Burn Crew Manager

nature; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy seeks a seasonal Burn Crew Manager to lead a small crew in wildland fire activities at National Wildlife Refuges in the United States. You will supervise a crew, assist with logistics, and ensure safety on the fire line.

You will stay current on fire techniques and build professional relationships within the fire community, while meeting required fitness standards and maintaining licenses as needed. The role runs January 4, 2027 to April 23, 2027.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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 supervising staff or volunteers is required.
• May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

FFT1 (Fire Fighter Type 1)

Tools

Equipment operation

Database knowledge

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.

We're Looking for You:

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.

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.

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.

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