Burn Crew Member

USA The Nature Conservancy; Morehead (KY); On-site; USD 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Kentucky seeks a Burn Crew Member to support wildland fire operations, including ignition, control, mop-up, and monitoring. You’ll develop new burn techniques, advance certifications, and expand professional fire networks while helping communities and ecosystems. Housing is provided for non-local employees.

Based near London, Corbin, or Morehead, KY, you’ll work under Burn Crew Manager or Burn Boss, with variable conditions and a strong emphasis on safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must obtain RXCM or FFT2 certifications including I-100, L-180, S-190, S-130.
• Must meet fitness standards as per local Prescribed Fire Manager and TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Experience operating firefighting equipment.
• Must have valid driver’s license and drive capability for off-road employment.

Responsibilities

• Prescribed burning and fire line preparation.
• Operate, maintain, and transport firefighting equipment.
• Monitor burn areas and ensure safety procedures are followed.
• Work under Burn Crew Manager, Burn Boss, or other command positions.

Skills

Experience operating equipment

Valid driver’s license

Off-road driving

First Aid/CPR

Multilingual (bonus)

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.

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. Come join TNC.

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 IC (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).
• Experience driving off-road, loading, and towing trailers.

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.
• 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.

Salary Information:

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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $19.50-21.00 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. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

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.

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion:

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.

Background Screening:

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Military Experience:

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

Accommodation:

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.