Fire in the Forest Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy • Cushing, MN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This seasonal, full-time (40 hours/week) position is anticipated to start September 12, 2026 and end on October 31, 2026. This position is based out of Cushing, Minnesota on TNC’s Lake Alexander Preserve. Shared housing and basic utilities are provided by TNC at no cost to the employee upon signing and agreeing to housing terms, and the employee must live in the provided housing to meet the needs and nature of the position and to maximize the effectiveness of the crew. The Fire in the Forest program focuses most of its efforts in Central Minnesota in mixed conifer and hardwood forests. As one of our Burn Crew Members, you will participate in prescribed burning operations in partnership with other non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies, and Tribes. This includes ignition, holding, mop-up, and post-burn patrol. You will also be responsible for burn unit preparation, equipment maintenance, timber stand improvement projects, invasive species control, and other projects as assigned that are essential to fire operations and ecosystem restoration. As Burn Crew Members, you will be introduced to regional prescribed burning ecology, equipment, and practices. You may also be offered trainee opportunities to advance your qualifications. In addition, you shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional wildland fire community and in local communities where TNC works. Candidates who are not currently qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) may complete the required online training before your first day of work and complete the hands-on component of the training as part of your onboarding work time. Some overtime is expected, and as part of the crew, you may be asked to travel as far as the Minnesota-Canada border and to the bluff lands of southeast Minnesota. This may include overnight stays for multiple days for burn opportunities. You will work outdoors in variable weather conditions, in remote locations, at times on difficult and uneven terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

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.
• 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., First Aid, CPR).
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
• Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."
• 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

• Candidates who are not currently qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) may complete the required online training before your first day of work and complete the hands-on component of the training as part of your onboarding work time.

Responsibilities

• Participate in prescribed burning operations in partnership with other non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies, and Tribes.
• Perform ignition, holding, mop-up, and post-burn patrol.
• Responsible for burn unit preparation.
• Equipment maintenance.
• Timber stand improvement projects.
• Invasive species control.
• Other projects as assigned that are essential to fire operations and ecosystem restoration.
• Build and maintain relationships in the professional wildland fire community and in local communities where TNC works.

Benefits

• Shared housing and basic utilities are provided by TNC at no cost to the employee upon signing and agreeing to housing terms.
• 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