Southern Wisconsin Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy • Baraboo, WI

2d • $18 - $20

About The Position

As part of a four-person team, the Burn Crew Member is based out of our Baraboo Hills Project in Baraboo, WI and works across the diverse landscapes of Wisconsin to support the implementation of prescribed fire and other priority land management. The Burn Crew Member will also participate in wildland fire operations throughout the United States for up to 16 weeks annually. Wildland and prescribed fire operations include preparing fire lines, ignition, control, suppression, mop-up, post burn monitoring, equipment maintenance, and other tasks as assigned. Land management tasks include timber stand improvement, invasive species management through chemical and manual control, trail maintenance, species monitoring and mapping, and property monitoring among others. In addition, the Burn Crew Member shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local communities where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in wildland fire suppression or prescribed fire implementation in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee, or as a short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an administratively determined, short term federal employee). The Burn Crew Member position may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. As a Burn Crew Member, you’ll be supervised and directed by the Wisconsin Burn Crew Manager and will work cooperatively with other crew members, TNC Staff, volunteers, and partners to manage preserve areas and implement prescribed fire operations. As part of a mobile fire crew, you will frequently travel throughout Wisconsin (up to 80% time) and will travel up to 16 weeks annually throughout the United States. Occasional camping may be required. Housing is not provided, however TNC covers all expenses and lodging incurred during any travel. TNC strongly supports the professional development of our prescribed fire staff through travel and training to obtain or maintain National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualifications. This may be done through assignments with TNC and/or other agencies, as well as through Prescribed Fire Learning Exchanges (TREX) and other partnership trainings such as the National Interagency Prescribed Fire Training Center. The Burn Crew Member Position works 35-40 hours per week; however, overtime is expected during our prescribed burn season and during out-of-state travel assignments. The starting rate for this position is $18.00-$20.00/hour based on experience. Our Burn Crew Member position is a full-time, fully benefitted position that has been funded through December 31, 2030, with the potential to be extended beyond that date.

Requirements

• 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 (e.g., Driver's License, First Aid, CPR, pesticide application).
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
• 6 months - 1 year of related experience.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
• Experience in the maintenance or repair of various types of equipment (e.g., chainsaw, ATV).
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Wildland and prescribed fire operations include preparing fire lines, ignition, control, suppression, mop-up, post burn monitoring, equipment maintenance, and other tasks as assigned.
• Land management tasks include timber stand improvement, invasive species management through chemical and manual control, trail maintenance, species monitoring and mapping, and property monitoring among others.
• Work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local communities where the Conservancy works.
• Manage preserve areas and implement prescribed fire operations.

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees