The FM approves Site Fire Management Plans and Prescribed Burn Unit Plans, modifies or exempts specific fire management guidelines or requirements as defined in the Fire Management Manual, with written justification. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org . The FM mentors, evaluates and designates Burn Bosses, in writing, with notification to the Fire Management Coordinator; certifies RxB2 task books, conducts or assists with training at local and national levels, and ensures that TNC’s fire guidelines and requirements are met or exceeded. The Fire Manager has the authority to temporarily suspend fire management program operations because of safety concerns or non-compliance with Conservancy standards. The FM provides technical and scientific support to Fire Planners and Burn Bosses, reviews proposed contracts for prescribed fire operations, and provides comments to TNC legal counsel, and approves qualifications of contractors hired to conduct prescribed burns. The FM keeps current on internal and external developments and trends in the field of wild land fire management and in natural resources needs in Texas in order to maintain excellence in their program, builds strong partnerships with public and private partners to further conservation goals in varied landscapes and the goals of the Conservancy, and keeps senior leadership in their area informed of fire program activities, goals, needs, risks and accomplishments. The FM will also work with state and federal agencies, municipal and private partners / landowners to facilitate prescribed fire in the community and help restore fire back to the landcape.
As part of the incumbent’s ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in wild land fire suppression activities in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee, or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined, short term federal employee).
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Oversees professional staff with responsibility for training, and development, but may not necessarily serve as supervisor; provides feedback on job performance to supervisor.
- May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
- Ensures that fire personnel qualification records are maintained; collects annual updates of information for IQCS and submits to National training office.
- Must build relationships with external parties and negotiate complex agreements to accomplish program goals.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.