Northwest Georgia Burn Crew Manager

USA The Nature Conservancy

Rome (GA)

On-site

USD 34,000 - 37,000

Full time

10 days ago

Application generator

A complete application in a minute — tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

Flexible spending accounts

401(k) plan with 8% employer match

Parental leave

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee assistance program

Well-being benefits

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Burn Crew Manager to lead a crew in northwest Georgia, Rome area, for a four-month prescribed fire program from January 4, 2027, to April 30, 2027. Role involves managing 2–7 crew members, coordinating with agencies, and ensuring safety during heavy physical work in remote, challenging terrain.

Requirements include a high school diploma, FFT1 certification, two or more seasons as a Senior Burn Crew Member, and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.
FFT1 task book completed.
Two+ seasons as Senior Burn Crew Member or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Lead Burn Crew during fire operations and logistics.
Oversee safety and adherence to protocols on firelines.
Assist with prescribed burns, equipment maintenance, and post-burn tasks.
Maintain records and coordinate with partners and agencies.

Skills

Team leadership

Safety awareness

Physical stamina

Equipment operation

Staff supervision

Education

High school diploma

FFT1 certification

Tools

FFT1 task book

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.

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 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 $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."

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.

What We Bring