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The successful candidate will have strong experience in conducting wildland fire training events (with a particular focus on 100-200-level courses and saw training), extensive prescribed fire and wildland fire experience, strong communication skills, and a clear commitment to working with diverse populations. They will work independently under direction of the Assistant Director of Training to: 

• Plan and implement training events for TEA, partner organizations (state, federal, non-profit, youth corps, Department of Defense lands, etc.) 
• Improve existing NWCG curriculum to be more diverse, inclusive, and engaging (100 and 200 level). Assist partners in implementation of 300 and higher-level classes as needed 
• Develop and implement blended curriculum including asynchronously (at your own pace), virtually (instructor led online) and experientially (hands-on) 
• Incorporate ‘non-traditional’ soft skills into NWCG courses (e.g. self-care/stress management, conflict resolution, anti-bullying, active bystander, etc.)  
• Train underserved and underrepresented populations (POC, women, landowners, Department of Defense, etc.) 
• Build skills and confidence for fire practitioners from all backgrounds and experience levels in an inclusive and supportive learning environment 
• Recruit and train additional instructors to build a diverse call-when-needed instructor base – (diverse demographically and in knowledge/agency) 
• Build capacity in the fire management community, particularly for prescribed fire 
• Manage work assignments with minimal direction from supervisors 
• May oversee staff, volunteers, and individuals or crews from other agencies or organizations when serving in a leadership role during training or fire operations 
• Engage in prescribed fire and wildfire operations and support a prescribed fire IMT in a Training Specialist and/or Safety Officer position 
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, including a commitment to principles of Duty, Integrity and Respect. Actively participate in creating a kind, safe and healthy work environment which encourages the diversity, equity and inclusion of all people. 

The position can be tailored to accommodate the candidate’s desired life/work balance – 50-80% of the position will be involved in planning and conducting training events and 20-50% of the time will be spent as an operational resource on the GPPFM. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Qualified as at least Single Resource Boss, FAL2, FEMO 
• M-410 or teaching equivalent and ability to be lead instructor for 200-level NWCG courses 
• Experience coordinating and implementing National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) classes in person and/or virtually including S-130/190 and S-212 
• Clear verbal communication skills and strong organizational skills 
• Strong interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for teaching 
• Effective knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite) 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience teaching diverse populations, especially 18-25 young adults from underserved and underrepresented communities, including Conservation Crews or Youth Corps 
• Knowledge of adult learning pedagogy and/or experience training peers in teaching methodology 
• Knowledge of Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Brightspace or Canvas 
• Graphic design or videography skills  
• Experience with project management and/or experience writing grants, proposals, and budgets  
• Experience working with partner organizations to organize and implement training events 
• Experience as cadre on a Training Exchange (TREX) 
• Experience working on Department of Defense (DoD) lands (military installations) 
• Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) or Type 2 Burn Boss (RXB2) 
• Wilderness First Responder or higher medical qualifications 
• Strong saw skills and saw skill training experience 

We strongly encourage any individual that meets 80% or more of requirements to apply. 

Fitness and Red Card Requirements: 

You must pass the arduous pack test annually and maintain a Red Card with currency as a SRB and FAL2. 

Projects may require remote work outdoors in adverse conditions on steep and rugged terrain and/or in inclement and variable weather conditions. Employees must abide by The Ember Alliance’s current Covid policies. 

Schedule Requirements: 

The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary depending on operational needs. Projects may require working 10-12 hour days and/or outside of normal business hours, working during weekends and/or up to 14 days continuously, and travel for extended periods of time. Flexible work schedules will be considered to accommodate family or other commitments.

Pay and Benefits: 

Pay: $25/hr. Overtime is expected and will be based on operational needs. Paid leave and paid holiday benefits are provided. Employer-sponsored health and dental care coverage is available as soon as employment begins. The Ember Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. 

Location: 

The Ember Alliance is headquartered in Fort Collins; GPPFM is based in Loveland, CO. Our team works nationally on training assignments, suppression and prescribed fire, and fuels treatments projects. 20-50% of the job will require extended travel. The opportunity to work from a home office on administrative projects will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for individuals with a proven record of successful independent remote work.

