Ecosystem Restoration Team Members, Florida

~ Wildland Restoration International is a 501(c)(3), non-profit conservation organization that focuses on integrated fire management.  Our mission is to help humanity manage fire for the benefit of people and wildlife.  Learn more about WRI at our website. ~

WRI’s Florida Ecosystem Restoration Teams add crucial firepower that gets more good prescribed burning done. Gopher Tortoises, Scrub Jays, Indigo Snakes, and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers rely on habitats requiring regular rejuvenation from fire. Without frequent fire, these animals and many others disappear from the landscape. On sandhill and scrub, flatwoods and dry prairie, WRI’s Florida ERTs work on protected lands in urgent and ongoing need of prescribed burning.

When they aren’t burning, the Teams provide habitat restoration (hardwood thinning, invasive plant control, etc.) and deliver training for both local and international partners, empowering others to also carry on this crucial work at home and around the globe.

Position Overview

We are searching for conservation-minded high-performers ready to commit to a year-round professional fire position based in the prescribed fire capital of the U.S. Several FFT2 Positions are open.

The Ecosystem Restoration Team (ERT) Member supports the Team Leader in the safe and effective functioning of the ERT.  S/he contributes to the success of the organization by operating with high reliability, implementing superlative fire and stewardship projects, collaborating enthusiastically with many partners, and remaining flexible as plans evolve in response to weather and partner needs.

• Status: Full-time, year-round with benefits. Optional furloughs are available for wildfire details.
• Start Date: Immediately, with positions remaining open until filled.
• Locations: Positions are open in two of WRI’s Florida bases (Tampa/Sarasota and Gainesville); some financial assistance for relocation is available.
• Reports to: Team Leader.

Responsibilities

Field Operations:

• Participate on prescribed burns.
• Use power equipment and hand tools to improve firebreaks and treat overgrown vegetation.
• Conduct herbicide applications for invasive plant control.
• Exemplify High Reliability Organizing principles, and commit to excellent conservation and operational outcomes.
• Contribute thoughtful and constructive input to after action reviews and during action reviews to improve Team safety, efficacy, efficiency, and internal/external communications.
• Use WRI vehicles and equipment with care and maintain them in a fire-ready status.
• Collaborate with the Team Leader and partners when opportunities arise to deliver experiential and classroom-based wildland fire training.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Manage Information and Materials:

• Retain records and receipts as directed by the Team Leader.

Represent WRI Internally and Externally:

• Communicate professionally and productively with WRI colleagues, partner organizations, public officials, media, and the public.
• Develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with existing and potential partners.

WRI Policy:

• Master existing policies, practices, and processes.
• Provide constructive input when opportunities are identified for updating policies and practices to increase WRI’s ability to meet its mission.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Meet the National Wildland Coordinating Group qualifications and standards for Firefighter Type 2.
• At least 1 season of experience in wildland or prescribed fire operations.
• Bachelor’s degree or greater in natural sciences, natural resource management, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to effectively communicate with colleagues, consistently exemplify a commitment to High Reliability Organizing principles, practice good followership, and when called upon, good leadership.
• Ability and willingness to perform difficult physical work for extended and irregular periods, under adverse conditions and in various extremes of weather.
• Excellent physical conditioning and the ability to complete a standardized 3-mile fitness test carrying a 45-pound pack while walking on flat terrain in less than 45 minutes.
• Ability to safely, effectively, and efficiently use and maintain common wildland fire hand tools, brush-cutters, leaf blowers, chainsaws, and pumps/hose-lays.
• Ability to safely, effectively, and efficiently operate wildland fire type six and seven engines, and ATVs/UTVs.
• Demonstrate basic proficiency with email, word processing, spreadsheet software, and Global Positioning System technology.
• Strong organizational skills applied to paper record keeping, payroll submission, and vehicle and equipment maintenance.
• Valid state or international driver’s license, clean driving record, and the ability to drive four-wheel drive vehicles while towing a trailer.
• Experience and willingness to live in rustic conditions or camp for extended periods.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently and on short notice for extended periods.
• CPR/First Aid certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience conducting restoration work and prescribed burns in Eastern, U.S. ecosystems and fuels.
• NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3) qualification and ATV/UTV certification preferred.
• Mechanical experience, i.e., troubleshooting and repairing trucks, UTVs, small engines, electrical wiring, etc.
• First Responder, EMT, or Wilderness EMT certification.

Work Conditions:

• This position requires the ability and willingness to perform difficult physical work for extended and irregular periods, under adverse conditions and in various extremes of weather.
• Excellent physical conditioning and the ability to complete a standardized 3-mile fitness test carrying a 45-pound pack while walking on flat terrain in less than 45 minutes.
• Frequent travel throughout Central Florida with occasional overnight travel elsewhere in Florida and out-of-state, sometimes with short notice.
• Florida has a long fire season, throughout which time work days can be long.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your letter of interest, 3 references, and resumé to Tammy Serata or via post at PO Box 1983, Duxbury, MA 02331.
• Job posting remains open until positions are filled.
• Applicants are encouraged to carefully proof read their application materials, as correct grammar, spelling, and formatting are indicative of attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

~ WRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all persons. ~