VA Pinelands Burn Boss & Stewardship Manager

Position Overview The Virginia Pinelands Burn Boss & Stewardship Manager position focuses on prescribed fire management and forest stewardship in southeastern Virginia. The role is headquartered at TNC’s Virginia Pinelands office in Waverly, VA and reports to the Virginia Pinelands Program Director. Core Responsibilities Direct prescribed fire operations and develop prescribed burn plans and site fire management plans under guidance of the Fire Manager for VA. Lead and manage safe and effective fire operations, conduct burns on TNC and partner lands, and maintain crew training and documentation. Oversee seasonal fire crew members, volunteers, and permanent staff; manage fireline construction and maintenance, equipment maintenance, and data entry. Build and maintain relationships with state, federal, and non‑profit partners, landowners, volunteers, and interns. Update and apply new burn techniques and equipment; maintain and grow professional fire certification credentials. Coordinate participation in wildland fire suppression activities with partners and may serve as a volunteer or short‑term employee of partner entities. When prescribed fire is not feasible, lead or assist with restoration timber sales, native groundcover restoration, invasive species control, endangered species management, and maintain preserve infrastructure. Assist with fundraising actions, including donor field trips and grant proposal preparation. Administer budget tasks, negotiate contracts, and support contract conduct and conservation easement monitoring. Minimum Qualifications Preferred NWCG qualifications for RxB2; consider equivalent experience from non‑NWCG agencies and candidates meeting NWCG qualifications for Single Resource Boss (FIRB, ENGB) with additional progress toward burn boss qualification. See for full explanation. Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience building relationships with various stakeholders, including state, federal agency partners, and non‑profit organizations. Must meet annual physical fitness requirements specified in NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications (PMS 310‑1). Demonstrated ability to complete tasks independently and meet timelines. Proficiency in written, spoken, and graphical communication in English and other relevant languages. Experience with common software applications such as Word, Excel, and web browsers. Valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program; employees may not use Conservancy‑owned vehicles if considered high‑risk drivers. Desired Qualifications Full satisfaction of NWCG qualifications for RxB2. More than 3 years’ experience in fire operations or natural resource management. Forestry experience, including writing forest management plans and supervising forestry consultants and loggers. Experience training and supervising staff, burn crew members, and volunteers. Demonstrated ability and interest in private landowner outreach and community engagement. Familiarity with ecological management of the longleaf pine ecosystem. Experience with grant proposal writing and administration. Experience with GIS mapping software such as ArcMap or ArcPro. Multilingual skills and experience with multicultural or cross‑cultural contexts appreciated. Willingness to live within a 30‑minute drive of Waverly, VA or within the Pinelands Program Area. Salary Information Starting pay range: $66,000 – $89,000 (USA only). Actual pay within this range will be based on location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Benefits TNC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes 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, and other life and work well‑being benefits. Equal Opportunity Employer The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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. The successful applicant must meet the requirements of TNC’s background screening process. TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to View email address on click.appcast.io with Request for Accommodation in the subject line. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Nature Conversancy