SC Coast Burn Crew Member

nature; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy seeks a Coastal Burn Crew Member to implement prescribed fire in SC's Coastal Plain and nearby regions. You will join a small crew that covers TNC and partner lands, traveling to diverse terrains and maintaining fire qualifications.

Expect variable schedules, long days, and occasional weekend work, with housing provided in Awendaw, SC. Position begins Jan 11, 2027 and ends May 28, 2027 (negotiable).

Qualifications

• FFT2 certification and IS-100/IS-700/NIMS components.
• NWCG arduous fitness rating (carry 45lb pack 3 miles in under 45 minutes).
• Driver's license and related licenses/certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Implement prescribed fire on TNC and partner lands.
• Assist on planning and preparation of burns and training.
• Travel overnight as needed to support fire operations across SC.
• Maintain and grow professional fire credentials and participate in partnerships.

Skills

FFT2

NWCG fitness

Driver's license

Teamwork under stress

Education

S-112/212 or chainsaw experience

Wilderness First Responder / EMT

Tools

Chainsaws

4WD vehicles

ATVs/UTVs

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 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 bas