Burn Crew Member

USA The Nature Conservancy; Montgomery (AL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

Flexible spending accounts

401(k) plan with 8% employer match

Parental leave

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Burn Crew Member to support wildland fire operations at Cahaba River and Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuges. You will work on a 3-person squad under a Burn Crew Manager and collaborate with partners, agencies, and nonprofits to execute ignition, control, mop-up, and monitoring tasks.

The role emphasizes growth, training, and maintaining fire certifications. Ideal candidates hold a high school diploma or equivalent and are prepared to obtain RXCM/FFT2

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Must be able to obtain RXCM or FFT2 qualifications including required ISC, fire behavior, and firefighting training courses.
• Must meet physical fitness standards as determined by the local Fire Manager.

Responsibilities

• Ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and related tasks.
• Prepare fire lines and monitor post-burn activities.
• Build relationships within the fire community and local area of operation.

Skills

Experience operating equipment

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

RXCM/FFT2 readiness (I-100, L-180, S-190, S-130)

Tools

First Aid/CPR certifications

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Burn Crew Member (BCM) participates in wildland fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. The BCM works on a 3-person squad associated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cahaba River and Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuges as directed by a Burn Crew Manager or other command position. 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 wildland 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 short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an administratively determined, short term federal employee). They may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. This is a seasonal position from January 4, 2027, to April 23, 2027.

We're Looking for You:

Ready to be a part of wildland fire operations? Join us as a Burn Crew Member (BCM) and be at the heart of the action! From ignition to mop-up, you'll tackle tasks like preparing fire lines and monitoring post-burn activities. But that's not all – your journey with us means continuous growth. Master new techniques and equipment to level up your skills and certifications. Plus, you'll build strong relationships within the fire community and local areas where we operate.

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ISC (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 as a requirement for this position. See TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR).
• 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.'
• 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 $18.00- $20.00 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!

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

We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports 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 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?

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process.