Northwoods Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy; Hayward (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

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

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Hayward, Wisconsin is looking for a Burn Crew Member to contribute to prescribed fire operations, including ignition, monitoring, and post‑burn activities. The role emphasizes growth in fire skills and certification, and can involve travel up to 16 weeks a year.

The position is paid at $22.00 per hour with a funded term through Oct 1, 2027. You will join a startup crew in a new location for TNC, collaborate with partners, and work in varied weather and terrain while

Qualifications

• Must be able to obtain FFT2 qualifications including I-100, L-180, S-190, S-130.
• Must meet physical fitness standards as determined by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Experience operating equipment (e.g., 4-wheel drive vehicles, weed whackers, leaf blowers, chainsaw).
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications (First Aid, CPR).
• Valid drivers license and good driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Will perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
• 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.
• Must have a valid drivers license and a good driving record.

Skills

FFT2 qualifications

Equipment operation

Driver's license

Physical fitness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Burn Crew Member (BCM) participates in wild land fire operations which include ignition, control, mop‑up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. 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, tribal or indigenous, 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 may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

This position will be based in Hayward, Wisconsin. Housing is not provided. This position requires frequent travel on occasion, up to 16 weeks annually. The standard weekly work schedule is four days per week, 10 hours per day. This position can include irregular hours, overtime hours, multiple shifts, overnight shifts, and multiple consecutive days worked.

The hourly pay rate is $22.00 per hour

This position is currently funded through October 1, 2027.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Will perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
• 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.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

We’re Looking for You:

Ready to be a part of prescribed fire operations? Join us as a Burn Crew Member (BCM) and be at the heart of the action! From ignition to mop‑up, you'll tackle tasks like preparing fire lines and monitoring post‑burn activities. But that's not all – your journey with us means continuous growth. Master new techniques and equipment to level up your skills and certifications. Plus, you'll build strong relationships within the fire community and the local areas in which we operate where, at this moment in time, you will have the unique opportunity to be an integral part of a startup crew in a new location for TNC. You’ll be coming in on the ground floor of a new wildland fire program and directly assisting with its growth and development not only within the TNC community but also with newly formed State, Federal, Tribal & Non‑Profit Partners.

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to IC S (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 as a requirement for this position. See TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Experience operating various types of equipment (e.g., 4-wheel drive vehicles, weed whackers, leaf blowers, chainsaw).
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR).

Desired Qualifications

• Multi‑lingual skills and multicultural or cross‑cultural experience are appreciated.
• 6 months - 1 year of related experience.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.

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 pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $22.00 per hour. 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, 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. 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‑ranging 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!

• 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. 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.