Burn Crew Member

Nature; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy seeks a Burn Crew Member to participate in wildland fire operations, including ignition, control, mop-up, and monitoring. You will operate in a 4-person squad across coastal Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida, advancing skills and certifications while collaborating with partners.

You will maintain readiness through training, gain new techniques, and build relations in the fire community and local communities where TNC works.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Must obtain RXCM or FFT2 qualifications (I-100, L-180, S-190, S-130) with supervised training burn.
• Must meet physical fitness standards per local Fire Manager and TNC Manual.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Must obtain related licenses or certifications (First Aid, CPR).
• Valid driver’s license and compliance with Auto Safety Program.

Responsibilities

• Ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring of burn operations.
• TBA for burn days; maintain and grow professional fire certifications.
• Build relationships within the professional fire community and local areas.

Skills

Physical fitness

Equipment operation

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

RXCM or FFT2 qualifications

First Aid/CPR certification

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 4-person squad associated with The Nature Conservancy in coastal Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. 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 that will run 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 ICS (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." 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 $18.00 – $20.00 an 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.

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. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. 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 timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role.

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.