The Fire Program Director establishes TNC as a major conservation partner within the fire management community and leads in defining conservation priorities and long-term conservation strategies. They develop key partnerships with public and private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices. They engage local community support for local conservation efforts, and negotiates complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and landowners to conserve and protect natural communities. They develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to manage natural systems to build resilience in the face of climate change.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Oversees the NC burn program with an average of 130 burns per year on TNC preserves and partner lands. Within NC there are 5 burn bosses (RXB2 or RXB3), 18 fire-trained regular staff with fire as a component of their job, and 50 seasonal fire staff hired annually by field staff.
- Reviews and approves burn plans, supports day-to-day burn planning and operations, and provides fire personnel training and development.
- Plays a prominent role in facilitating the Southern Blue Ridge Fire Learning Network for TNC, with 8 project areas in the mountains of NC, SC, GA and TN.
- Manages grants, e.g. USFS Region 8 funds that support fire crew modules based in NC, GA and KY/TN.
- Advises TNC supervisors on the performance management, training, and career development of fire staff.
- Represents TNC on the NC Prescribed Fire Council and the NC Fire Environment Committee.
- Builds relationships with external parties and negotiates and administers complex agreements to accomplish program goals. Manages cooperative fire agreements with state and federal partners.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Frequently makes independent decision based on analysis, experience, and context.
- Works closely with program directors, burn bosses, stewardship managers, and scientists to develop strategies to meet conservation and fire management objectives.
- Ensures that fire personnel qualification records are maintained; collects annual updates of information for IQCS and submits to national training office.