POSITION DESCRIPTION
Prescribed Fire Technician
Reports to: Joint Base Lewis McChord Program Manager
Location: Olympia, Washington
Type: Temporary/Seasonal Full-time
Non-Exempt
Compensation: $15.00 – $17.00 hourly – DOE; with benefits
Period: Seasonal, Estimated April 19 through October 15, 2021

Overview Summary:
The Prescribed Fire Technician will work with a team in the maintenance and restoration of prairie sites in the South Puget Sound region of Washington, with a focus on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). This position will primarily support our cooperative prescribed fire program with burn unit preparations, equipment maintenance and rehabilitation and prescribed fire operations. Prescribed fire skills are desirable, but not required for this position. This position may also support wildfire operations on base for training or monitoring purposes. Other duties may include participation in our habitat restoration and invasive species management at JBLM and in the region.

The position entails regular strenuous physical activity and occasional operation of heavy equipment. Most of the work will be conducted on an active military base and work projects are safely adjacent to military training exercises and small and large munitions.
We are looking for someone with a solid team-oriented work ethic, interpersonal skills who can maintain a positive attitude during long field days. This position will regularly interact with other staff, partners and volunteers and maintenance of positive relationships is important. The Technician must also be able to work independently, completing substantial tasks without direct supervision or through the supervision of conservation partners, including federal and state agency personnel, such as the WA Dept. of Natural Resources, WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and Joint Base Lewis McChord. The South Sound Prairie Program is science-based and the Technician will be required to document and appropriately file relevant data on a regular basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Participate on controlled burns. Achieve and maintain qualification as Firefighter Type 2 under NWCG guidelines. May work towards advanced qualifications such as Firefighter Type 1.
• Work with personnel, volunteers, partners and equipment and other resources to successfully complete fire line and burn unit preparation projects.
• Support efforts to control invasive plant species
• Operate equipment such as tractor with rotary brush cutter, engine powered chipper/shredder, chain saws, hand-operated gas-powered brush cutters and other heavy and light equipment.
• Work collaboratively with resource agencies, consultants, and other conservation organizations.
• Assist with other natural resource management operations as requested including tree planting, herbicide application and controlled burning activities. Must obtain appropriate Washington State pesticide license and firefighting certification.
• Conduct quantitative monitoring of pest and native species under the guidance of Prairie Restoration Team members and partner’s scientists.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned.
• Work with personnel, equipment and other resources to successfully complete prairie restoration projects
• Regularly update and access relevant field information with database that will inform management planning, communicate accomplishments and facilitate efficient and effective field work. This requires use of online GIS and database management software.

REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; brush cutters, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio, etc)
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
• One year of work or personal experience conducting physical work in an outdoor setting (natural resources, ecological restoration, agriculture, trail maintenance, etc.) Completion of or progress towards BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field desirable but not required.
• Knowledge of native systems and ecological land management principles and the ability to learn and recognize plant and animal species is desirable.
• Ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
• Obtain related licenses or certifications such as first aid, CPR, herbicide application, driver’s license, Firefighter Type II qualification.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers) and familiarity with ArcMap GIS and other database systems.

WORKING CONDITIONS
• Regularly works in natural areas and at native plant nurseries and seed production fields. Hikes across, and conducts work within, native habitats and uneven ground.
• Regularly sits or stands at a desk or computer workstation.
• Regularly required to operate a Ecostudies Institute vehicle.
• Frequently works alone.
• Responsible for some evening and weekends including travel.
• Uses or supervises the use of pesticides and or other chemical substances.
• Uses or supervises the use of powered equipment such as weed trimmers and chain saws
• Regularly works around wildland fires
• Uses hand tools and operates nursery equipment.
• Regularly lifts, positions, or otherwise moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

TO APPLY
Please send a resume, concise cover letter, and three references to mmckinley@ecoinst.org and njohnson@ecoinst.org. Applications will be evaluated as received with priority given to applications received before by March 19.

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Ecostudies Institute is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Ecostudies Institute management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Ecostudies Institute and the employee and is subject to change by Ecostudies Institute as the needs of the Ecostudies Institute and requirements of the job change.