Seasonal Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy; Babson Park (FL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Burn Crew Member to support prescribed fire operations across Central Florida. You will help prepare firelines, operate equipment, and participate in monitoring and post-burn activities, contributing to habitat management and fire safety.

This full-time seasonal role requires physical fitness, a valid driver's license, and experience with field equipment. Lodging is provided at designated preserves in Florida, with overtime after 40 hours and a strong emphasis

Qualifications

• Must obtain RXCM or FFT2 certifications (or equivalent).
• Must achieve Arduous pack test fitness as per local Fire Program Manager.
• 6 months to 1 year of related experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Prepare firelines and maintain equipment.
• Assist with prescribed burning and mop-up activities.
• Post-burn monitoring and reporting as required.
• Perform other land management duties when conditions are not suitable for prescribed fire.
• Lodging provided at Disney Wilderness Preserve or Tiger Creek Preserve.

Skills

Driver's license

Team player

Heavy physical work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

T6 engines

UTVs

ATVs

Chainsaws

Power tools

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Burn Crew Member (BCM) participates in wild land fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned.

We’re Looking for You:

The BCM will participate in preparing firelines, maintaining equipment, prescribed burning, mop-up, post-burn monitoring, and other tasks assigned. May perform other land management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.

As part of BCM’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. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in prescribed fire activities in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Responsibilities & Scope

The BCM will represent The Nature Conservancy’s Central Florida Ecosystem Restoration Team (ERT) in the places they work. Their attitude and fire practitioner skills will be important as we prepare fire lines, maintain equipment, conduct pre- and post-burn monitoring, and do other prescribed fire related tasks. They may perform other land management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire. They will be asked to serve in roles that commensurate with their qualification and experience.

The intent of this position is to provide support for prescribed fire operations on conservation lands throughout Central Florida. This is a full-time, seasonal, hourly wage position, and overtime applies after the first 40 hours each week. Lodging will be provided at either The Disney Wilderness Preserve, Kissimmee, FL or Tiger Creek Preserve, Babson Park, FL.

The burn crew members will be expected to:

• Work under the supervision of the Senior Burn Crew Member and Land Conservation Specialist
• Works as a team player in a high-stress environment.
• Assist with all aspects of prescribed burning.
• Maintain assigned equipment
• Perform other land management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire, including invasive species treatments and hardwood reduction projects.
• Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Operate 4x4 Trucks, ATVs, UTVs, tractors, chain saws, leaf blowers, trailers, and a variety of power tools
• Maintain accurate records of work time.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to IC S (I-100), 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 as a requirement for this position. See TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards of Arduous pack test as determined by the local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
• Experience operating various types of equipment (T6 engines, UTVs, ATVs, chainsaws, etc.)
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR).
• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Desired Qualifications

• S-212 Wildland Chainsaw Training or equivalent
• Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 6 months-1 year of related experience.
• Must have valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.

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 $19.00 – $22.00 per hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. 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 location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

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. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of 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. 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.

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.