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. 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 provides an open, transparent, and just organization and workplace. We strive for clear 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 is hiring for a seasonal, full time fuels reduction position in Fort Collins, Colorado! The Fuels Squad Leader position will play an integral role in reducing wildfire risk in northern Colorado. This position focuses on forest thinning and slash pile building to reduce hazardous fuels, while working in an efficient, cohesive team environment. There may be opportunities to assist on prescribed fires during the season, but this is not a guarantee. This position is nearly entirely outdoors and potentially at remote locations. Candidates should have a passion for improving forest health, increasing diversity and inclusion in the fire practitioner community, and creating operational excellence.

This is a supervisory position and is an excellent opportunity for those who have chainsaw and fire experience and would like to further develop existing leadership and mentoring skills.

A successful candidate will have a passion for developing chainsaw operation and prescribed fire skills and experience, the ability to embrace adversity and uncertainty, and a clear commitment to working with diverse populations in an inclusive environment. This is a supervisory Squad Leader position that will require evaluating, directing, and supporting 3 crewmembers. The position will primarily focus on fuels management and chainsaw operations, with the potential for prescribed fire operations, as part of a 4-person team on projects with various partners.

Duration of employment will be a minimum of 3 months, beginning September 2023, with the potential to extend depending upon workload and funding.


Responsibilities:

• Lead a 4-person squad on daily operations for a minimum of 3 months.
• Serve as an Intermediate Faller (FAL2) by supervising less qualified sawyers during felling and brushing operations.
• Create and maintain a supportive and inclusive work environment for early-career and new firefighters.
• Support logistical needs of the squad, including managing and maintaining supplies, equipment, vehicles, and other needs to complete burning and fuels reduction work.
• Complete administrative duties for the crew, including documentation, performance evaluation, and providing supportive feedback to crewmembers on a regular basis.
• Delegate tasks as necessary, capitalizing on employee strengths while also developing weaknesses.
• Operate and maintain chainsaws for felling and brushing on thinning and piling fuels reduction projects.
• Support other agencies’ prescribed burns as needed while professionally representing your own agency, if the opportunity arises.
• Travel for extended periods of time and work outside of normal business hours.
• Occasionally camp at remote work sites and contribute to crew meals and camp management.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to complete an arduous pack test (carry a 45lbs backpack for 3 miles in 45 minutes).
• Intermediate Faller (FAL2) and qualified Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2).
• Experience leading or teaching small groups.
• Strong leadership skills and a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and productive work culture.
• Ability to lead independently and make effective risk management decisions for a team.
• Experience coordinating with multiple off-site supervisors.
• Ability to complete various outdoor tasks, such as operating chainsaws, using hand tools, and implementing prescribed burns for up to 16 hours a day.
• Ability to work in difficult weather conditions on steep and broken terrain.
• Experience working in small teams, mitigating interpersonal conflicts, and communicating effectively.
• An understanding of the risk management process and dedication to a culture and practice of safety.
• Ability to work as part of a team in challenging circumstances and occasionally fast-paced environments.
• An understanding that prescribed fire may necessitate irregular and flexible schedules.
• A commitment to inclusion, embracing diversity, and supporting the team.
• Ability to evaluate changing environments and make effective and safe operational decisions.
• A growth-oriented mindset and ability to give/receive constructive feedback.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to motivate others in challenging circumstances and occasionally fast-paced environments.
• Experience resolving conflict between others and ability to maintain a calm, respectful demeanor.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license.
• Must be 18 years in age or older.
• Legally eligible to work in the U.S. and participate in a background check.

Desired Qualifications:

• Qualified Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)
• Single Resource Boss or in a position to open a SRB taskbook within two months of hire.
• Qualified Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 3 (RXB3) or RXB3 trainee.
• Completed M-410 Facilitative Instructor course or teaching equivalent.
• Experience creating and implementing SOPs and SOGs for projects and processes.
• Willingness to continue developing leadership skills and adapt to a variety of personalities and learning types.
• Strong mechanical inclination.
• First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or higher medical qualifications.

Candidates meeting 75% of the requirements are encouraged to apply. 

Applicant information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Fitness and Red Card Requirements: You must pass the arduous pack test annually (walk 3 miles with a 45lb pack in under 45 minutes) and maintain FFT1 and FAL2 currency. Copies of NWCG course certificates and position taskbooks will be required upon selection.

Employees must abide by The Ember Alliance’s current Covid policies, which as of date of this posting, proof of vaccination is required.


Schedule Requirements:
This is an at-will 3-month position, with potential to renew and/or extend.
Start date is September 2023.

Up to 25% of the job may require extended overnight travel. The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary and will be weather dependent. 10-12 hour days may be frequently 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 no notice is possible.


Pay and Benefits:
Pay: $21/hr
Overtime will be based on operational needs and is not guaranteed.

Paid leave and paid holiday benefits are provided. Employer-sponsored health and dental care coverage is available as soon as employment begins. Employer-matched retirement plan is available after 3 months of employment, with no vesting period required. Housing is not provided.


Location:
Duty location is Fort Collins, Colorado, but work site locations will vary.
Expect an average of two hours per day commuting to work sites on the clock in company vehicles.


How to Apply:
Interested applicants should review The Ember Alliance website and submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references on Smart Recruiters. Questions can be sent to Kristin Leger (kristin[at]emberalliance.org).

This position is open until filled, with candidate assessment beginning August 1, 2023. Please specify your earliest available start date.

The Ember Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.