SC Coast Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy; 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 on TNC lands in South Carolina, primarily in the piney Coastal Plain. You will join a three-person crew to learn and apply burn techniques across varied terrains, with occasional travel to other regions and potential overnight support.

You will maintain safety and fire-line standards, pursue continuing fire certifications, and collaborate with partners and staff to protect landscapes.

Qualifications

• FFT2 certification and related training completed.
• Ability to achieve NWCG arduous fitness rating (45 lb pack, 3 miles).
• Valid driver's license with good driving record.
• Willingness to travel, weekends, and flexible schedule.
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varied weather.

Responsibilities

• Implement prescribed burns on TNC and partner lands.
• Maintain safety and fire-line procedures at all times.
• Stay current with burn techniques and fire certifications.
• Collaborate with Conservancy staff and partners across locations.
• Support travel to other areas for burn operations when needed.

Skills

FFT2 qualification

NWCG fitness

Driver's license

Flexibility

Teamwork

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.

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 ICs (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.

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. 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.

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process.

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