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Form of workTitle: Prescribed Fire Specialist
Supervisor: Stewardship Director
Classification: Full-time, Non-exempt, Regular
Schedule: M-F, some evenings & weekends
Compensation: $17+/hour, dependent on experience
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Simple IRA with 3% match, Employee Assistance Program, and more
The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to create relationships and experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. Recognized by its peers as one of the top nature centers in the country, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is located on 1,500 acres of wooded, rolling countryside and includes over 15 miles of hiking trails winding through some of the most magnificent habitats in Michigan.
Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.
Job Summary:
With support and oversight from the Stewardship Director, the Prescribed Fire Specialist will independently plan and implement activities to build regional Prescribed Fire capacity in SW Michigan. Responsibilities include supporting and expanding burn planning at KNC and on client lands, providing technical assistance, providing leadership in Prescribed Fire implementation, ensuring equipment readiness, coordinating trainings, managing crew qualifications, and building regional partnerships.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Approximately half of this role’s time will be used to manage KNC’s USDA Forest Service Cohesive Fire Strategy grant project. The other half is directed toward assisting with delivery of Prescribed Fire and/or other land management tasks on KNC and Ecological Services client lands. Success will require:
• Building a foundation for a SW Michigan Fire Collaborative/regional Prescribed Fire association.
• Delivering training opportunities to expand the diversity, number, reach, competence, and experience of regional wildland firefighters.
• Increasing the use of Prescribed Fire in managing fire-dependent ecosystems to reduce fuel loads, lessen wildfire risk, and improve climate resilience.
• Integrating Prescribed Fire and climate-resilience/adaptation planning through SW MI.
• Improving support for regional equipment and supply needs.
• Aligning KNC’s work with national, state, and regional strategic fire goals.
• Understanding National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group (NWCG) best practices and strategies for burn planning, communication, safety, and implementation.
• Effectively communicating project goals and work plans with clients, partners, and staff.
• Joining the team to support other conservation and restoration priorities on KNC and partner lands.
• Fostering a culture of equity, inclusion, and diversity in KNC’s conservation work.
Throughout all work, the specialist will:
• Maintain and enforce a safe working environment, following best practices for safety standards, training, regulatory and compliance requirements, and certifications.
• Practice effective team communications and coordination to maintain healthy team morale.
• Demonstrate proficient use and maintenance of trucks, pumps, trailers, and equipment (herbicide applicators, skid steer, tractor, UTV side-by-side, chainsaws, brush cutters, hand tools, etc.).
• Practice careful and coordinated management of staff time, equipment, supplies, and vehicles.
• Align fieldwork, planning, and expenditures with client project budgets and annual budget targets.
• Effectively track time, service outcomes, and other reporting metrics using established methods.
• Ensure that high scientific and professional standards and integrity are met for work quality, performance, customer service, and accountability to clients, KNC members, and KNC visitors.
• Assist with other duties to advance the mission and stewardship goals of the Kalamazoo Nature Center, including all-staff workdays and events.
Requirements:
• A strong commitment to promoting and implementing Prescribed Fire, with at least 5 years of Prescribed Fire experience (a minimum NWCG FFT2 certification w/documentation required).
• Ability to work successfully and dependably as team member and in a self-directed capacity.
• Demonstrated success in building professional relationships, coalitions, and/or partnerships.
• Experience in crew leadership or other team management, with ability to creatively and positively motivate a team to find solutions amid complex work.
• Prior experience with small engines such as chainsaws, pumps, etc.
• A valid driver’s license; prior truck, trailer, and equipment driving and maneuvering experience.
• A reliable vehicle for driving to project work sites if needed. (Mileage will be reimbursed.)
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule with occasional odd hours and time out of town.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check.
• Ability to meet U.S. Drug-Free Workplace standards, as required for grant-based activities.
• Willingness to advance KNC’s equity, inclusion, and diversity goals.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent entrepreneurial, analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Effective time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to function well in an energetic, fast-paced, and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Preferred Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management, or related field.
• Experience in writing prescribed burn plans.
• Prior herbicide experience; current State of Michigan Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Strong knowledge of Great Lakes Basin flora and fauna, particularly invasive vegetation.
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to work in difficult outdoor terrain year-round, under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely remain committed and motivated for up to 10 hours of physical work.
The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
