PRESCRIBED FIRE PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Kjersten Peterson
July 31, 2026
Arkansas
Prescribed Fire Program Coordinator
Kjersten Peterson
July 31, 2026
Arkansas

Job Type

Full time, on-site

Location

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Little Rock, Arkansas

Pay

$61,443-$86,609/year

Application Deadline

August 12, 2026

Description

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Conservation Program Biologist I (AGFC Prescribed Fire Program Coordinator) is responsible for supervising a wildlife or fisheries management area. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

Typical Functions

• Assists program coordinators, habitat biologists, other staff and agency partners in the planning, preparation, and implementation of projects on wildlife management areas.
• Participates in developing wildlife management area recommendations and the development of short- and long-term plans for future agency conservation activities.
• Coordinates and leads biological surveys and studies of wildlife to determine population growth, propagation rates, and the effect of environmental and human conditions on particular species. Summarizes data and prepares reports.
• Communicates regularly with the Regional Supervisor regarding oversight for budgets, contracts and grants, and assists in the supervision of professional and technical personnel, contractors, part-time employees, interns and volunteers
• Oversees overall project operational duties and supervision of employees in the absence of Regional Supervisor. Assists with overall management of a region by submitting recommendations and reports to the Regional Supervisor.
• Assists with budget development by reviewing and recommending requests from regional personnel and submitting budget recommendations to the Regional Supervisor. Develops, submits, reviews, approves, and directs implementation of budgets, invoices, project plans, regulations and operational procedures.
• Reviews biological data to analyze trends affecting management priorities and program requirements.
• Drafts public land management plans and oversees their implementation through direct participation, assigning appropriate personnel, assembling data, submitting and approving final data products and reports.
• Assists with both regional and division administrative duties. Serves on statewide and broader working groups and teams.
• Conducts public relations work with various agencies, private industry, professional and civic organizations and outdoor recreational groups.
• Must understand and be willing to function in a multi-faceted, team-oriented work environment. Must maintain close individual contact with and develop solid working relationships with all Wildlife Management Division, agency and partner organization personnel.
• Participates in public outreach regarding management activities and regulations.
• Leads nuisance wildlife capture and relocation.

Specific Duties And Responsibilities

• Serves as the AGFC statewide prescribed fire program coordinator.
• Burn Boss certified at AGFC policy standards or federal RXB3, TFLD, or higher certified by NWCG standard
• Works with staff to plan prescribed burns, conduct burns, and track accomplishments towards habitat restoration goals
• Responsible for administering training and physical fitness tests to ensure staff meet qualifications for burning
• Coordinates with partners (US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Quail Forever, etc.) to work towards achieving habitat restoration goals statewide
• Assists the private lands habitat division to administer Qualified Prescribed Burner training and serves on the advisory board for the Qualified Prescribed Burner certification programServes as the Arkansas representative on the Southern Fire Exchange and the Arkansas Fire Council board
• Serves on a cooperative team to plan the Arkansas Wildland Fire Academy with partners.
• Works with staff to prioritize prescribed fire efforts on clearly defined habitat conditions, goals, and objectives to ensure prescribed fire activities result in shifting habitats toward desired conditions as outlined in the Arkansas Wildlife Action Plan for terrestrial habitats.
• Oversees post-fire plant community monitoring across the state
• Assists with grant writing to secure funding for program implementation
• Oversees purchase of all equipment (PPE, ATV torches, Radios, etc) needed for prescribed burns
• Tracks and shares accomplishments with agency staff and partners

Minimum Education And/or Experience

• The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, botany, or a related field; plus two years of experienc