Prescribed Fire Specialist

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever is seeking 2 qualified Prescribed Fire Specialists to increase prescribed fire capacity throughout Nebraska in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC). Primary responsibilities of this position include the development of training workshops for private landowners, resource professionals and other stakeholders. Participate in, coordinate, and lead prescribed fire training burns. Coordinate, assist, and start local Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) as needed. Write and review prescribed burn plans for private landowners and wildlife biologists. This position will require a self-starter with excellent communication and organizational skills, and a strong work ethic. This effort will provide an opportunity to make significant contributions to the conservation of natural resources in Nebraska. This position will be a full-time employee of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.

· Develop, organize, and deliver in-person and online workshops pertaining to the implementation and planning of prescribed fire to increase and enhance opportunities for private landowners, resource professionals, and other stakeholders.

· Participate in, coordinate, and lead prescribed fire training burns for staff, partners, PBAs, and volunteer fire departments.

· Work closely with Nebraska NRCS field office staff to support planning and implementation of prescribed fire and firebreak practices.

· Work with partners, stakeholders, and staff to support Nebraska PBAs to include growing membership and increasing prescribed fire, including forming and organizing new ones.

· Write, coordinate, and review burn plans for private landowners, partners, and staff.

· Use proactive conservation techniques to identify and garner support for prescribed fire on private lands.

· Develop education and outreach materials such as guides, factsheets, videos, and social media posts.

· Conduct site visits with landowners to provide guidance on firebreak design, burn plans, and follow up management utilizing conservation practices.

· Coordinate the purchase, use, maintenance, and repair of prescribed fire equipment for local Prescribed Burn Associations and Pheasants Forever around the state, tracking equipment inventories.

· Increase credibility and support of prescribed fire with private landowners, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the general public.