Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy•Lexington, KY

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Burn Crew Member (BCM) participates in wildland fire operations, including ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other assigned tasks. In Kentucky, crew members support a prescribed-fire program that works with government agencies to improve forest health and resiliency through burns in Appalachian hardwood forests. The program typically assists with burning 10,000 to 25,000 acres per season. The spring fire season runs from February through April. Crew members help implement prescribed burns safely and effectively, prepare fire lines, and use and maintain equipment. They work under the Burn Crew Manager, Burn Boss, or other command positions. The role includes continued professional development by keeping up with fire techniques and equipment, maintaining or growing professional fire credentials, and building relationships in the professional fire community and local communities. Crew members may also participate in wildland fire suppression with partner organizations and agencies, either as a TNC employee or as a volunteer or short-term employee of a partner. The position is seasonal and hourly, based near London, Corbin, or Morehead, Kentucky. Housing is provided for non-local employees. Work may take place in variable weather, remote locations, and difficult or hazardous terrain, and may be physically demanding. The stated term begins February 8 and ends April 9. Pay is $19.50–$21.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. Applicants should list their preferred locations in order and include IQCS qualifications and training in their resume.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be able to obtain qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2).
Required training includes 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 set 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 a good driving record, comply with TNC's Auto Safety Program, and complete a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a motor vehicle record review.
Must meet TNC's background screening requirements.

Nice To Haves

Qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2.
Faller 3 qualification.
ATV/UTV operator qualification.
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.
Updated Incident Qualification Card (Red Card).
Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.

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 fire-management equipment.
Work under the Burn Crew Manager, Burn Boss, or other command positions.
Keep current with new burn techniques and equipment and maintain or grow professional fire certification credentials.
Build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and local communities where TNC works.
Participate, as applicable, in wildland fire suppression activities with partner organizations and agencies.