POSITION TITLE: Fire and Stewardship Manager

Hiring Organization/Employer:  LAD Foundation
Application Deadline:  9/29/2026
Education Required:  B.S. in Ecology, Fisheries, Forestry, WIldlife Management, Biological Sciences, Environmental sciences or related field. 
Location:  Salem, MO
 

Description:  

 This position is responsible for leading field operations of the fire management program on LAD
Foundation lands, with a primary focus on achieving ecological restoration outcomes through prescribed
fire. This position plays a key role in implementing natural resource management strategies and
contributes to broader conservation initiatives across Pioneer Forest and other LAD properties.
Working under the leadership of the Chief Ecologist, the Manager collaborates closely with the Land
Stewardship Director, Chief Forester, Ecologist, and other staff and partners to deliver fire program
outcomes. The Manager also supervises and trains a seasonal stewardship crew and maintains strong
relationships with federal, state, and local partners and contractors.
In addition to operational leadership, the Fire and Stewardship Manager is expected to communicate fire
program policies and goals internally and externally, contribute to demonstration and outreach efforts
related to prescribed fire planning and outcomes, and support the Foundation’s mission through strategic
coordination and public engagement.

 

 

Compensation & Benefits:  

  $60,804-$85,125/year; commensurate with education and experience

Employer sponsored 401(k) with 5% employer contribution, paid vacation, sick leave and
holidays, life insurance, health and dental insurance, employee development and training, job-necessary
clothing and equipment allowance, and a duty vehicle.

 

 

Responsibilities:  

 Administration and Fire Program Management
• Oversee all aspects of the Foundation’s Fire Program, including fire planning, hiring, and
coordination with agency partners.
• Coordinate with the Chief Ecologist to recruit, train, and field supervise seasonal stewardship
staff to support prescribed fire, wildfire suppression activities and ecological restoration work.
• Develop, revise, and implement the Foundation’s Fire Management Manual, including leading
annual training for staff and volunteers to qualify for prescribed fire operations. 
 • Communicate fire program policies and goals clearly across the organization and with external
partners.
• Coordinate closely with the Chief Ecologist, Land Stewardship Director, and other staff and
partners to deliver fire program outcomes on LAD and partner lands.
• Contribute to demonstration and outreach efforts related to prescribed fire plans and ecological
outcomes.
• Develop partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies and organizations to expand the
prescribed fire program, including staffing, training, funding, and managed acres.
• Provide opportunities for staff to participate in burn operations and fire suppression activities
with partners.
• Support the writing and revision of the Pioneer Forest’s 5-year management plan, site-specific
management plans for Ecological Management Areas, and annual stewardship plans.
• Write and revise prescribed burn plans, coordinating with Foundation staff and partners for
review.
• Communicate routinely with the Chief Ecologist and Forestry staff to foster coordination between
Ecology and Forestry programs.
• Work with forestry staff to understand single-tree selection forestry, logging, and inventory
methods.
• Collaborate with the Chief Ecologist to develop annual budgetary needs for fire-effects
monitoring, fire skills training, and ecological management.
• Identify grant funding opportunities and support proposal development.
• Assist in writing reports for administrative goals and Foundation Board meetings.
Stewardship and Recreation
• Support restoration of terrestrial natural communities (e.g., shortleaf pine-oak woodlands, glades,
fens), including invasive species management, in coordination with the Chief Ecologist and
Ecologist.
• Partner with agencies and organizations to provide exemplary stewardship of Foundation lands.
• Coordinate with the Recreation and Outreach Coordinator to develop and maintain recreational
trails and activities across Foundation lands.
• Provide direct supervision and training to a seasonal stewardship crew of 2-5 people to meet
stewardship and recreational goals.
• Collaborate with the Recreation and Outreach Manager and Chief Ecologist to coordinate work
plans and schedules for two full-time Stewardship Technicians.
LAD Legacy Lands
• Foster strong working relationships with managing partners of LAD Legacy Lands.
• Assist with annual coordination, Natural Areas report review, and site visits.
• Identify management needs and coordinate seasonal crew work to address them (e.g., thinning,
invasive species treatment).
Ecological Monitoring
• Ensure budgets support ongoing fire-effects monitoring.
• Continue measuring established monitoring plots and identify additional monitoring needs.
• Manage, organize and analyze data to track fire-effects and ecological outcomes over time.
• Participate in research and monitoring of habitats such as caves, streams, glades, and woodlands.
• Support the Natural Features Inventory and coordinate reporting with the Ecologist and Chief
Ecologist.
• Conduct field inspections of Natural Areas and Ecological Management Areas and explore
opportunities to expand or create new management areas.
• Seek volunteers and opportunities to support monitoring and research.

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

 • Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife Management, Biological Sciences,
Environmental Sciences, or related field.
• Five years of professional experience and qualifications in fire management, implementation, and
leadership.
• Must qualify as a Burn Boss (NWCG, equivalent, or state certified).
• Five years of experience in the ecology field with particular emphasis on implementation of on
the-ground, natural community management and fire-effects monitoring, including control of
invasive species.
• Two years of staff management, supervision, and mentoring experience.
• Familiarity with plants, animals, and Ozark natural communities or the motivation and ability to
acquire this knowledge.
• Experience with data management and data analysis in MS Excel and/or other statistical
programs.
• Experience using ArcGIS for conservation planning and monitoring is highly desirable.
• Ability to pass a work capacity test for wildland firefighters (aka Pack Test).

 

 

 

How to Apply:  

 

 TO APPLY
If you are interested in the position, please submit a cover letter and resume as one document to
Dana.Morris@ladfoundation.org. Include “LAD Fire and Stewardship Manager” in the subject line.
Applications must be received by September 29, 2026.