Burn Boss/Restoration Technician

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Burn Boss to join our ecological restoration team. This key role oversees prescribed burning operations to restore and maintain natural ecosystems while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. When not conducting prescribed burns, the Burn Boss may participate in other fire related services such as fire suppression and ecological restoration and vegetation management activities.

Key Responsibilities: Fire Services:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute prescribed burns in accordance with ecological goals and project specifications.
• Lead and supervise burn crews during fire operations, ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed.
• Conduct pre-burn site assessments, including identifying risks, resources, and fire behavior considerations.
• Communicate with clients, landowners, and regulatory agencies to secure permits and approvals.
• Maintain and inspect equipment used in prescribed fire operations, ensuring proper functionality.
• Document burn activities, including post-burn evaluations and compliance with fire management plans.
• Assist with wildfire suppression efforts, including fireline construction, vegetation clearing, and mop-up operations as necessary.

Ecological Restoration & Vegetation Management:

• Invasive species control, habitat restoration, and vegetation monitoring.
• Implement and manage invasive species control measures using herbicide applications, mowing, planting, and other management methods.
• Conduct vegetation monitoring to assess project success and make recommendations for adaptive management.
• Operate and maintain small and medium equipment, such as chainsaws, brush cutters, ATVs, UTVs, agricultural tractors, skid loaders, marsh masters, etc.
• Contribute to the development of restoration management plans and schedules.

Qualifications:

• Certified as a Minnesota Burn Boss Type 2 (or equivalent) or higher.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in prescribed fire operations and ecological restoration.
• 1 year working as a supervisor or lead employee.
• Possess, or obtain within 3 months of hire, qualifications as Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2).
• Proficiency in fire behavior modeling, burn planning, and implementing fire safety protocols.
• Knowledge of ecological principles, native plant species, and vegetation management techniques.
• Experience with tools and equipment used in vegetation management and prescribed fire.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage and train burn crews.
• Valid driver's license
• CDL preferred or willingness to obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Ability to work outdoors in challenging conditions.
• Pesticide applicator certification or willingness to obtain.
• Experience with mapping and data collection tools.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations related to prescribed fire.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $27-$32 per hour
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.

Join our team and play a critical role in restoring and preserving ecosystems through fire and land stewardship.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of time standing and walking.
• Successful passage of physical exam and fitness test, based on an arduous fire position under the Interagency Wildfire Qualification Standards, required.
• Maintain safe, clean working conditions, facilities, and equipment.
• Working in high heat, high-stress situations.
• Exposure to fire and smoke.
• Able to work long hours, including early mornings, late evenings and weekends during the fire seasons.
Willing to travel extensively, with overnight stays, as the fire seasons demand.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature of this job. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all requirements for this position, nor does it constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

MNL was founded in 1998 as an Ecological Restoration company that specializes in the preservation and restoration of native plant communities throughout Minnesota and the Midwest. Our dedicated staff has experience designing, installing, and maintaining native ecosystems for: government entities, corporate campuses, energy providers and distributers, and the general public. In addition to our extensive service offerings, we also produce a wide variety of native plants and seed. MNL operates out of four locations in Minnesota, with our headquarters just off I-94 in Otsego. For more information, please visit our website at www.MNLcorp.com. Join us in our mission to heal the earth by positively impacting 10 million acres by 2030!