Burn Crew Manager (MP)

The Nature Conservancy•North Charleston, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The SC Coast Burn Crew Manager position serves a critical role within TNC-SC’s fire program, as both a crew manager and liaison with conservation partners. Prescribed fire work will be conducted primarily in the piney forests of the Coastal Plain, though a degree of work will be in the midlands and mountains. As such, the Burn Crew Manager will learn to burn in a variety of terrains and fuel types, from montane oak-hickory forests to southern rough in the Lowcountry piney woods. The Crew Manager supervises three seasonal Burn Crew Technicians. They are the crew’s liaison with the fire management staff in the state and are supervised by the Coastal Prescribed Fire Specialist. They may also act as line supervisor on burns as assigned by the burn boss. The crew works with Conservancy staff in the preparation and implementation of prescribed burns at various preserves in South Carolina which may be owned by TNC or other public or private partners (U.S. Forest Service, SC Forestry Commission, SC State Parks, SC DNR, etc.). The crew occasionally travels overnight for up to a week to support fire operations around the state. Due to the unpredictability of weather forecasts, the schedule can be erratic, with long days and weekend work occasionally required. In this role, you will function as both a leader and a member of a work team. You will lead the team by monitoring the progress of burn crew members toward achieving fire management goals. You will be responsible for administrative and oversight duties such as time and expense tracking, equipment repair, and purchasing supplies for ongoing programmatic needs. You will be a key decision maker on the fire line based on your evaluation of fire behavior, available resources and judgement. As part of the incumbent’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. The Burn Crew Manager may assist on wildland fire operations with federal, state, or private partners, or travel to other areas of the state or out-of-state to assist other TNC programs or partners on prescribed or wildland fires. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works. If you have a passion for leading & collaborating with others to get good fire on the ground, then this job is for you! Position will begin on January 6, 2027 and terminate on May 28, 2027 (end date negotiable). Position will be based out of Awendaw, SC, with housing provided.

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 is required.
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.

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 fire management staff in the state.
May act as line supervisor on burns as assigned by the burn boss.
Work with Conservancy staff in the preparation and implementation of prescribed burns.
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.