Senior Burn Crew Member

USA The Nature Conservancy; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Crew housing provided

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy seeks a Senior Burn Crew Member to supervise crew members and volunteers in prescribed fire operations, including ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring. The role supports ongoing professional development in fire management, working with partner agencies and nonprofits in Kentucky.

Housing is provided for non-local staff; this hourly seasonal position runs Feb–Apr with a pay rate of $22.00–$23.00 USD per hour, based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must obtain Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualifications including ICS introductory and fire behavior trainings.
• Must meet physical fitness standards per local Prescribed Fire Manager and TNC Fire Management Manual.

Responsibilities

• Oversee staff and volunteers during ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring.
• Assist with safe and effective implementation of prescribed burning and fire line preparation.
• Operate and maintain fire-related equipment; support annual training and certification.
• Collaborate with Burn Crew Manager, Burn Boss, and other command staff.

Skills

Equipment operation

Teamwork

MS Word

Excel basics

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together

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

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 February8 and ending April9 with a pay range of $22.00 to $23.00USD 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 ICS (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.

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).

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.
• 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. 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.

To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the