Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy•Lexington, KY

10d•$20 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

The Burn Crew Member participates in wildland fire operations, including ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other assigned tasks. Crew members help safely and effectively implement prescribed burns, prepare fire lines, and use and maintain equipment under the direction of the Burn Crew Manager, Burn Boss, or other command positions. The role may also involve wildland fire suppression in partnership with other nonprofits, local fire departments, and local, state, federal, tribal, or Indigenous agencies, either as a TNC employee or as a volunteer or short-term employee of a partner organization. The seasonal role supports The Nature Conservancy’s Kentucky Chapter prescribed-fire program, which works with government agencies to improve forest health and resiliency through prescribed burning in Appalachian hardwood forests. The program typically assists with burning 10,000 to 25,000 acres per season. Positions are based with squads near London, Corbin, or Morehead, Kentucky. Housing is provided for non-local employees. The spring fire season runs from February through April. This hourly seasonal position begins February 8 and ends April 9, with pay of $19.50 to $21.00 per hour depending on qualifications and experience. Crew members are expected to keep current with fire techniques and equipment, develop their skills and professional fire credentials, and build relationships in the professional fire community and local communities. Work may occur in variable weather, remote locations, difficult and hazardous terrain, and physically demanding circumstances.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be able to obtain qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2).
Must complete 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 the supervision of a qualified FFT2.
Must meet physical fitness standards 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, such as First Aid, CPR, and a driver’s license.
Must have a valid driver’s license and comply with TNC’s Auto Safety Program; employment is contingent on completing a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a motor vehicle record review.

Nice To Haves

Qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2.
Faller 3 qualified.
ATV/UTV operator qualified.
Experience operating utility vehicles and water pumps.
Six months to one year of related experience.
Experience driving off-road, loading, and towing trailers.
Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience.
Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
Updated Incident Qualification Card (Red Card).
Good driving record.

Responsibilities

Participate in wildland fire operations, including ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other assigned tasks.
Safely and effectively implement prescribed burns.
Prepare fire lines and use and maintain equipment.
Work under the Burn Crew Manager, Burn Boss, or other command positions.
Participate in wildland fire suppression activities with partner organizations and agencies, when assigned.
Keep abreast of new burn techniques and equipment and develop professional fire skills and certification credentials.
Build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in local communities where TNC works.