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Are you passionate about prescribed burning of prairie, forest and wetlands in Iowa? Prudenterra is looking for a Fire Associate to execute safe and efficient burns throughout Iowa.

The majority of this job is working outside on active prescribed fire projects using hand tools and operating fire suppression equipment. In addition, some time will be spent helping organize and clean the shop and associated equipment.

This position is seasonal, part-time to full-time, hours are variable 8-40 hours per week. At least 250 hours can be expected working on an active fireline. Work must be completed during the regular work week Monday through Friday and on an occasional Saturday or Sunday. It offers a semi-flexible schedule in a work environment that offers experience in conservation work in Iowa, training, and oftentimes working outdoors. The hours of work per week is highly dependent on weather with fewer hours during September and more hours in October, November, December, and fewer hours again in January. The position may be renewed again approximately March 15 to May 15, 2020. Reports to Operations Coordinator, Michael Gourd.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct projects as described in estimates which includes:
  • Prescribed burns: Burn grasslands and woodlands safely with prescribed fire techniques (backfire, flank fire, wet line) as a member of the burn crew.
  • Seeding: Seed prairie with broadcast seeder and no-till drill seeder.
  • Tree and Shrub planting: Place container-grown and bare-root nursery stock trees and shrubs into the earth at the proper depth, spacing, and diversity by hand and with the aid of a machine planter, gas powered auger, and shovel/hand tools. 
  • Mowing: Mow with rotary cutter mounted on a tractor, a riding lawn mower and other mowing equipment as needed.
  • Chainsaw operation: Perform woodland or prairie management
  • Herbicide application: Mix and apply herbicides safely around tree/shrub seedlings, on cut stumps and on trunk girdles with backpack sprayer or handheld spray bottle. Prepare larger sites with broadcast spray of herbicide with a small boom sprayer. Under the direction of a Certified Pesticide Applicator if you do not yet have your license.
  • And Other Duties as Assigned by Supervisor: this may include helping fix vehicles, equipment, cleaning the shop, helping with the tree nursery, etc.

• Purchase up to $500 of work supplies (fuel, oil, food for crews), each month by use of a company credit card, submit receipts, properly coded to Executive Assistant weekly.

Skills Required

• Work well with others: Effective and direct communicator. Welcoming and friendly to clients, and a good team member. Able to communicate via phone call, text, email, and online server.
• Reliable: Punctual, dependable, organized. Highly motivated and self-directed, whether working independently or collaboratively.
• Mindful of Equipment and Safety: Treats equipment with appropriate care and caution to ensure that it will be long-lasting. Aware of surroundings at all times to ensure the safety of all crew members. 

Other Useful Skills

• Botanical Identification: Learn to identify common species by bark and buds. Common name by genus is sufficient–i.e. hickory, oak, elm, ash
• Equipment Maintenance: Clean, maintain, and repair small tools and equipment such as small engine chainsaws, pole saws, and weed trimmers of various makes and models (Stihl 192/193, 261MC, 362, etc.), as well as a 45 hp tractor and a Kawasaki Mule.

Useful Certifications

• Pesticide Application: Iowa Commercial Certified Pesticide Applicators’ License Core Manual as well as Forest Pest Add-on, Ornamental & Turf Add-on.
• Prescribed Fire: National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) S130/S190 Fire Training Courses.

Job Requirements

• Operating Equipment:
  • Must have some experience operating chainsaws and be willing to hone skills and safety practices.

• Working:
  • Able to conduct physically demanding work, crouch over, and lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Work outside in seasonally variable conditions, and wear appropriate protective clothing.
• Driving:
  • Hold a valid driver’s license, and have a good driving record.
  • Follow safe driving practices
  • Able to commute in own vehicle to Prudenterra headquarters near Nevada, Iowa.

Compensation

Starting hourly pay rate of $10.50-$11.50 per hour.

Track and report hours to Executive Assistant/HR Manager. Overtime is not to be expected, but in the case that is does: Overtime pay is offered for weeks when work is performed in excess of 40 hours, and days worked in excess of 10 hours in a 24-hour period.

Mileage

Most travel to job sites is conducted in Prudenterra vehicles, but in cases when employees must drive a personal vehicle from Prudenterra headquarters to a job site, mileage is reimbursed.

Benefits

Workers’ Compensation Insurance is provided in the event of a work-related injury or accident. 

Start Date

September or October 2019 

Due to the financial responsibilities of the position, the employee may be asked to furnish a recent personal credit report. 

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume with three professional references to Sam Reber, Project Manager at sam@prudenterra.com. Open until filled.