Senior Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy (All); Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Crew housing

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy seeks a Senior Burn Crew Member (SBCM) to supervise staff and volunteers during prescribed fire operations, ensuring safe ignition, control, mop-up, and monitoring. The SBCM may also perform related land management tasks as assigned by a Burn Crew Manager.

They will stay current on new burn techniques and equipment, maintaining fire certifications. Housing is provided for non-local employees; positioned for February–April burn season in Kentucky with placements near

Qualifications

• Must obtain RXCM or FFT2 qualifications or equivalent.
• Must pass physical fitness standards per program manuals.
• Experience operating prescribed burn equipment is preferred.
• Must maintain required licenses and certifications (First Aid, CPR).

Responsibilities

• Oversee staff and volunteers during fire-related activities.
• Assist with safe and effective prescribed burning and line prep.
• Maintain and operate fire equipment and tools.
• Build relationships within fire community and agencies.

Skills

Wildland fire ops

Team leadership

Ignition & suppression

Equipment operation

First aid CPR

Education

High school diploma

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Senior Burn Crew Member (SBCM) works in a team environment and participates in wildland fire operations overseeing staff and volunteers during fire related activities which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring. SBCM may conduct other land management activities as assigned by a Burn Crew Manager or other command position.

As part of the SBCM’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 wildland fire suppression activities in partnership with other non‑profits, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee or as a volunteer or short‑term employee of the partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined, short term federal employee).

We’re Looking for You:

The Kentucky Chapter has a robust prescribed fire management program. We work alongside government agencies to improve forest health and resiliency by strategically implementing prescribed burns in the Appalachian landscape. Your role as a seasonal fire employee is critical to our success. We typically assist with burning 10,000 acres to 25,000 acres per season which makes for a busy time. With this amount of burning, you will receive valuable experience around ecologically based prescribed burning in hardwood forests.

The spring fire season begins in February and ends in April. The Kentucky Business unit is recruiting for up to 4 SBCM for our squads based near London, Corbin, and Morehead, KY. The SBCM will work under a Burn Crew Manager, Burn Boss, or other command positions. The SBCM will assist with the safe and effective implementation of prescribed burning, fire line preparation, and use and maintenance of equipment. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your skills and begin or grow your career in fire management. Housing is provided for non‑local employees. This is an hourly, seasonal position beginning on February 8 and ending April 9 with a pay range of $22.00 to $23.00 USD per hour, based on qualifications and experience. Crew housing is provided.

Be sure to include in your resume IQCS qualifications, training, and preferred locations. For preferred locations please list in order of preference top 1 (most preferred) to 3 (least preferred). The locations are London, Corbin, and Morehead KY.

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 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 as determined by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.


• Experience operating various types of equipment.


• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR)

Desired Qualifications

• Firefighter Type 1 qualified.


• Wildland Fire Faller qualified.


• ATV / UTV operator qualified.


• Experience driving off-road, loading, and towing trailers.


• Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross‑cultural experience appreciated.


• Experience managing volunteers or entry‑level staff.


• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.


• Two or more years of experience in fire operations related experience in land management or a similar field.