NC Sandhills NFWF Burn Crew Manager

The Nature Conservancy (All); Southern Pines (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a NC Sandhills NFWF Burn Crew Manager to lead a squad of 4-8 burn crew members in wildland fire activities, under a Burn Boss or other command role. Funding for this position extends for two years and includes responsibilities in preserve operations and restoration.

You will coordinate burn operations, supervise staff and volunteers, and pursue professional development like GIS and drone training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and 1-year training in fire operations, science-related field or similar field or related experience in land management.
• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and FFT1 task book completion.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards per local Fire Manager and TNC Fire Manual.
• Experience operating and maintaining equipment safely (chainsaw, ATV, tractor, etc.).
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers is required.

Responsibilities

• Participates in prescribed fire and wildfire activities, including burn unit prep, fire operations, staff/volunteer management, equipment maintenance, mop up, and monitoring.
• Participates in and manages restoration projects (thinning, planting).
• Maintains preserves and buildings, tools, fences, gates, boundaries, grounds, and structures.
• Supports volunteer events.
• Opportunity for professional development (drone, GIS, pesticide license).

Skills

Staff supervision

Leadership

Safety compliance

Physical stamina

Driving

Education

High school diploma and fire ops training

Tools

Chainsaw

ATV

Tractor/implements

Drip torch

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The NC Sandhills NFWF Burn Crew Manager oversees a squad (4-8 Burn Crew Members) in wild land fire activities, as directed by a Burn Boss, or other command position. Funding for this position is available for two years.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The NC Sandhills NFWF Burn Crew Manager (1 Position) participates in preserve operations, restoration, maintenance, and management. This may include the following functions:

• Participates in prescribed fire and wildfire activities, which may include burn unit prep, fire operations, managing staff and volunteers, maintenance of equipment and supplies, mop up, and monitoring.
• Participates in and manages restoration projects including thinning, planting, and other projects.
• Maintains preserves and buildings, which may include maintaining tools and equipment, repairing fences and gates, posting boundaries, and maintaining grounds and structures at historical sites.
• Supports volunteer events.
• Opportunity for professional development including but not limited to – drone operation, geographic information systems (GIS) training, and pesticide operator license.

The Sandhills NFWF Burn Crew Manager may assist on wildland fire operations in other parts of the region with federal, state, or private partners, or travel to other areas of the state or out-of-state to assist other TNC programs or partners on prescribed or wildland fires.

All TNC staff actively participating on a prescribed burn must be qualified as a FFT2. The Burn Crew Manager may perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.

We’re Looking for You:

Ready to lead in wild land fire activities and preserve our natural landscapes? Join us as the NC Sandhills NFWF Burn Crew Manager! You'll oversee a team, participate in various tasks, and manage preserve duties. Stay updated on the latest techniques and build strong relationships in the fire community.

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma and 1-year training in fire operations, science-related field or similar field or related experience in land management.
• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and successful completion of FFT1 task book. Requirements for FFT1 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.: chainsaw, ATV, tractor and implements, leaf blower, BK radio, hand tools, drip torch, etc.).
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers is required.
• May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application.
• Must have valid driver’s license. Please indicate this in your resume.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions from co-workers.
• Ability to develop timeframes and then complete tasks within timeframes.
• Experience and willingness to supervise a wide range of people (TNC staff and volunteers).
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
• Ability to navigate to remote sites with maps, written directions, and GPS.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
• Two (2) years of training in fire operations or other science-related fields or related experience in land management or a similar field.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Ability to evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions that affect the safety and work of firefighters within the squad.
• PC familiarity, including database knowledge, to maintain preserve records.

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 rate for a candidate selected for this position is $26.52 per hour. This rate 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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of 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 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.