Burn Crew Manager

USA The Nature Conservancy; Tellico Plains (TN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee is hiring a Burn Crew Manager to oversee a 2–7 person squad performing prescribed fire and related duties. The role requires supervising crew, maintaining equipment, planning logistics, and ensuring safety.

The position runs from February to April, with part-time, remote, and as-needed work starting December and a pay range of 26.00–27.50 USD per hour. Housing is provided during the full-time period; successful candidates will gain experience in ecologically

Qualifications

• High school diploma and 1-year training in fire operations or related field.
• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and FFT1 task book completed.
• Two+ seasons as a Senior Burn Crew Member or similar qualification.
• Must meet physical fitness standards per Fire Manager and Fire Manual.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a Burn Crew (2–7 members) and daily squad supervision.
• Handle administrative tasks: time reporting, accomplishment tracking, logistics, purchases.
• Maintain readiness of burn crew equipment and ensure safety of the squad.
• Collaborate with partners and fire communities locally and regionally.

Education

High school diploma and 1-year training in fire operations, science-related field or similar field

FFT1 task book and Squad Boss qualification

Tools

Wildland fire equipment

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Burn Crew Manager oversees a squad (2-7 Burn Crew Members) in wild land fire activities, as directed by a Burn Boss, or other command position. The Burn Crew Manager (BCM) participates in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring and other tasks. They may perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire. 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.

We’re Looking for You:

The Tennessee program has a robust prescribed fire management program. We work alongside government agencies to improve forest health and resiliency by strategically implementing prescribed burns in the Appalachian landscape. Your role as a seasonal fire employee is critical to our success. We typically assist with burning 10,000 acres to 25,000 acres per season which makes for a busy time. With this amount of burning, you will receive valuable experience around ecologically based prescribed burning in hardwood forests. The spring fire season begins in February and ends in April. The Tennessee Business Unit is recruiting three BCM to lead our squads based near Tellico Plains and Crossville, TN. The BCM is responsible for daily oversight of the squad and for handling administrative tasks such as time reporting, accomplishment tracking, logistics planning, purchases, and the overall safety of the squad. The BCM uses and maintains a full suite of wildland fire equipment and ensures readiness of burn crew members. This is an hourly, seasonal, position beginning full-time February 8 and ending April 16 and part-time, remote, and as needed beginning December 7 with a pay range of $26.00 to $27.50 USD per hour, based on qualifications and experience with housing provided during the full-time employment period. During the part-time as needed period you will have the chance to work with our staff and begin planning for the arrival of the burn crew in February.

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:

• Two (2) years of training in fire operations or other science-related fields or related experience in land management or a similar field.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 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 squad.
• Faller 3 or Faller 2, UTV operator NWCG qualified Single Resource Boss – Engine Boss.
• PC familiarity, including database knowledge, to maintain preserve records.
• Experience driving off-road, loading, and towing trailers.
• Ability to work remotely with little in-person contact with supervisor.
• Updated Incident Qualification Card (Red Card).
• 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 $26.00-$27.50 per hour. 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. 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.”

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!

• 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. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

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.

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.