Senior Burn Crew Member

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

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Crew housing provided

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Senior Burn Crew Member to lead and supervise staff and volunteers during wildland fire operations, including ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring. The SBCM will stay current with burn techniques and certification credentials while building relationships in the fire community.

Based in Kentucky with multiple nearby squads, this seasonal hourly role emphasizes safe, effective prescribed burning, line preparation, and equipment maintenance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must obtain RXCM or FFT2 certifications including required courses.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards per local Fire Manager.
• Experience operating various equipment.
• Must obtain related licenses/certifications (e.g., First Aid, CPR).

Responsibilities

• Oversee staff and volunteers during fire-related activities: ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring.
• Assist with safe and effective implementation of prescribed burning and fire line preparation; maintain equipment.
• Maintain relationships within professional fire community and local communities; support land management activities as assigned.

Skills

Firefighter Type 1

Wildland Fire Faller

ATV/UTV operator

Off-road driving

Volunteer management

Teamwork

Fire operations experience

MS Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

RXCM or FFT2 certifications (I-100, L-180, S-190, S-130)

First Aid/CPR certification

Tools

None specified

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.

Preferred locations: London, Corbin, 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 IC (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.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural 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.

• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers).

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 $22.00-23.00 per hour.

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.

• 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

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.