FIRE AND STEWARDSHIP MANAGER

Job Title: Fire and Stewardship Manager

Job Type

Full time, on-site

Location

LAD Foundation - Salem, Missouri

Pay

$60,804-$85,125/year

Application Deadline

September 28, 2026

About LAD Foundation and Pioneer Forest

The LAD Foundation was established by Leo A. Drey in 1962 to preserve lands of natural and cultural significance and to undertake related charitable activities. Over time, its holdings expanded to nearly 4,000 acres across fourteen units. These include seven state-designated natural areas leased to the Missouri Department of Conservation; two areas and a trail system leased to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for management by Missouri State Parks; and nearly 1,000 acres of riparian land under scenic easement to the National Park Service as part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. In 2004, Leo and his wife Kay donated their Pioneer Forest—acquired primarily in the 1950s and now encompassing nearly 144,000 acres in six Missouri Ozarks counties—to the foundation. Today, this forest is managed as a conservation and recreation area and serves as a demonstration forest in the public interest.

The LAD Foundation is a Missouri private operating foundation dedicated to exemplary stewardship of Pioneer Forest and other natural and cultural areas. Its mission includes advancing scientific research, education, public recreation, and encouraging projects and policies that positively influence the Missouri Ozark region and beyond.

About LAD’s Fire And Stewardship Manager

This position is responsible for or 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.

Location

Salem, Missouri

Hours

40 hours/week, salaried non-exempt

Salary

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

Benefits

• 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
• a duty vehicle

Specific Duties

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 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 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