire Technician (PFT) will travel throughout the Ordway Glacial Lakes and Prairie Forest Border Ecoregion in central Minnesota serving on a 4-5 person crew. The PFT will assist with controlled burns and will be responsible for the preparation and implementation of prescribed fire on public lands and nature preserves. The PFT will perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive for prescribed burning. Those duties include, but are not limited to, invasive species management, tree and brush removal, and other tasks.
This position is an ideal opportunity for an aspiring wildlife habitat manager with the desire to gain practical experience in prescribed fire and a variety of land management practices. A positive and motivated attitude is essential, as well as a desire to learn new skills in a conservation setting. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated hard-working individuals who are eager to learn new skills to experience the in-depth unique beauty and biodiversity of Minnesota’s prairie landscape.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Assist with maintaining public and private lands including state-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) as well as TNC preserves and other protected lands.
- Prescribed burn preparation, implementation, and post-fire monitoring with TNC and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) and US Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) staff.
- Remove and chemically treat herbaceous and woody invasive species.
- Maintain tools and equipment.
- Will perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
- Works in a high stress team environment.
- Works under close supervision.
- Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Able to meet qualifications as a Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), including completed coursework in Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), National Incident Management System (IS-700), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. Coursework must be complete prior to start date (available online). Training burn can be completed with TNC upon arrival. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
- Ability to pass US Forest Service work capacity test at moderate level (2 mile walk with 30 lb pack in 30 minutes).
- Ability to be trained to operate and maintain various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. ATV, pumps, engine, backpack sprayer, chainsaw, brush-cutter, leaf blower, & two-way radio).
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural communities.
- Ability to work outdoors in remote areas, rough terrain, variable weather, and under physically demanding circumstances while maintaining a positive and productive work ethic.
- Ability to follow detailed instructions, and work independently or with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work and live in a crew environment and maintain a positive and cooperative attitude.
- Valid Driver's license and good driving record.
- High school diploma and 1 year training or schooling in science-related field or related experience in land management.
Compensation:
– $380/week* Living Allowance
– $1,100* To/From Travel Allowance, paid once with first paycheck
– $100 reimbursable fire boot allowance (for purchase of fire boots)
– Free Housing – Shared crewhouse environment
– Health Insurance (if needed)
– Eligible for AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,374.60, received upon successful completion of position
*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
This position is an AmeriCorps program and acceptance of AmeriCorps membership is required.
It is SCA's policy that all AmeriCorps-required background checks must return cleared results prior to the position's start; this includes being fingerprinted for the FBI check. Otherwise, the AmeriCorps award will be removed or the position's start date will be delayed due to non-compliance.
For SCA’s COVID guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid.
Position ID: PO-00734899
Expected Dates: April 11, 2023 - June 5, 2023
Location:
7163 Bear Rd
Cushing, MN 56443
US
Training Provided: NWCG Fire Training. Plant ID & Vegetation Monitoring. Prairie ecology. Herbicide safety. ATV/UTV safety. Chainsaws & Brush cutters. Water pumps. GPS/GIS & ArcGIS mobile apps. Habitat management. Seed Collection. CPR/First Aid.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Land stewardship and plant ID/Botany. Ecology/Natural History. Natural Resources Conservation. Networking with Conservation professionals. Learning business of conservation. Canoeing Fishing Biking Hiking Volleyball Swimming Softball
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
Housing is provided in a location where access to town and public amenities will require a personal vehicle
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
Housing will be a shared crew house with 3-4 bedrooms and 1-2 bathrooms. Full kitchen facilities.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: No
