Fire Module Leader

Burnbot; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

BurnBot is seeking a Fire Module Leader to supervise field crews in wildfire and prescribed-fire operations, including UAS and RX2 activities. This role ensures safety, quality, and productivity while coordinating with the Fire Operations Specialist.

The position is field-based and requires up to 75% travel, with the option for candidates to be based in Medford, OR or Placerville, CA. Hourly rate ranges from $45 to $56, depending on experience and certifications.

Qualifications

• Ability to travel extensively (up to 75%)
• Valid driver's license and ability to be insured under company policy (driving to remote job sites)
• 5+ years of experience in wildland fire, fuels mitigation, vegetation management, or prescribed fire operations
• Demonstrated experience leading crews in field operations
• Strong working knowledge of field safety practices and regulatory compliance
• NWCG qualified ENGB or CRWB

Responsibilities

• Directly supervises the Lead Fire Module Crewmember (1) and Fire Module Crewmembers (3) in daily field activities.
• Assign tasks, sequence work, and manage crew pacing to meet safety, quality, and productivity expectations
• Provide real-time coaching, feedback, and corrective direction as needed
• Ensure work is executed according to project scope, burn plans, wildland mobilization SOPs, and company standards
• Identify hazards, manage risk, and exercise stop-work authority when conditions warrant
• Maintain proficiency in engine, RX2 machine, chainsaw, DSI, UAV, heavy equipment and related operations
• Ensure equipment, tools, and vehicles are staged, maintained, and used correctly; report issues as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Travel

Leadership

Safety practices

Field operations

NWCG ENGB/CRWB

Tools

Chainsaw

RX2 machine

UAV

DSI

Heavy equipment

Job description

• Location 340 Shaw Rd, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, United States
• Base Pay $45.00 - $56.00 / Hour
• Employee Type Non-Exempt (FT)

About BurnBot

BurnBot provides systematic fuels treatment services to prevent destructive wildfires. We're firefighters, scientists, engineers, prescribed fire practitioners, ecologists, and community members who are answering the call to scale fuel treatment capacity. Our modern fuel treatment system recognizes and supports conservation efforts with a clean, smoke-free process. We need technology to amplify our workforces with targeted use of synthetic fire to treat fuel loads 10x faster than previously possible.

The Role

BurnBot is seeking a Fire Module Leader to lead fire/field crews executing wildfire, prescribed fire, UAS, DSI and related fire operations. The Foreman is responsible for direct supervision of Fire Module personnel, day-to-day operational execution, and field-level leadership across all aspects of the BurnBot Fire Program, as well as cross-vertical projects.

Preference will be given to individuals able to be based out of the Medford, OR or Placerville, CA Hub locations. However, all candidates will be considered regardless of their working location.

This role is hands-on and field-based. The Fire Module Leader works alongside crews while maintaining responsibility for safety, work quality, productivity, equipment readiness, and compliance with project plans and regulatory requirements. This position serves as the primary link between field execution and the supervisory Fire Operations Specialist.

This is a non-exempt role with an hourly rate $45-$56. Placement within the range depends on experience, certifications, and skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Directly supervises the Lead Fire Module Crewmember (1) and Fire Module Crewmembers (3) in daily field activities conducted in support of Fire Program projects (prescribed fire, wildfire, RX2 operations, DSI, UAS flights, and others).
• Assign tasks, sequence work, and manage crew pacing to meet safety, quality, and productivity expectations
• Provide real-time coaching, feedback, and corrective direction as needed
• Ensure work is executed according to project scope, burn plans, wildfire mobilization standard operating procedures, and company standards
• Identify hazards, manage risk, and exercise stop-work authority when conditions warrant
• Maintain advanced proficiency in engine, RX2 machine, chainsaw, DSI, UAV, heavy equipment and other assigned operations within training and qualifications.
• Ensure equipment, tools, and vehicles are staged, maintained, and used correctly; communicate equipment needs, failures, and logistical issues to Fire Operations Specialist or Fire Staff
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Ability to travel extensively (up to 75%)
• Valid driver's license and ability to be insured under company policy (this role requires driving company vehicles and trailers to remote job sites)
• 5+ years of experience in wildland fire, fuels mitigation, vegetation management, or prescribed fire operations
• Demonstrated experience leading crews in field operations
• Strong working knowledge of field safety practices and regulatory compliance
• Physical ability to perform demanding field work (lifting up to 50 lbs, uneven terrain, long days outdoors)
• NWCG qualified ENGB or CRWB

Desired Qualifications

• Any of the following certifications: FIRB, RXB3/2/1, CRWB, ENGB, ICT5/4/3
• Valid Class B Commercial Drivers License
• Experience operating farm, forestry, or other heavy equipment, trucks and large trailers
• Experience coordinating multi-crew or multi-equipment operations
• FAA Part 107 certification
• NFPA Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist

Physical requirements and working conditions

This position is performed primarily outdoors at active fuels treatment and prescribed fire sites. Essential functions include: walking, standing, bending, kneeling, and climbing on uneven, steep, or unimproved terrain for extended periods; working full shifts in variable and adverse conditions, including heat, cold, wind, dust, and smoke; operating, carrying, and maintaining hand and power tools, including chainsaws; lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, and occasionally more with assistance; wearing required personal protective equipment for the duration of the shift, including fire-resistant clothing, hard hat, hearing and eye protection, gloves, and safety footwear; maintaining situational awareness and communicating clearly by radio in high-noise environments; and traveling by vehicle and by air to remote sites, including overnight and multi-day assignments.

BurnBot provides reasonable accommodation to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. To request an accommodation, contact [e-mail] or [phone] x 1010.

BurnBot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, registered domestic partner status, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, military or veteran status, status as a protected or honorably discharged veteran, reproductive health decisionmaking, primary language, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, request for family care or medical leave, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local law, or any combination of these characteristics.

Employment is contingent on satisfactory completion of a background check and a pre-employment drug screen, conducted after a conditional offer of employment and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law, including fair chance laws under which qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records are considered for employment.

If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at [phone] x 1010 or [e-mail].