NC Southern Blue Ridge As-Needed Burn Crew Member

USA The Nature Conservancy; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy’s Southern Blue Ridge region seeks an As-Needed Burn Crew Member to support prescribed fire activities, line construction, ignition, patrol, mop‑up, and related land-management tasks under supervision. This role requires physical fitness and ability to work in varied conditions near Asheville, NC.

The position emphasizes safety, teamwork, and flexibility, with opportunities in multiple states; compensation is hourly and travel between meet-up locations is required as part

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current FFT2 qualification including I-100, L-180, S-190, S-130, IS-700, completion of a training burn.
• Must meet physical fitness standards per TNC Fire Management Manual.

Responsibilities

• Participate in prescribed fire and related land-management work under supervision.
• Nov–Jan emphasis on burn-unit prep: fire line construction, fuels removal, and equipment prep.
• Staffing needs vary; opportunities depend on weather and project needs.
• Assist with fire operations on TNC preserves and partner lands across multiple states.
• Operate pumps, engines, UTVs, hand tools and other equipment when trained.

Skills

FFT2 (Firefighter Type 2)

I-100

L-180

S-190

S-130

IS-700

Training burn

Physical fitness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

UTVs

Pumps

Hand tools

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The As-Needed Burn Crew Member (BCM) supports prescribed fire preparation, implementation, and follow-up activities throughout the Southern Blue Ridge region. Work may include preparing and maintaining fire lines, operating hand tools and equipment, ignition, holding, patrol, mop-up, monitoring, and related forestry or land-management projects. The BCM works under close supervision, maintains required fire qualifications and fitness standards, and builds effective working relationships with Conservancy staff and fire-management partners. Work may occur in variable weather, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

We’re Looking for You:

The NC Southern Blue Ridge As-Needed Burn Crew Member supports prescribed fire preparation, implementation, and follow-up work, along with related forestry and land-management projects as assigned. Compensation is $22.42 per hour and includes travel time from the designated meet‑up location to and from the work site. If overnight travel is required, compensation will occur during actual work hours. No housing is provided, and candidates are responsible for securing housing within commuting distance of Asheville, North Carolina.

Essential Functions

• The NC Southern Blue Ridge As-Needed Burn Crew Member participates in prescribed fire and related land-management work throughout the Southern Blue Ridge region under the direction of the Stewardship Manager and Crew Leadership.
• A substantial portion of work Nov – Jan emphasizes burn-unit preparation, including fire line construction and maintenance, vegetation and fuels removal, equipment preparation, and other tasks needed to make units ready for burn implementation.
• Staffing needs average 2–4 operational periods biweekly, but work can be sporadic and clustered around suitable weather and project needs.
• No minimum number of work opportunities is guaranteed or implied, and crew members may accept opportunities as their schedules allow.
• The NC Southern Blue Ridge As-Needed Burn Crew Member assists with prescribed fire operations on TNC preserves and partner lands in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.
• Duties may include fire line construction, holding, ignition, patrol, mop‑up, fuels, weather and fire behavior monitoring, and operation of pumps, engines, UTVs, hand tools, and other equipment when trained and authorized.
• The position may also assist with forestry and land-management projects throughout the year, including vegetation management, fuels reduction, and related field work.
• Burn Crew Members represent TNC on partner projects and are expected to work safely and professionally.
• The NC Southern Blue Ridge As-Needed Burn Crew Member must provide fire boots that meet TNC Fire Management Manual requirements and must provide transportation to the designated meet‑up location, usually Asheville, North Carolina.
• TNC will provide transportation from the meet‑up location to and from work sites.
• TNC can provide required flame‑resistant clothing (Nomex), a line pack, fire shelter, radio, and radio harness as needed.
• TNC’s fire management manual Responsibility & Scope Works in a high stress team environment. Works under close supervision. Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• From ignition to mop‑up, you’ll tackle tasks like preparing fire lines and monitoring post‑burn activities.

What You’ll Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current qualification as Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), including I‑100, L‑180, S‑190, S‑130, IS‑700, completion of a training burn, and any additional requirements identified in the TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Must achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Experience safely operating hand tools, power equipment, vehicles, or other equipment used in fire, forestry, natural‑resource management, or comparable field work.
• Must be able to obtain related licences or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR).

Desired Qualifications

• Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross‑cultural experience appreciated.
• Training, education, or experience in wildland fire, prescribed fire, forestry, biology, ecology, natural‑resource management, or a related land‑management field.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Flexibility in scheduling – assignments will vary, both in location and duration, from minimal hours per pay period to many hours, depending on conditions and other factors.
• Locations scattered around western NC and into TN, SC and GA from Asheville base.
• Experience operating vehicles, pulling equipment trailers, and operating UTVs safely; relevant operator training or licensing is desirable.
• Ability to evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions that affect the safety and work of firefighters within squad.
• Ability to coordinate with staff through technology including text messages and emails; familiarity with Avenza PDFMaps.
• Additional training or experience that supports the work, such as S‑212 Wildland Fire Chain Saws, S‑211 Portable Pumps and Water Use, UTV safety and operations, pump or wildland engine operations, First Aid/CPR, and Avenza Maps.
• Chainsaw experience is highly desirable.
• Preference may be given to applicants with qualifications or experience above the FFT2 level.
• 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".
• 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 pay rate for a candidate selected for this position is $22.42 per hour.
• This rate only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA.
• 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.

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.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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.

"you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people."