SC Mountains Burn Crew Member

USA The Nature Conservancy; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina seeks a SC Mountains Burn Crew Member to implement prescribed fires on Conservancy and partner lands. You will work in diverse terrains, from montane forests to Lowcountry pine woods, and join a team of technicians and a crew manager.

Housing is provided and the role may require overnight travel. Qualified applicants will hold FFT2-related training, NWCG fitness readiness, and be capable of operating chainsaws and various equipment.

Qualifications

• FFT2 certification and related trainings (IS-100, IS-700, L-180, S-190, S-130).
• Ability to carry 45 lb pack 3 miles in <45 minutes.
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR and other licenses/certifications as required.
• Ability to follow instructions and work with colleagues under stress.
• Willingness to travel and maintain a flexible schedule.
• Ability to perform physical work in adverse conditions.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Implement prescribed fire on TNC and partner lands.
• Assist in burn planning and preparations.
• Pursue ongoing professional development and maintain fire certifications.
• Travel within SC and occasionally out of state, with weekend work when needed.

Skills

FFT2 qualification

NWCG fitness

First Aid/CPR

Teamwork under stress

Flexible travel

Education

S-112/S-212 with Faller Qualification

Wilderness First Responder / EMT

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 Mountains 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 mountainous forests of upstate South Carolina, though a degree of work will be in the Midlands and Coastal Plain. As such, 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 piney woods. The SC Mountains 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 (SC Forestry Commission, SC State Parks, SC DNR, etc.). The crew occasionally travels overnight for up to a week to support fire operations out of state or elsewhere in South Carolina. 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 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) and will be based out of Greenville, SC, with housing provided.

What You’ll Bring:

• Qualified as a FireFighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to IC S (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/S-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 for a candidate selected for this position is within the range of $20 – 22 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.