Extension Associate in Wildland Fire

The College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University (NCSU) is hiring a dynamic and effective educator for the position of Extension Associate in Wildland Fire.

This is a full-time, grant-funded professional staff position (expected through June 30, 2029) that joins the 11-person Extension Forestry team. The position is dedicated to expanding North Carolina’s capacity for safe and effective prescribed fire implementation. This role’s primary focus is prescribed fire training and education, including serving as essential operational leadership during burns and providing expert instruction (including NWCG training, coordinating the student “Fire Pack” crew), serving a varied audience of students, landowners, and partners. This position may require up to 15% overnight travel, necessitating professional scheduling, to include nights and weekends. The position will provide programmatic support by managing the program’s grant and equipment, offering technical fire expertise, maintaining key partnerships, and leading educational outreach efforts, all while ensuring strict compliance with NC State Extension policies and reporting to the Department Extension Leader. The initial appointment is for one year, with continuation based on satisfactory performance and continued funding.

Responsibilities:

• Prescribed Fire Training, Education and Capacity Building (50%)

  • Supervise, train, and mentor students by providing technical guidance, administrative support, and performance feedback.
  • Expand the prescribed fire program through coordinating and instructing NWCG and other fire courses (e.g., FOR 265 Fire Management, FOR 491 Wildland Firefighter, RT-130), and through hands-on training opportunities.
  • Coordinate resources (equipment, personnel) with state/federal agencies and organizations to schedule burns and facilitate training.
  • Manage logistics for seasonal fire modules, including housing, arrangements, and supplies.
  • Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.

   

• Leadership and Programmatic Support (25%)
  • Work closely with NC State Extension’s Wildland Fire Extension Associate and Specialist to provide technical leadership and overall support for fire and stewardship programs.
  • Assist with annual budget planning, and grant, supplies, and equipment management.
  • Maintain strong professional relationships within the fire community and with many partners including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, indigenous communities, and private organizations.
  • Coordinate the “Fire Pack” student burn crew, advise the Student Association for Fire Ecology (SAFE), and maintain comprehensive student training records.
• On-the-Ground Planning and Operations (20%)
  • Assist with all aspects of prescribed fire implementation including operational and administrative functions.
  • Conduct site visits with students and landowners to provide expert guidance on the logistical aspects of safe and successful prescribed burns.
  • Provide operational expertise and leadership for NCSU students and crew members during prescribed burns, often assisting with or leading burn implementation.
  • Maintain tools, equipment and supplies to ensure crew readiness.
  • Operate and maintain prescribed fire equipment and vehicles.
  • Develop and review prescribed burn plans.

Other Responsibilities

• Other Work Responsibilities (5%)
  • Manage and deliver comprehensive educational outreach programs (virtual and in-person), overseeing all phases from planning and marketing to logistics, delivery, and evaluation.
  • Maintain and utilize digital platforms (e.g., WordPress, Instagram) to drive online communication and wildland fire outreach.
  • Create and produce a range of program materials including marketing collateral, technical fact sheets, and professional publications.
  • Secure and manage external funding through successful grant proposal development and ensure strict financial compliance.
  • Facilitate and execute all event logistics, including physical setup/breakdown (lifting up to 50 lbs.) and conducting programs in varied outdoor environments and weather conditions.
  • Additional duties as assigned.