Ecological Technician - FFT2 RX Fire Specialist

To apply, email your resume and cover letter to careers@nrp.eco. Please specify which position you are applying for in your email. Thank you!

Summary

Individual(s) hired will primarily work on a roving prescribed fire crew, conducting controlled burns across the state of Minnesota. Individual(s) will assist with additional habitat restoration tasks when not conducting burns. This is a seasonal position during the spring burn season (March-June), with the strong potential for extension into summer Wildland Fire suppression roles and/or yearly habitat restoration work for successful candidates. NRP conducts a wide variety of projects at various size and complexity scales. Technicians are expected to be flexible and work on a variety of tasks as needed. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. 

  • Travel more than 50% of the time.

  • Engage in physically demanding, all-weather field work including temperatures down to -20F windchill and up to 100+ heat indexes, wind, rain, and snow.

  • Work on uneven terrain in remote locations, carrying up to 50lbs.

  • Use and maintain specialized fire equipment, including but not limited to: drip torches, chainsaws, water pumps, and OHVs.

  • Assist with all levels of prescribed fire operations, including but not limited to:

    • Fire line construction

    • Ignitions and holding lines

    • Smoke and traffic management

    • Fire Engine and mobile UTV pump operation

    • Mop-up operations

  • Constantly maintain a high level of situational awareness and safety.

  • Consistently comply with PPE (personal protective equipment) use, and maintain PPE in working condition.

  • Participate in training and professional development.

  • Perform daily maintenance and repairs on equipment and tools.

  • Pull trailers, equipment, and implements within state and federal guidelines.

  • Maintain a positive, professional attitude in regards to actions, decisions, and adherence to the employee handbook.

  • Maintain flexibility with scheduling and task changes.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities:

  • Assist with non-fire related restoration tasks, including but not limited to:

    • Invasive species removal with brushsaws, hand tools, and herbicide

    • Herbicide mixing and spot spray application

    • Large tree removal with chainsaws

    • Seeding and planting

  • Operate basic hand tools and smaller equipment such as chainsaws, brush saws, and herbicide applicators.

  • Identify common native and non-native plant species.

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Basic physical fitness

    • Employee(s) will be required to pass the Arduous Level Pack Test, and work and carry equipment in rugged terrain for extended periods.

  • High level communication skills, including clear verbal communication and radio use under dynamic field conditions.

  • Ability to consistently have situational awareness: monitor surroundings, anticipate hazards, and follow safety protocols.

  • Basic understanding of fire behavior, including concepts like flame length, rate of spread, wind influence, etc.

  • Ability to operate a variety of hand tools such as drip torches, Pulaskis, McLeods, and rakes.

    • Lift 50lbs for an extended period of time; repetitive motion swinging, pulling, pushing, etc.

  • Ability to manage themselves independently as well as work successfully within a team. 

  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and tasks.

  • Ability to take instruction and follow directions during dynamic, fast-paced, changeable conditions.

  • Ability to drive a company vehicle, and an acceptable motor vehicle record.

  • A desire to learn skills necessary for success in the position.

  • A passion for the outdoors and natural resource management.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

  • Familiarity with GPS, maps, and burn plans.

  • Understanding of how weather factors like humidity, wind, and temperature affect fire behavior.

  • Basic chainsaw operation: bucking, and small-scale felling.

  • Experience or education in fire ecology, habitat management, and/or ecosystem restoration.

  • Experience working in local ecosystem types of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

  • Experience working with drones or UAV for imagery capture and data collection.

  • Experience with prescribed fire documentation such as recording ignition patterns, flame behavior, post-burn effects, etc.

  • Ability to maintain a strong positive attitude and composure during difficult, demanding, and/or unpredictable situations.

  • Experience with various restoration equipment including brush saws, herbicide applicators, and skid steers.

  • Experience with native and non-native plant identification.

  • Basic small engine maintenance and repair.

  • Experience driving, backing, and loading trucks and trailers.

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Wildlife, Botany, Biology, Forestry or similar field.

Individual(s) hired will be expected to display competency, a strong work ethic, and a passion for fire ecology and habitat conservation.

Hours are often determined by weather for prescribed fire. General work days consist of 8-10 hour days. Expect to work up to 12-16hr days during burning operations. Expect variable schedules with work on weekends, evenings, and inconsistent breaks in hours.

We conduct resource restoration projects across the state of Minnesota and individual(s) should expect overnight travel beyond their assigned shop location 50%-100% of the time

Job Type: Seasonal, with the potential for year-around employment.

  • Anticipated work season: April-June

  • All positions include a 3-month probationary period.

Salary: $20.00 DOE 

  • Higher starting wage will be considered for individuals with exceptional qualifications.

  • Eligible for prevailing wage when applicable.

Required Licenses:

  • Type 2 (FFT2) Wildland Firefighter Certification - S-130/190 and L-180

    • Pack test and field day preferred. NRP can host these if necessary for hired individuals.

  • Valid Driver's License

  • MN DOT Health card

    • Hired individuals who do not possess their DOT Health card will be required to obtain it on or prior to their first day of employment.

  • Basic First Aid and CPR

    • Hired individuals who do not possess First Aid/CPR certification will be required to attend an NRP-hosted certification

Preferred Licenses:

  • Pesticide Applicator’s License

    • Hired individuals offered full-time positions will be required to obtain a PAL in categories A, F, and J.

  • CDL - Class A Combo (unrestricted).

  • UAV Pilot License

  • Wilderness First Aid/First Responder

Benefits:

*Most benefits will become available following a 3-month probationary period. Benefits may vary between seasonal and full-time positions.

  • Health insurance including vision, dental, and accident

  • 401k with matching

  • PTO

  • Per diem for overnight travel and stay

  • Winter clothing stipend

  • Yearly training stipend

  • Overtime pay past 40 hr/wk

Work authorization:

  • United States (Required)