Burn Crew Manager

USA The Nature Conservancy; Alabama; Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The Burn Crew Manager leads a small crew of two in wildland fire activities at Mountain Longleaf and Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuges under a Burn Boss or other command position.

This seasonal role runs January 4, 2027 to April 23, 2027, with responsibilities including fireline prep, equipment maintenance, prescribed fire operations, mop-up, and post-burn monitoring. A valid driver's license, FFT1 Squad Boss qualification, and fitness standards are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and 1-year training in fire operations or land management.
• Qualification FFT1 (Squad Boss) completed as per Conservancy Fire Management Manual.
• Two or more seasons as a Senior Burn Crew Member or equivalent.
• Must meet local fitness standards and have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Function as leader and member of a work team in a high-stress environment.
• Supervise and mentor Burn Crew Members during fire operations.
• Assist with logistics, expenses, time reporting and admin tasks for squad members.
• Convey work instructions to Burn Crew members.
• Monitor progress toward fire management goals and ensure safety.
• Make decisions on the fire line based on fire behavior and resources.
• Perform other land management duties when prescribed fire isn’t feasible.

Skills

FFT1 Certification (Squad Boss)

Leadership

Safety management

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma

FFT1 task book

Tools

CPR certification

Herbicide application certification

Equipment maintenance

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together

The Burn Crew Manager supervises and mentors a squad of 2 Crew Members in wildland fire activities associated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Mountain Longleaf and Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuges, as directed by a Burn Boss or other command position. The Burn Crew Manager (BCM) participates in preparing firelines, maintaining equipment, prescribed fire operations, mop-up, post-burn monitoring and other tasks as assigned. They may perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire. This is a seasonal position that will run from January 4, 2027, to April 23, 2027. As part of the BCM’s ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in wild land fire suppression activities in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies, tribal or indigenous, either as a TNC employee, or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an Administratively determined, short term federal employee). They should have the ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

Ready to lead in wild land fire activities and preserve our natural landscapes? Join us as a Burn Crew Manager (BCM)! You'll oversee a team, participate in various tasks, and manage preserve duties. Stay updated on the latest techniques and build strong relationships in the fire community.

Responsibilities and Scope

• Function as both leader and member of a work team, in a high stress team environment.
• Supervises and mentors Burn Crew Members, and/or Senior Burn Crew Members during fire operations.
• Assists with logistics, expenses, time reporting, and other administrative tasks for squad members as assigned.
• Convey work instructions to Burn Crew members.
• Monitor the progress of Burn Crew Members toward achieving fire management goals and ensures safety.
• Makes decisions on the fire line based upon evaluation of fire behavior, available resources, and judgment.
• Perform other land management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
• Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

What You’ll Bring

• High school diploma and 1-year training in fire operations, science-related field or similar field or related experience in land management.
• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and successful completion of FFT1 task book. Requirements for FFT1 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual.
• Two or more seasons as a Senior Burn Crew Member or similar agency qualification.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by the local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment.
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers is required.
• May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
• Two (2) years of training in fire operations or other science-related fields or related experience in land management or a similar field.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Ability to evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions that affect the safety and work of firefighters within the squad.
• Single Resource Boss qualified.
• PC familiarity, including database knowledge, to maintain preserve records.
• This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered high risk drivers. To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

Salary Information

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $23.00 –25.00 hourly rate. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We're rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor. One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. To quote a popular saying at TNC, you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law. The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process. Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings! TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [e-mail] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

What We Bring

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ. Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted.

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners. To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.