Job Description

Office Location:

Cushing, Minnesota, United States

Ely, Minnesota, United States

#LI-ONSITE

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

As our Forest Modules Supervisor, you will be primarily responsible for overseeing our two Fire Modules dedicated to expanding prescribed fire in the forested lands of Minnesota. Our ‘Fire in the Forest Module’ is based in Cushing, MN. The ‘Northwoods Module’ is based in Ely, MN.  The Modules implement prescribed broadcast and pile burns, prepare firebreaks, maintain their fire equipment, fell trees and cut brush, and control invasive species. The Modules also deliver trainings for experienced and new practitioners, and present at public events.

You will be responsible for supervising and supporting two Module Leads (Burn Crew Managers.) That includes participating on prescribed fire operations, site preparation, plan writing, and training preparation, and training delivery. You will work directly beside the Module Leads in the field and will provide them guidance, training, and support. That includes providing performance management and career development support for your team.  You will coordinate seasonal hiring and onboarding with the Module Leads, coordinate logistics for Module members out-of-state details and trainings, and coordinate incoming out-of-state detailers.  You will contribute to and sometimes lead prescribed fire and wildland fire training for TNC staff and partners.

As our Forest Module Supervisor, you will also be heavily relied upon to build relationships with partners.  You will collaborate with agency, Tribal, and non-profit partners. You will also engage with community members to share information about and build social license for prescribed fire.

Although you will primarily be based at a TNC office in Central or Northeastern Minnesota, you will be expected to assist at times with prescribed and wildland fire operations and trainings in other parts of the United States.  Those assignments may be administered by TNC’s North America Fire program, and/or through details with federal and state agency partners. Occasional travel and camping may be required.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Are you interesting in working in habitats ranging from boreal forests to pine, and oak forests and savannas, to prairie openings and wetlands? We’re looking for someone who can perform tasks with minimal supervision and make independent decisions based on strong analytical skills. Someone who will be able to skilfully balance the practice of high reliability principles with expanding the Modules’ conservation impact. Someone with excellent communication and collaboration skills, can manage and prioritize projects (from start to end.) If this sounds like you, we invite you to join us and apply today!

This is a salaried position with a targeted start date of March 10, 2025.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in training and managing staff and/or volunteers.
• Experience in prescribed burning and wildfire suppression, qualified as a FFT1.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, e.g., agency fire staff, Indigenous people, private landowners, etc. (cross/multi-cultural experience a plus!)
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience in ecological land management principles.
• Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
• Must have a valid driver’s license. Please indicate this in your resume.

In addition, the following DESIRED skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role, but are not required. For applicants without these, please view these as areas or skillsets where you will have opportunities for growth and professional development, and on the job training.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• NWCG FAL2 qualified, or comparable chainsaw experience.
• Ability and willingness to apply learned science (current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation) to decision-making and guide activities.
• Experience with canoeing and snowshoeing.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

Additional Job Information:

TNC also fosters an environment supportive of empowering our employees, amplifying an equitable workforce, and creating opportunities to participate in our nine Employee Resource Groups.

In alignment with the global organization, the Tri-State chapter is making an intentional effort to creating a community of inclusivity and belonging through collaboration and feedback. We’re committed to building a culture based on trust, transparency, empathy, and accountability. We value individuality and difference of backgrounds and ideas, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Auto Safety Policy:

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $50,000 – $60,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

How to Apply

Apply Now:

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 40,000 - 60,000.

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