Burn Crew Manager (MP)

The Nature Conservancy•North Charleston, SC

3d•$25 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in South Carolina aims to increase prescribed fire by 50,000 acres over the next 5 years. This position will support TNC and partner organizations with prescribed fire operations, planning, and preparations. The SC Coast Burn Crew Manager serves as a crew manager and liaison with conservation partners, conducting prescribed fire work primarily in the Coastal Plain, but also in the midlands and mountains. The role involves learning to burn in various terrains and fuel types. The Burn Crew Manager supervises three seasonal Burn Crew Technicians and reports to the Coastal Prescribed Fire Specialist. They may act as a line supervisor on burns as assigned by the burn boss. The crew prepares and implements prescribed burns on TNC preserves and partner lands. Occasional overnight travel for up to a week is required to support fire operations statewide. Due to weather unpredictability, the schedule can be erratic, with occasional long days and weekend work. The position requires functioning as both a leader and a team member, monitoring crew progress, and handling administrative duties like time tracking, equipment repair, and supply purchasing. The Burn Crew Manager will be a key decision-maker on the fire line, evaluating fire behavior, resources, and judgment. Ongoing professional development includes staying updated on new burn techniques and equipment, and maintaining fire certifications. The role may involve assisting on wildland fire operations with partners, traveling to other areas for prescribed or wildland fires, and building relationships within the professional fire and local communities.

Requirements

Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and successful completion of FFT1 task book.
Ability to achieve a NWCG arduous wildland firefighter rating by carrying a 45lb-pack 3 miles in less than 45 minutes.
Experience supervising staff or volunteers.
Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment, including 4WD vehicles, Type-6 Engines, ATVs/UTVs, chainsaws, drip torch, etc.
Willingness to travel extensively and occasionally work weekends and maintain a flexible work schedule.
Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
Willingness to provide lace-up leather boots, minimum height of 8 inches.
Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
Completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement.

Nice To Haves

Qualified Single Resource Engine Boss (ENGB) and successful completion of ENGB task book.
Qualified as Intermediate Faller (FAL2), or ample chainsaw experience and training to safely supervise crew during saw operations.
Advanced medical experience or qualifications i.e., Wilderness First Responder or EMT.
Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
Motivated, self-starting leader who with minimal oversight can keep crew engaged & productive.

Responsibilities

Supervise three seasonal Burn Crew Technicians.
Act as the crew's liaison with state fire management staff.
Prepare and implement prescribed burns at various preserves.
Travel overnight for up to a week to support fire operations around the state.
Monitor the progress of burn crew members toward achieving fire management goals.
Perform administrative and oversight duties such as time and expense tracking, equipment repair, and purchasing supplies.
Make key decisions on the fire line based on evaluation of fire behavior, available resources, and judgment.
Keep abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials.
Assist on wildland fire operations with federal, state, or private partners.
Travel to other areas of the state or out-of-state to assist other TNC programs or partners on prescribed or wildland fires.
Build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community.