Burn Crew Member

nature; Morehead (KY); On-site; USD 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing for non-local employees

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy Kentucky is hiring Burn Crew Members for its prescribed fire program. You will assist with controlled burns, fire line prep, and operating equipment during a February–April season near London, Corbin, and Morehead.

A valid driver’s license and fitness standards apply, with housing provided for non-local employees. Qualifications include a high school diploma and the ability to obtain RXCM/FFT2 credentials; prior burn experience is valued.

Qualifications

• Experience operating various types of equipment and following safety rules.
• Willingness to obtain prescribed fire certifications (RXCM/FFT2) and related licenses.
• Ability to work under supervision and follow established instructions.

Responsibilities

• Safely and effectively implement prescribed burning and fire line prep.
• Operate and maintain equipment; comply with safety programs and vehicle use policies.
• Work under Burn Crew Manager or command staff and engage with partners as needed.

Skills

Experience operating equipment

Licenses/certifications

Multilingual/multicultural

Follow instructions

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together

The Burn Crew Member (BCM) participates in wild land fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. 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 may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

We’re Looking for You

The Kentucky Chapter 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 Kentucky Business Unit is recruiting up to 6 Burn Crew Members for our squads based near London, Corbin, and Morehead, KY. Burn Crew Members are responsible for the safe and effective implementation of prescribed burning, fire line preparation, and use and maintenance of equipment while working under the Burn Crew Manager, Burn Boss, or other command positions. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your skills and begin or grow your career in fire management. Housing is provided for non-local employees. This is an hourly, seasonal position beginning on February 8 and ending April 9 with a pay range of $19.50 to $21.00 USD per hour, based on qualifications and experience.

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 IFC (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, Driver's license).

Desired Qualifications

• Qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2.
• Faller 3 qualified.
• ATV / UTV operator qualified.
• Experience operating utility vehicles and water pumps.
• 6 months-1 year of related experience.
• Experience driving off-road, loading, and towing trailers.
• Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
• Updated Incident Qualification Card (Red Card)
• Must have valid driver's license and good driving record.

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.