The successful candidate will have strong organizational skills, planning document generation experience, entrepreneurial attitude and aptitude, and a desire to support ecological forestry and fire practices in the Intermountain West. This position is not a primary fire position. Previous wildland fire operational experience is not required, but a desire to participate in prescribed fire is supported. They will: 

• Support and/or lead planning document generation, including community wildfire protection plans, research products, other similar projects.  
• Manage work assignments with minimal direction from supervisors. 
• Provide planning support for other Ember Alliance projects, including Ember Alliance Fire Operations activities. 
• Coordinate with project partners to ensure planning and personnel needs are met. 
• As needed and desired, may support Ember Alliance prescribed fire and wildfire operations. 
• May represent the Colorado program at local and regional meetings. 
• May work in variable weather conditions, in remote locations, and on difficult or hazardous terrain and / or in other physically demanding environments. 

• Clear verbal and written communication skills. 
• Solid technical writing skills 
• Self-direction 
• GIS experience 
• Fire and forest ecology and management knowledge. 
• Bachelor’s or Masters in fire ecology, forestry, or other natural resources. 
• Effective knowledge of common software applications. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Previous experience authoring fire management documents such as community wildfire protection plans, fire management plans, and forest management plans. 
• NEPA experience 
• Grant writing experience 
• Project management experience 
• Prescribed fire and/or wildfire suppression experience 

We encourage any individual that meets 75% or more of requirements to apply.  

Fitness and Red Card Requirements: 

You must pass the arduous pack test annually to maintain a Red Card with currency as a qualified wildland firefighter.

Projects may require remote work outdoors in adverse conditions on steep and rugged terrain and/or in inclement and variable weather conditions. Employees must abide by The Ember Alliance’s current Covid policies. 

Work Details and Benefits: Most work will be conducted in the home office until COVID-19 restrictions allow for returning to in-person office work.

Field operations work schedule: The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary and will be weather dependent. 10-12 hour days may be required. Projects may require working during weekends and/or up to 14 days continuously. Travel for extended periods of time, stay overnight near project locations, and work outside of normal business hours with little to no notice.

Duty Location: Loveland, CO. Project work will require travel to other locations.

Hourly wage: $19 per hour. Some overtime is expected during prescribed fire events and will be based on operational needs. 

Equipment: The Ember Alliance will provide full PPE (nomex shirts-2, pants-2, line gear and shelter, helmet, ear/eye protection, leather gloves), and first aid kit. These items must be returned to the Ember Alliance upon completion of your employment. 

Health Insurance Benefits: A health insurance benefits guide will be shared prior to employment so that new employees can select between three plans, with additional dental options. Employer matches 80% for individual health plans. $50,000 life insurance is paid by the employer with options to expand coverage.

Accrued personal leave: Hours of accrued leave are dependent upon hours worked in a month. Ten hours are accrued at the end of each month if working full time (at 87.5% or more capacity), 7.5 hours are accrued if working 62.5 – 87.4%, and so forth as detailed in the Employee Handbook. 

Sick Days: Each employee gets six paid sick days per year. 

Family Leave: Employees are eligible for five weeks of paid family leave. 

Holidays: 10 paid holidays per year, following the Federal holiday model.

Company Description

The Ember Alliance is a national organization of wildland fire practitioners, researchers, analysts, and instructors dedicated to increasing the pace and scale of prescribed fire and planning. The Ember Alliance is dedicated to supporting fire as a natural process in fire-adapted ecosystems on a landscape scale to improve ecosystem function and health and increase wildfire resilience.

The Ember Alliance is a new nonprofit based in Colorado. The position will be part of the Resilient Communities and Forests Colorado program and will provide secondary support to the Ember Alliance’s Fire Management program.   

The Ember Alliance provides an open, transparent, and just organization and workplace. We strive for clear, open, and kind communication and are committed to centering, recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and supporting fire practitioners from traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities. We are dedicated to building a better way to do fire management, that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, that supports work / life balance, and provides an environment that supports growth. 

The Ember Alliance will actively support your professional development. You will have an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and access to paid training on an annual basis. Additionally, the Fire Operations Program will actively support suppression fire assignment opportunities for you, via our partner network. Additionally, you will have a ‘position review’ every six months. The review will be an opportunity for both you and your supervisor to evaluate if your actual job duties meet your position description and adjust accordingly.