Prescribed Fire Practitoner

What We Can Achieve Together

The Prescribed Fire Practitioner works on the North Idaho Fire Module in a team environment while participating with prescribed fire assignments, wildland fire operations (short‑term administratively determined hire through USFS), and other land stewardship activities as assigned. The Prescribed Fire & Fuels season occurs between April and November 2026, with opportunities for wildfire assignments during the summer months. Operations will primarily take place throughout Northern Idaho, implementing work on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest & with the Coeur d’Alene Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management.

Additional opportunities may be available supporting prescribed fire assignments or wildfire suppression efforts throughout the western United States, and nationally. Personnel hired for this position should be based within commutable distance to the designated duty station in Coeur d’Alene. This is a seasonal, full‑time, hourly position and overtime applies after the first 40 hours each week. Travel expenses, meals, and lodging will be covered when traveling for out‑of‑area assignments.

Alcohol use is prohibited while on assignment.

The Prescribed Fire Practitioner will participate with fire line & unit preparation, equipment maintenance, implementing prescribed burns, mop‑up, pre/post monitoring, ecological management, wildfire suppression, and other tasks as assigned. They will keep abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain or grow professional fire certification credentials. They will also build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works, including partnership organizations such as other non‑profits, local fire departments, tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies.

• Perform tasks under the supervision of the Prescribed Fire Module Leader/Assistant Lead in coordination with local TNC, USFS, & BLM fire management staff.
• Function as a contributing member on a team of personnel with a wide range of skill sets and life experiences.
• Conduct themselves in ways consistent with TNC’s Code of Conduct.
• Ensure that established safe work practices are followed.
• Able to complete Arduous Level Work Capacity Test (3 miles, 45lb pack, 45 minutes).
• Perform physical labor in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Participate in self‑sufficient camping assignments or “Spike Outs.”
• Operate hand tools, firing devices, chainsaws, brush cutters, leaf blowers, ATV’s, UTVs, and tow trailers.
• Maintain assigned equipment.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I‑100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L‑180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S‑190), Firefighting Training (S‑130), and one training burn under the supervision of a qualified FFT
  2.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards set by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR).

• Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross‑cultural experience are appreciated.
• 6 months – 1 year of related experience.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $22–$23 per hour. This range applies only to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. The actual pay will fall within this range based on location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. For candidates outside the USA, a different pay range in the local currency will be used based on the local labor market.

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science‑based organization, we create…