Southern Blue Ridge (NC) AS-NEEDED Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy; North Carolina; On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading conservation organization as a Burn Crew Member, assisting in wildland fire operations across multiple states. This role requires physical fitness and teamwork to support environmental initiatives. Positions start in April 2024 with flexible scheduling and competitive pay.

Qualifications

• 6 months of related experience required.
• Ability to maintain physical fitness standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist in wildland fire operations with partners.
• Participate in prescribed burns throughout the Southern Blue Ridge.

Skills

Physical Fitness

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Standard Transmission Vehicles

Avenza PDFMaps

Job description

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our stories from staff or visit our website.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to professional requirements. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

What We Can Achieve Together

The primary responsibility of the Burn Crew Member will be to assist in wildland fire operations with partners such as state and federal agencies, or on Conservancy preserves in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. Wildland fire operations may include fire line construction, holding, ignition, patrol, mop-up, and monitoring weather.

All TNC staff actively participating in a burn must meet FFT2 minimum qualification but do not need a red card. Burn crew members represent TNC on partner burns and must act accordingly. TNC supports SBR Fire Learning Network partners on multiple controlled burns each year.

Potential for assisting on forestry-related projects.

We’re Looking For You

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re seeking someone passionate, motivated, and a problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

There are currently 3 Southern Blue Ridge Burn Crew Member positions available beginning in April 2024, on a year-to-year basis, based in Asheville. No housing is provided.

The Burn Crew Member participates in prescribed burns throughout the Southern Blue Ridge (SBR). Under the direction of the SBR Stewardship Manager, the Crew Member provides wildland fire support for single or multi-day prescribed fire operations. Staffing needs average 2-4 operational periods bi-weekly, at the discretion of the Stewardship Manager. Participation is based on schedule and weather conditions, and is not guaranteed.

Compensation is $18.00 per hour, including travel time from a meet-up location to the burn unit. If overnight travel is required, compensation will occur during work hours.

The Burn Crew Member is expected to provide some personal protective equipment (Nomex pants, Nomex shirt, fire boots, hard hat) as outlined by the Conservancy’s fire management manual, along with a fire shelter and radio harness if necessary.

You may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

What You’ll Bring

• High school diploma and 6 months of related experience.
• Ability to achieve and maintain physical fitness standards: walk 3 miles in less than 45 minutes while carrying 45 lbs. The Conservancy provides refresher training and administers the arduous pack test at the start of the position.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Ability to obtain related licenses or certifications as required.

Desired Qualifications

• Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience.
• Qualified as a 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 under supervision of a qualified FFT2. See additional details in the full job posting.
• One year or more of training in fire operations or related land management experience.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Flexibility in scheduling, with assignments varying in location and duration, from minimal hours to many hours depending on conditions.
• Ability to operate standard transmission vehicles and pull equipment trailers.
• Ability to evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing environment and make safety decisions.
• Ability to coordinate via technology, including text messages and emails; familiarity with Avenza PDFMaps.
• Additional training such as ATV Safety and Operations, S-212 Wildland Chainsaws, S-211 Portable Pumps and Water Use. Higher qualifications may be preferred.

What We Bring

Since 1951, TNC has been committed to impactful conservation work worldwide. With over 1 million members, 400 scientists, and diverse staff and partners, we make a global impact!

We offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of our employees.

Auto Safety Policy

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive high-risk vehicles. Completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement and review of the driver’s record are required.

Salary Information

The starting pay is generally $18.00 per hour for candidates in the USA. Actual pay depends on location, qualifications, skills, and experience. Different countries will have different pay ranges based on local markets.