Burn Crew Member

USA The Nature Conservancy; Tellico Plains (TN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Seasonal hourly work

Professional development

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee seeks Burn Crew Members to support prescribed fire operations, line preparation, and equipment maintenance under Burn Crew leadership. This is a seasonal, hourly position with February through April work, offering hands-on experience in ecologically based burns across hardwood forests and rugged terrain.

Housing is provided for non-local employees; starting pay is $19.50–$21.00 per hour, with pay based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must obtain RXCM or FFT2 qualifications; must meet fitness standards.
• Experience operating field firefighting equipment and water pumps.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive Conservancy vehicles.
• 6 months–1 year related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely implement prescribed burning and fire line prep.
• Operate and maintain firefighting equipment and pumps.
• Follow supervisor instructions and maintain safety protocols.
• Work in varying weather and rugged terrain conditions.

Skills

Physical fitness

Ability to follow instructions

Equipment operation

Multilingual experience

Teamwork in field conditions

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

RXCM or FFT2 qualification (or ability to obtain)

Tools

Firefighting equipment operation

Water pumps operation

Vehicle operation under safety program

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 Tennessee Chapter has a robust prescribed fire management program. We work alongside of 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 some valuable experience around ecologically based prescribed burning in hardwood forests. The spring fire season begins in February and ends in April. The Tennessee Business Unit is recruiting up to 6 Burn Crew Members for our squads based near Tellico Plains and Crossville, TN. 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.

Housing is provided for non-local employees. This is an hourly, seasonal position beginning February 8 and ending April 16 with a pay range of $19.50 to $21.00USD 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 toICS(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).
• 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 $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. 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.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

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. 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.

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

Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here. 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, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

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.