Prescribed Fire Specialist Seasonal Adaptive Restoration

The Prescribed Fire Specialist is responsible for implementing prescribed burns on lands owned or managed by our clients. The Prescribed Fire Specialist conducts this work under the supervision of the Restoration Crew Leader or Principal Ecologist. The primary role of the Prescribed Fire Specialist serving as a crew member on prescribed burns. This work may include firebreak preparation, holding, fire suppression, ignitions, mop-up, and overnight burn monitoring.

This position involves working in outdoors in Wisconsin’s prairies, woodlands and wetlands, on an on- call, as available basis when weather and site conditions allow prescribed burning and firebreak preparation.

• Serve as crew member on prescribed burns, conducting patrol, mop-up, ignitions and/or lookout duties
• Build or improve firebreaks using hand tools or gas powered tools
• Track and document use of job-related materials, expenses and hours worked
• Bring a sense of humor and a calm presence to daily company operations.

Participation on prescribed burns in prairies, wetlands, or savannas. Suppressing a fire in a wildland setting. Working with a prescribed burn or wildland fire crew. Small engine (e.g. chainsaw, pump) use and maintenance. Identifying native and non-native plants of southern Wisconsin. NWCG training and experience meeting or exceeding FFT
2.

If you had this job, your day might include:

Removing woody vegetation from a firebreak. Interpreting a map. Meeting our shop to load equipment needed to conduct a burn. Driving a 4×4 vehicle off road. Towing a trailer loaded with fire suppression equipment. Running a chainsaw, brush saw or pump. Patrolling a burn unit perimeter. Igniting prairie, savanna or woodland fuels with a drip torch. Using a 2-way radio. Hiking a few miles with a backpack full of water.

Mixing drip torch fuel. Mopping up a burn unit and overnight monitoring until a fire is fully extinguished. Working with our motivated, talented crew!

• Knowledge of fire behavior
• Knowledge of wildland firefighting techniques
• Skill operating a 4-wheel drive motor vehicle, including but not limited to pickup truck, UTV, or tractor.
• Skill using fire suppression and firebreak construction tools
• Ability to lift and carry large objects such as logs, tree branches, and water containers weighing up to 70 pounds.
• Ability to work and travel outdoors in steep, rugged terrain in adverse weather conditions, including snow, rain, and temperatures ranging from 0ºF – 95ºF.
• Ability to observe and report weather, fire behavior and smoke dispersal via 2-way radio or cellular phone
• Ability to work under minimal supervision.
• Ability to use and maintain gas-powered tools such as pumps, chainsaws, brush cutters, and mowers.
• Ability to acquire and maintain necessary licenses, permits and certifications.
• Ability to meet our crew on site or at our shop, on time, on short notice.

The applicant must have the following training and licenses, or have the ability to obtain them within 30 days of hire:

• NWCG S130/S190 prescribed fire training
• Valid Drivers License
• First Aid/CPR training (WFR or WFA preferred)

• IRA retirement plan with matching employer contributions (if annual earnings exceed $5,000)
• Pay commensurate with experience and availability

Duties and responsibilities are designed to be the essential elements of the job. They do not preclude the performance of related, or even unrelated, jobs which may be necessary to properly and efficiently complete all work assignments. Adaptive Restoration reserves the right to amend job specifications to meet current needs.

For more information, or to apply, contact:

Adaptive Restoration LLC
8864 Offerdahl Road
Mount Horeb, WI 53572

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To apply, email a PDF of your cover letter, resume and 3 references to the address above. Please include “2026 Prescribed Fire Specialist” in the subject line of your e-mail. Applications will be considered as they are received. A minimum commitment of 8 hours/week is required. Start /end date and work schedule is negotiable. Please indicate your availability…