Carterville, Illinois, USA

IL507

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.”

The Women In Fire Coordinator works as part of the Southern Illinois Interagency Habitat and Fuels Crew (SIIHFC) within TNC’s interagency agreement with the Shawnee National Forest, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Southern Illinois Prescribed Burn Association, and others. The purpose of the Women In Fire Fellowship (WIF) is to prepare women, trans, and nonbinary candidates for entry or mid-level Fire and Aviation Management (FAM) positions with the US Forest Service or other partner agencies. This is a permanent, full-time (35+ hours a week), salaried position based in Carterville, Illinois.

The Women In Fire Coordinator administers the Women In Fire Fellowship, supervising and guiding the development of 2-4 fellows each year. This position also serves as a trainer and auxiliary burn crew leader for the SIIHFC under the direction of the Burn Crew Manager, or other leadership positions. They shall strive to build and maintain relationships within our organization, partnership, and in the local communities where TNC works. As part of the WIF Coordinator’s ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for staying up-to-date with current best management practices (BMPs), techniques, and equipment, and are encouraged to engage in activities to maintain/grow their overall experience and National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualifications. This may include participation in multi-day/week, out-of-state wildland fire assignments in partnership with other nonprofits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee or short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an administratively determined, short-term federal employee).

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Functions as a leader, mentor, and member of a work crew in a dynamic team environment.
• Administers the Women In Fire Fellowship.
• Participates in the annual hiring cycle of fellows and oversees their onboarding.
• Develops and oversees training plans for formal and informal training, in addition to coordinating opportunities for interdisciplinary job shadowing.
• Mentors the fellows in wildland fire operations, natural resource stewardship activities, equipment maintenance, resume writing, and other aspects of professional development.
• Coordinates with program staff and partners to ensure important aspects of the fellowship are completed in a timely manner (e.g. hiring, recruitment events, selection/completion of the fellows’ final projects, etc.)
• Serves as an ambassador of the Women In Fire Fellowship and TNC to raise awareness and support of the program and our greater organization in recruitment and fundraising efforts.
• Approves timesheets and expense reports of their direct reports.
• Serves as a crew leader in the absence of the Burn Crew Manager or when personnel are allocated to support multiple operations.
• Assists partners in the preparation and implementation of prescribed fire, wildfire suppression, non-native invasive species removal, timber stand improvement, monitoring/inventory projects, and other stewardship activities.
• Maintains a safety-first mindset and high level of situational awareness to identify and mitigate potential hazards to ensure the physical and mental health of the crew.
• Performs arduous work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience in prescribed fire and/or wildfire suppression, natural resource management or similar field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing, training, and mentoring staff or volunteers is required.
• Qualified as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1 - Squad Boss) with a completed Position Task Book.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners to include federal and state agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and private landowners.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. in the development of reports, technical documents, training and reference guides, infographics, and presentations for professional, public, and donor engagement.
• Ability to pass the Work Capacity Test (pack test) at the Arduous Level by completing a 3-mile walk with a 45-pound weight vest in 45 minutes or less.
• Ability to obtain and maintain related licenses or certifications as required. (Pesticide Applicator, First Aid/CPR/AED, etc.).
• Must have valid driver's license.

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

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.

To apply for job ID 52726, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.