NC Sandhills Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy • Southern Pines, NC

13d • $19 • Onsite

About The Position

All Burn Crew Members (BCM) will play an important role during the burn season, ensuring the safety, preparedness, and collaborative nature required for successful burns. BCMs will work under close supervision and in potentially high stress environments. They may perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. BCMs participates in preserve operations, restoration, maintenance, and management. This may include the following functions: Participate in the high stress environment of prescribed fire and wildfire activities, which may include burn unit prep, fire operations, managing staff and volunteers, maintenance of equipment and supplies, mop up, and post-burn monitoring. Participate in restoration and stewardship projects including thinning, planting, marking, biological surveys and other projects when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire. Maintain preserves and buildings, which may include maintaining tools and equipment, repairing fences and gates, posting boundaries, and maintaining grounds and structures. Assist local, state, or federal partners with prescribed fire operations and burn unit prep or travel to other areas of the state or out of state to assist other TNC programs. Be available to assist on wildland fires with state partners or on TNC property (infrequent). As part of the BCM’s ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in community events, volunteer events, partnership activities, and other TNC functions. Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today! There are 3 BCM positions available for the employment duration of April-June. All positions are based in, or near, Southern Pines, NC. Southern Pines is a relatively rural setting; shared housing is provided. You may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous 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. See TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Experience operating various types of on and off-road vehicles and 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

• Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 6 months -1 year of related experience.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Basic experience with using paper or digital maps.
• Knowledge of basic chainsaw use and safety.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the high stress environment of prescribed fire and wildfire activities, which may include burn unit prep, fire operations, managing staff and volunteers, maintenance of equipment and supplies, mop up, and post-burn monitoring.
• Participate in restoration and stewardship projects including thinning, planting, marking, biological surveys and other projects when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
• Maintain preserves and buildings, which may include maintaining tools and equipment, repairing fences and gates, posting boundaries, and maintaining grounds and structures.
• Assist local, state, or federal partners with prescribed fire operations and burn unit prep or travel to other areas of the state or out of state to assist other TNC programs.
• Be available to assist on wildland fires with state partners or on TNC property (infrequent).
• Be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials.
• Work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works.

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

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED