2027 Prescribed Fire Team Member - Moody Forest Preserve

Student Conservation Association; Baxley (GA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

AmeriCorps Education Award eligible

Off-Road Vehicle Safety Training

Job summary

The Prescribed Fire Team Member position in Baxley, GA is a 24-week assignment with training and hands-on work on prescribed fire operations across southeast Georgia. Housing is provided at Moody Forest Preserve and duties include burn preparation, ignition, control, and monitoring, with a focus on restoring longleaf pine ecosystems.

Ideal candidates will have experience in wildfire operations, ability to work with diverse teams, and willingness to undergo extensive safety training and an

Qualifications

• At least 18 years or older; Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be willing to undergo background check.
• Must be willing to work alongside others with diverse backgrounds.
• Complete REQUIRED online training pre-course work for S130/S190 wildland fire courses and can be completed remotely.
• MUST attend an interagency wildland fire training academy the first full week of January and must achieve physical fitness standard by successfully passing a pack test.

Responsibilities

• Burn unit fire break preparation; Prescribed fire application.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Rake

Hoe

Axe

Chainsaw

Weed-eater

Job description

Position Summary

The Prescribed Fire Team Member participates as a member of a four-person burn team led by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) staff conducting prescribed fire operations, including burn unit preparation, ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned throughout southeast Georgia. This is a 24-week position with anticipated dates from December 28, 2026 – June 11, 2027. The first week of service (December 28, 2026 – January 1, 2027) is meant to complete REQUIRED online training pre-course work for S130/S190 wildland fire courses and can be completed remotely. The Prescribed Fire Team Member is expected to be present to work in Georgia on January 4, 2027 and will attend an interagency wildland fire training academy the first full week of January.

The position will be focused on the use of prescribed fire as an ecological management tool to support the restoration of longleaf pine ecosystems in the Altamaha River corridor for rare fire-adapted species such as red-cockaded woodpeckers, gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, and carnivorous plants.

The Prescribed Fire Team Member will work on high-priority preserves owned by TNC in Georgia and assist with burning on other partner conservation lands (Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The Orianne Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service) throughout the state.

It is likely the Prescribed Fire Team Member will have the opportunity to assist with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) use on prescribed fire operations when necessary. When weather is not suitable for burning, other tasks may include assisting with ecological and rare species monitoring, assisting with tree and grass planting projects, timber marking, boundary marking, fence removal, equipment and building maintenance, and general stewardship work.

Hosting Organization

The Nature Conservancy Georgia

Location

Baxley, GA

• This position is primarily in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception areavailable within 30 minutes. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
• This position may conduct work in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are readily accessible. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.

Schedule

December 28, 2026 - June 11, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The position will be focused on the use of prescribed fire as an ecological management tool to support the restoration of longleaf pine ecosystems in the Altamaha River corridor for rare fire-adapted species such as red-cockaded woodpeckers, gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, and carnivorous plants. In short, members will support: Burn unit fire break preparation; Prescribed fire application.

Marginal Duties

Vehicle and equipment maintenance; Ecological and rare species monitoring; Longleaf pine and herbaceous groundcover restoration projects; Trail maintenance; Timber and Boundary marking.

Required Qualifications

At least 18 years or older; Have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Must be willing to undergo background check.

Must be willing to work alongside others with diverse backgrounds.

Complete REQUIRED online training pre-course work for S130/S190 wildland fire courses and can be completed remotely.

MUST attend an interagency wildland fire training academy the first full week of January and must achieve physical fitness standard by successfully passing a "pack test".

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with wildfire or prescribed fire operations.
• Experience using hand tools (council rake, hoe, axe) and 2-stroke powered equipment (chainsaw, weed-eater, leaf blower).
• Experience operating tractors and common farm implements (hay rake, bush hog).
• Experience with trail maintenance work.
• Familiarity with longleaf pine ecosystem and associated species in the southeastern US.

Working Conditions

• Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous; Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives; Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples; Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog; Work may take place in warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter; Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.

Hours

40 per week.

Living Accommodations

Housing is provided at no cost. Housing is a shared single-room cabin(s) with four bunk beds; on-site at The Nature Conservancy's Moody Forest Preserve near Baxley, Georgia. At times, there may be other burn crews or researchers staying there at the same time in a separate cabin. We ask that burn crew members bring their own sheets, pillows, blankets, etc. for the beds for their own comfort, though these items are available on site.

The cabins are equipped with electricity, heat/air-conditioning, and ceiling fans.

The Moody Forest Preserve office complex is about 100' away from cabin(s) and has a conference meeting room, screened-in back porch, indoor common area including kitchen and dining area, 3 refrigerators, 3 bathrooms (shower stall, sink, toilet), washer and dryer, and office computer. The kitchen has all cooking equipment and dishware needed. Propane grills are also available on the back porch. Burn crew members are asked to provide their own toiletry items such as soap, shampoo, etc. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas.

Compensation

• Living Allowance - $550/week
• One-time fire boot stipend - $275
• One-time roundtrip travel allowance - $1,000

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Driving

Driving a motor vehicle for the partner agency/organization is a requirement for this position.

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:

• Be able to complete or fulfill all partner driving requirements.

Additional Benefits

Off-Road Vehicle Safety Training

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

To receive $3,967.50 AmeriCorps Education Award, Members must complete 900-hours of service during the program. If the 900-hour minimum is not met, the education award will not be received.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.