Are you ready to step up and join our Prescribed Burn team?
We’re looking for dedicated, focused individuals who are ready to take on the physical and mental challenges of working on a fireline. Experience with firefighting, prairie burns, or similar activities is a plus but is not required. However, a strong commitment to safety, attention to detail, and dependability are essential. Prescribed burns are critical tools for restoring Ohio’s ecosystems.
In this training, you will learn or refresh your knowledge on the basics of how and why this important conservation tool is used, important safety information working around fire, basic fire behavior, personal protective equipment, and tools used on the fire line.
By conducting controlled burns, we can increase soil nutrients, stimulate vegetation growth, and create vital wildlife habitats. Prairies, in particular, are fire-dependent ecosystems that have evolved alongside fire for thousands of years.
Key Requirements:
- Weekday availability: March 9th through April 15. Prescribed burns occur on weekdays and are weather-dependent, so volunteers should have daytime flexibility and be comfortable receiving and responding to schedule updates by email, sometimes with short notice.
- Physical and Mental demands: Participants must be prepared to hike long distances over uneven terrain, carry heavy equipment, and work in high temperatures. You’ll also need to remain focused, follow instructions precisely, and react quickly to changing conditions.
- Training Commitment: Attending one of our Prescribed Burn training sessions is mandatory. Please sign up for only one session. Training will begin at 9 AM and run until approximately noon. The session includes an indoor classroom portion and outdoor breakout sessions to familiarize you with tools, equipment, and logistics.
This is a serious commitment to a demanding yet rewarding role. By joining the team, you’ll be contributing to essential conservation efforts and helping to restore our natural ecosystems. Are you ready to rise to the challenge and make a difference?
DO YOU QUALIFY? This training and opportunity are reserved for adults, aged 18 and older, long-term volunteers who have completed their onboarding qualifications and have received an eligible background check. Learn more about our volunteer orientation and onboarding here.
RESERVE A SPOT: This training has limited spots. If you believe you are eligible based on the availability and physical/mental demands mentioned above, RSVP YES to secure your spot.
See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.
Need help with your RSVP? Call #937-275-7275 or email us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org for assistance.
