Senior Burn Crew Lead — Prescribed Fire Specialist

The Nature Conservancy (All); Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in the Southern Blue Ridge region seeks a Senior Burn Crew Member to lead prescribed-fire prep, implementation, and follow-up work, with responsibility for coordinating crew members and volunteers.

This hands-on role emphasizes safety, field leadership, and adapting to variable weather and rugged terrain while ensuring firelines, ignition, and monitoring are performed to high standards.

Qualifications

• Current FFT2 qualification including I-100, L-180, S-190, S-130, IS-700 and a completed training burn.
• At least two seasons as FFT2 or agency equivalent.
• Experience leading or directing volunteers or small field crews with clear instruction delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead prescribed-fire prep and operations while maintaining safety and supervision.
• Coordinate crew and volunteers, assign tasks, and ensure field readiness of tools and equipment.
• Monitor fire behavior, fuels, and weather, and report activities to management.

Skills

Leadership

Team communication

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Firefighting equipment

UTVs and pumps

Job description

The Nature Conservancy in the Southern Blue Ridge region seeks a Senior Burn Crew Member to lead prescribed-fire prep, implementation, and follow-up work, with responsibility for coordinating crew members and volunteers.

This hands-on role emphasizes safety, field leadership, and adapting to variable weather and rugged terrain while ensuring firelines, ignition, and monitoring are performed to high standards.