NC Coastal Plain Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy•Wilmington, NC

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The NC Coastal Plain Burn Crew Member participates in preserve operations, restoration, maintenance, and management, with prescribed fire as the primary focus. The role supports prescribed fire operations from preparation through mop-up and monitoring, and may include managing staff and volunteers and maintaining fire equipment and supplies. When weather is not suitable for prescribed burns, the crew member works on longleaf pine restoration projects, including timber stand improvement, invasive plant treatment, thinning, planting, and monitoring. Other duties may include maintaining tools and equipment, repairing fences and gates, posting boundaries, and maintaining grounds and structures. The selected candidate represents The Nature Conservancy during prescribed fire operations with partner agencies and is expected to demonstrate professionalism. The position requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, and potential overtime when weather creates optimal burn conditions. Ongoing training opportunities are available, including task book development and certifications such as First Aid/CPR, ATV/UTV operation, and wildland chainsaw use. Two positions are available for a six-month term running January through June. Applicants must be available for the entire term. Positions are based in Wilmington, North Carolina. Some overtime may be allowed, and housing is provided.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Qualified as a 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 under the supervision of a qualified FFT2.
Meet the physical fitness standard determined by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual: walk 3 miles in under 45 minutes wearing a 45-pound weight vest.
Experience operating various types of equipment.
Valid driver's license and good driving record; must comply with TNC’s Auto Safety Program and complete a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a motor vehicle record review.
Available for the entire six-month January–June term.
Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and potential overtime during favorable prescribed-burn conditions.
May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications, such as CPR and herbicide application.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating chainsaws, ATVs/UTVs, T6 Engines, and tractors.
Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience.
Six months to one year of related experience.
Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.

Responsibilities

Participate in prescribed fire activities, including burn unit preparation, fire operations, management of staff and volunteers, equipment and supply maintenance, mop-up, and monitoring.
Work on longleaf pine restoration projects when weather is not conducive to prescribed fire, including timber stand improvement, invasive plant treatment, thinning, planting, and monitoring.
Maintain preserves and buildings, including tools and equipment, fences and gates, posted boundaries, grounds, and structures.
Represent The Nature Conservancy professionally during prescribed fire operations with partner agencies.
Participate in training and professional development, including task book development and relevant certifications.

Benefits

Housing provided.
Ongoing training opportunities, including task book development and certifications.
Health care benefits.
Flexible spending accounts.
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.
Flexible work environment.