The Opportunity
Audubon Canyon Ranch seeks an experienced prescribed fire professional to lead a team and a movement aimed at stewarding ecosystems, reducing fuel loads, and building community through the application of intentional fire.

The Director of Prescribed Fire will lead our work to return fire to the land in ways that build community, train others, reduce fuel loads, and care for nature. This role is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic and visionary individual to advance and solidify the use of intentional fire in the San Francisco North Bay, California, and beyond.

The Director of Prescribed Fire will be member of the organization’s Leadership Team and lead our Fire Forward program.

The Fire Forward program brings together private landowners, public agencies, community groups, and conservation partners around a shared purpose of stewarding ecosystems and reducing the impact of wildfire. We do this by training and mentoring, leading and supporting prescribed fire activities, conducting science to advance and support the use of prescribed fire, and engaging in policy where it meets on-the-ground activities.

The Director of Prescribed Fire will collaboratively execute a shared vision and strategy. They will manage personnel and operations, develop resources to ensure financial health, and tend to internal and external relationships. They will be Audubon Canyon Ranch’s primary spokesperson and champion for prescribed fire within the community and throughout the region and state.

See full position description here >

Compensation
This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. The anticipated annual salary range for the Director of Prescribed Fire is $126,000–$140,000, commensurate with knowledge, abilities, and experience. Relocation support is available.

Audubon Canyon Ranch’s benefits package includes:

• Paid time off including 15 paid vacation days to start, plus 13 paid holidays and 30 paid sick days annually
• 85% of medical and dental premiums for employee and dependents
• 5% employer contribution to 403B retirement plan after 1 year of employment
• An employee assistance program for mental health, coaching, and financial or legal consultation services
• Recreational access to preserves
• Bring your dog to work (on approval)
• Learning and professional development
• Boot stipend (fireline employees)

Location
This position is located at Audubon Canyon Ranch’s Fire Forward office in Petaluma, California. Field work is required. 

To Apply
Please send a resume or CV and a cover letter describing your qualifications that match the position criteria and what you will bring to the role to Julia Clothier, COO at [email protected]. Include the subject line “Director of Prescribed Fire application.”

Interested candidates should apply by May 12 for priority consideration.

Start Date
Late summer/fall 2025

For More Information
More information about Audubon Canyon Ranch can be found at egret.org.

For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact Tom Gardali, CEO at [email protected].