SC Coast Burn Crew Manager (MP)

The Nature Conservancy; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina seeks a Burn Crew Manager to lead a three-person seasonal crew, coordinate prescribed fire operations, and liaise with state fire management staff. The role emphasizes safety, training, and adaptive management across diverse landscapes in SC.

You will supervise crew members, track times and expenses, repair equipment, and procure supplies while advancing fire management goals and professional certification. Flexibility for travel and long days is required.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising staff or volunteers is required.
• Ability to achieve NWCG arduous wildland firefighter rating.
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead the burn crew and coordinate with fire management staff.
• Monitor crew progress toward fire management goals and maintain records.
• Manage administrative duties: time/expense tracking, equipment repair, purchasing supplies.
• Stay current on burn techniques and equipment to maintain certification credentials.
• May supervise on burns as assigned by the burn boss and travel within SC as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Physical fitness

Decision making

Tools

4WD vehicles

Type-6 Engines

ATVs/UTVs

Chainsaws

Drip torch

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

Over eighty percent of North American ecosystems depend on fire for essential ecological functions. Indigenous people have used fire for millennia and contemporary land managers continue the practice, although not to the same degree or effect. The Nature Conservancy and our partners seek a better future with fire—one where natural areas are sustained by and ready for fire and where communities are empowered and prepared to live with fire.

TNC-South Carolina aims to facilitate an increase of 50,000 acres of prescribed fire across SC over the next 5 years. As part of this goal, this position will support TNC and partner organizations with prescribed fire operations, planning, and preparations. The impact will be not only seen in the number of acres treated, but in individuals trained for Rx fire and in strengthening relationships with agency partners.

We’re Looking for You:

The SC Coast Burn Crew Manager position serves a critical role within TNC-SC's fire program, as both a crew manager and liaison with conservation partners. Prescribed fire work will be conducted primarily in the piney forests of the Coastal Plain, though a degree of work will be in the midlands and mountains. As such, the Burn Crew Manager will learn to burn in a variety of terrains and fuel types, from montane oak-hickory forests to southern rough in the Lowcountry piney woods.

The Crew Manager supervises three seasonal Burn Crew Technicians. They are the crew’s liaison with the fire management staff in the state and are supervised by the Coastal Prescribed Fire Specialist. They may also act as line supervisor on burns as assigned by the burn boss. The crew works with Conservancy staff in the preparation and implementation of prescribed burns at various preserves in South Carolina which may be owned by TNC or other public or private partners (U.S. Forest Service, SC Forestry Commission, SC State Parks, SC DNR, etc.). The crew occasionally travels overnight for up to a week to support fire operations around the state. Due to the unpredictability of weather forecasts, the schedule can be erratic, with long days and weekend work occasionally required.

In this role, you will function as both a leader and a member of a work team. You will lead the team by monitoring the progress of burn crew members toward achieving fire management goals. You will be responsible for administrative and oversight duties such as time and expense tracking, equipment repair, and purchasing supplies for ongoing programmatic needs. You will be a key decision maker on the fire line based on your evaluation of fire behavior, available resources and judgement.

As part of the incumbent’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. The Burn Crew Manager may assist on wildland fire operations 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. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works.

If you have a passion for leading & collaborating with others to get good fire on the ground, then this job is for you! Position will begin on January 6, 2027 and terminate on May 28, 2027 (end date negotiable). Position will be based out of Awendaw, SC, with housing provided.

What You’ll Bring:

• 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 at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm

• Ability to achieve a NWCG arduous wildland firefighter rating by carrying a 45lb-pack 3 miles in less than 45 minutes.

• Experience supervising staff or volunteers is required.

• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment, including 4WD vehicles, Type-6 Engines, ATVs/UTVs, chainsaws, drip torch, etc.
• Willingness to travel extensively and occasionally work weekends and maintain a flexible work schedule.
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.

• Willingness to provide lace-up leather boots, minimum height of 8 inches.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Desired Qualifications

• Qualified Single Resource Engine Boss (ENGB) and successful completion of ENGB task book. Requirements for ENGB can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/SingleResource.htm

• Qualified as Intermediate Faller (FAL2), or ample chainsaw experience and training to safely supervise crew during saw operations.
• Advanced medical experience or qualifications i.e., Wilderness First Responder or EMT.

• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
• Motivated, self-starting leader who with minimal oversight can keep crew engaged & productive.

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 $25 –27 per hour. 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 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. TNC 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,