Overview
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.
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.
Qualifications:
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 cert.
Required Skills:
-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
Preferred Skills:
-Understanding of fire weather factors.
-Basic chainsaw operation.
-Fire ecology, habitat management, and/or ecosystem restoration.
-Experience working in ecosystem types of Minnesota and Upper Midwest.
-Experience working with drones or UAV for imagery capture and data collection.
-Ability to maintain a strong positive attitude and composure during unpredictable situations.
-Experience with native and non-native plant identification.
-Basic small engine maintenance.
About Native Resource Preservation
Our LIGHT ON THE LAND philosophy guides our land ethic and approach to restoration. We understand the need to conserve natural resources and restore native habitat without further damaging the soil and existing native communities. Therefore, we aim to conserve and restore native habitat through non-intensive restoration techniques.
This means more boots on the ground work with light equipment, safe herbicide use, and minimal disruption of existing soil communities and native vegetation. When projects require the use of heavy machinery, all of our equipment has been designed to provide minimal compressive impact on the soil with industry low psi, and our operators are trained to avoid ground rutting and tearing whenever possible. This requires extra work and planning, but we believe it is worth it.
