Application Deadline: Open until filled
Start Date: December 2026
Location: Remote (Moore County, NC, preferred),
Coverage Area: Montgomery, Richmond, Moore, Lee, Harnett, Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland Robeson
Overview:In partnership with the Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association (SPBA), conservation partners, and private landowners, the Prescribed Fire Coordinator will support longleaf pine restoration and prescribed fire implementation across the North Carolina Sandhills. The position will provide mentoring, outreach, training, coordination, and reporting support to expand prescribed fire capacity and longleaf ecosystem restoration on private lands. This position will:
- Provide prescribed fire-related training;
- Coordinate and support daily operations of the Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association.
- Provide one-on-one mentoring and technical assistance to private landowners interested in prescribed fire and longleaf management.
- Coordinate Learn & Burn events, field days, workshops, and outreach activities.
- Assist landowners with prescribed burn planning, implementation, and reporting.
- Promote participation in NC Certified Burner and other prescribed fire training opportunities.
- Maintain working relationships with NRCS, NC Forest Service, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Extension, and local conservation partners.
- Track project metrics and prepare quarterly and grant reports.
- Assist outreach to landowners.
- Organize and host new PBA start-up meetings when necessary; and Complete all other duties and responsibilities associated with coordinating PBAs as determined by the QF North Carolina State Coordinator.
- Monitor and facilitate PBA burn reporting with frequent communication and coordination with PBA membership. Encourage all PBA members/volunteers to report completed burns.
- Deliver public presentations, webinars, and workshops, and promote a healthy fire culture in North Carolina.
- Foster a healthy relationship with landowners, fire practitioners, PBAs, NC Fire Council, State and Federal Agencies, NGOs, and all other parties associated with prescribed fire and PBAs in North Carolina.
- Complete other duties as assigned to promote the mission of the SPBA and Quail Forever.
- Meet and understand requirements of Quail Forever’s Prescribed Fire Policy, and understand the difference between QF employee requirements and SPBA requirements for PBA members and NC landowners.
- Participate in and lead prescribed burns, to include training burns, ensuring adherence to prescription and the safety of participants, neighbors, and the public. Encourage PBA members to boss their own burns and serve as guidance/support on PBA burns.
Desired Knowledge. Skills and Abilities:- Extensive knowledge and experience with prescribed fire, fire ecology, and wildfire as it pertains to the South and Southeast US.
- Holds appropriate prescribed fire certifications
- EX: S-130, S-190, L-180, ICS-100, S-230, S-290, I-700, etc.
- Holds NC Prescribed Burner qualification after employment.
- Current Pack Test or ability to acquire Pack Test in first year.
- Knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all landowners and partners.
- Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
- Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by Federal agencies (i.e. USDA and US Fish and Wildlife Service), state agencies, private and NGO partners, etc. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in a Working Lands landscape is desired.
- Excellent computer skills including working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, and ArcPro.
- Demonstrated experience as a leader with strong initiative.
- Ability to organize, develop, and implement educational and outreach activities, including workshops, seminars, and publications.
- Excellent and proven verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
- Conflict resolution skills.
- Willingness to work flexible schedule and some weekends as needed.
- Valid driver’s license required; work vehicle provided; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).
Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor of Science Degree in forestry, wildlife management, plant ecology, fire ecology, or a closely related natural resources field with a minimum of three years related experience. Prescribed fire training, certifications, and field experience is required. Knowledge of Forestry and Working Lands agricultural operations is desired.
Starting Salary: $50,000 (commensurate with knowledge, skills, and experience), with annual performance-based salary increases and a comprehensive benefits package. This is an entry-level position with an anticipated promotion opportunity following successful completion of the first year of onboarding and performance expectations.
- Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans are available.
- 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
- Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
- Vehicle Stipend. QF Employees are required to comply with PF/QF’s Driving Record Verification Process and adhere to PF/QF’s Operating Motor Vehicle Policy.
- Paid Time Off accrued at 12 days (120 hours) per year for new employees.
- Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
- 13 paid holidays.
To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume, and three references into a
single Microsoft Word document or PDF file before uploading as part of your application on our recruiting website at
www.quailforever.org/about-us/careers. *Only online applications will be accepted.*
Contact:Jake Comer, PF/QF North Carolina State Coordinator, [email protected] or 336-254-7143, or
Jesse Wimberly, SPBA Coordinator, [email protected] or 910-603-1052.
Pheasants Forever is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. 
