Northwest Georgia Burn Crew Manager

The Nature Conservancy (All); Rome (GA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Rome, Georgia seeks a Burn Crew Manager for a four-month season beginning January 4, 2027, through April 30, 2027. You will supervise a crew of 2–7, perform prescribed burns, and coordinate risk controls and field operations under a Burn Boss or similar role.

You must hold FFT1 qualifications, demonstrate physical fitness, and be able to operate a range of fire-suppression equipment. Housing is provided at Arrowhead Wildlife Management Area, Floyd County.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and 1 year training in fire operations or land management.
• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and FFT1 task book.
• Two or more seasons as a Senior Burn Crew Member or similar qualification.
• Must meet physical fitness standards as set by the local Fire Manager and TNC Fire Manual.
• Experience operating and maintaining equipment and supervising staff.

Responsibilities

• Function as both leader and member of a work team in a high-stress environment.
• Burn Crew Members and Senior Burn Crew Members during fire operations.
• Assist with logistics, expenses, time reporting, and administrative tasks for squad members.
• Convey work instructions to Burn Crew members and monitor safety.
• Make decisions on the fire line based on fire behavior and resources.

Skills

Fire operations

Team leadership

FFT1 (Squad Boss)

Heavy equipment operation

Driver's license

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma

1-year training in fire operations or land management

Tools

ATVs

UTVs

Tractors

Chainsaws

Equipment maintenance

Job description

Closing date and Project Duration:

• Early application is encouraged as this job posting will be open until filled.
• The position is a seasonal position that will run from January 4, 2027, to April 30, 2027. Begin and end dates are flexible within the time frame and maximum 4-month allotment. Preference will be given to applicants for a full 4-month commitment.

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Burn Crew Manager participates in wildland fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, while overseeing a squad (2-7 Burn Crew Members), as directed by a Burn Boss, or other command position in the northwest Georgia project area located in Rome, Georgia. er preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Burn Crew Manager (BCM) participates in preparing firelines, maintaining equipment, prescribed fire operations, mop-up, post-burn monitoring and other tasks as assigned. May perform other land management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.

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, 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 should have the ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

Under the guidance of our Fire Management Staff, you'll assist with prescribed burns, ensure safety protocols, maintain equipment, and operate various machinery such as ATVs, UTVs, tractors, and chainsaws. As a full-time prescribed fire crew manager, you will participate in continuous prescribed fire assignments throughout a four-month term beginning January 4, 2027, ending April 30, 2027.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Function as both leader and member of a work team, in a high stress team environment.
• Burn Crew Members, and/or Senior Burn Crew Members during fire operations.
• Assists with logistics, expenses, time reporting, and other administrative tasks for squad members as assigned.
• Convey work instructions to Burn Crew members.
• Monitor the progress of Burn Crew Members toward achieving fire management goals and ensures safety.
• Makes decisions on the fire line based upon evaluation of fire behavior, available resources, and judgment.
• Perform other land management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
• Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

Housing:

Housing with basic utilities will be provided at Arrowhead Wildlife Management Area in Floyd County, Georgia, at no cost to the employee upon signing and agreeing to lease terms.

We’re Looking for You:

By joining our Fire Management Team, you will be a part of a highly functioning team working together to restore native ecosystems in and around the Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama Ecoregion. The majority of opportunities will be prescribed fire partnerships with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources on Wildlife Management Areas and the US Forest Service on the Chattahoochee National Forest and Talladega National Forest. Our team consists of a dedicated group who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together. Join us as a Burn Crew Manager (BCM)! 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. Ready for the challenge?

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.
• Two or more seasons as a Senior Burn Crew Member or similar agency qualification.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by the local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment.
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers is required.
• May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application.

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience 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 squad.
• Single Resource Boss qualified.
• 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 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 $24.97-27.03 hourly rate. 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, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

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. 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.

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, we’re committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process.