Wildlife Biologist I – Prescribed Fire

Quail Forever in Missouri is seeking qualified candidates for a Prescribed Fire Coordinating Wildlife Biologist position to coordinate, promote, and support the safe and effective use of prescribed fire on private lands across Northern Missouri.

The Prescribed Fire Coordinating Wildlife Biologist will work as a member of the Missouri Quail Forever Team in close coordination with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and other key partners. The primary responsibilities of this position are prescribed fire planning, outreach, training, and coordination. This position will work closely with a wide range of individuals and resource professionals promoting the development and implementation of prescribed fire in Missouri. This position will require a self-starter with excellent communication and organizational skills and a strong work ethic. This prescribed fire partnership effort will provide an opportunity to make significant contributions to the conservation of natural resources across Missouri.

Expected Duties:

· In consultation with private landowners, conduct site visits and assess burn units prior to burns to verify adherence to prescriptions, watch-outs, and minimize risk associated with prescribed fire operations.

· Write, review, and approve prescribed burn plans for private landowners, burn contractors, and biologists.

· Develop and coordinate a Prescribed Burn Plan contracting program in areas where landowner requests exceed staff capabilities. This will include workload assessment, bid development, contractor selection, and plan review and approval.

· Working with Technical Service Providers (TSP) and qualified contractors to meet burn plan development needs in high-workload counties.

· Work with Missouri Prescribed Fire Council, Missouri Prescribed Burn Associations, Missouri Department of Conservation, and other wildlife and fire management partners (e.g., Fire Districts) to identify and deliver prescribed fire outreach and training needs.

· Organize and lead trainings including webinars and in-person workshops concerning prescribed fire for training and outreach purposes.

· Participate in and lead training burns, ensuring adherence to prescription and the safety of participants, neighbors, and the public.

· Support the development of landowner-led Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) to facilitate increased practice implementation.

· Communicate regularly with Missouri fire practitioners across the state to build upon the use of prescribed fire.