SC Coast Burn Crew Member

USA The Nature Conservancy; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

401(k) plan with employer match

Parental leave

Paid time off

Life insurance

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy’s SC Coastal Burn Crew Member role focuses on implementing prescribed burns across Conservancy lands in South Carolina. The position supports planning, preparation, and execution, with training and state agency coordination as part of a dynamic fire program.

Based in Awendaw, SC, the role may require travel and weekend work; housing is provided. The incumbent will develop skills, maintain certifications, and contribute to meeting the 50,000-acre burn goal with the team.

Qualifications

• FFT2 certification and fire line training completed.
• Able to carry 45 lb pack 3 miles in under 45 minutes.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Willingness to travel and work irregular hours.

Responsibilities

• Support preparation and implementation of prescribed burns on Conservancy lands.
• Learn to burn across diverse terrains and fuel types.
• Maintain professional fire certifications and stay updated on techniques.

Skills

FFT2 Certification

Arduous Fitness

Driver's License

Willing to Travel

Teamwork

Education

S-112/212 Chainsaw

First Aid/CPR

Wilderness First Responder

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 Coastal Burn Crew Member position serves a foundational role within TNC-SC’s fire program, as an implementer of prescribed fire on TNC and partner lands. 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 Member will learn to burn in a variety of terrains and fuel types, from montane oak-hickory forests to southern rough in the Lowcountry pine woods.

The Coastal Burn Crew consists of three Prescribed Burn Crew Technicians and one Crew Manager. The crew assists 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.

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 Coastal Burn Crew Members 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.

Position will begin on January 11, 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 as a FireFighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to IC (IS-100), Introduction to NIMS (IS-700), 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. See https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm for more information.
• Ability to achieve a NWCG arduous physical fitness rating by carrying a 45lb-pack 3 miles in less than 45 minutes.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required i.e., First Aid/CPR, etc.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
• Willingness to travel extensively and occasionally to work weekends and maintain a flexible work schedule.
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with a wide variety of people in stressful conditions and to follow written and verbal instructions.
• 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:

• S-112/212 course with Faller Qualification or other experience operating and maintaining chainsaws.
• Medical experience or qualifications i.e., Wilderness First Responder or EMT.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment, including 4WD vehicles, Type-6 Engines, ATVs/UTVs, chainsaws, drip torch, etc.
• 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 $20-22/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.

To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

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.

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, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

• health care benefits
• flexible spending accounts
• 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

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, please send a note to [e-mail] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

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 from 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.