SC Mountains Burn Crew Manager

The Nature Conservancy•Greenville, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The SC Mountains Burn Crew Manager position serves a critical role within TNC-SC’s fire program, as both a crew manager and liaison with conservation partners. Prescribed fire work will be conducted primarily in the mountainous forests of the Upstate, though a degree of work will be in the Midlands and Coastal Plain. As such, Burn Crew Manager will learn to burn in a variety of terrains and fuel types, from montane oak-hickory forests to southern rough in the Lowcountry piney woods. The Crew Manager supervises three seasonal, nomadic Burn Crew Technicians. They are the crew’s liaison with fire management staff in the state and are supervised by the South Carolina Fire Manager. They may also act as line supervisor on burns as assigned by the burn boss. The seasonal crew works with Conservancy staff in preparation and implementation of prescribed burns at various preserves which may be owned by either TNC or its public or private partners (SC Forestry Commission, SC State Parks, SC DNR, etc.). The crew occasionally travels overnight for up to a week to support fire operations out of state or elsewhere in South Carolina. Due to the unpredictability of weather forecasts, the schedule can be erratic, with long days and weekend work occasionally required. In this role, you will function as both a leader and a member of a work team. You will lead the team by monitoring the progress of burn crew members toward achieving fire management goals. You will be responsible for administrative and oversight duties such as time and expense tracking, equipment repair, and purchasing supplies for ongoing programmatic needs. You will be a key decision maker on the fire line based on your evaluation of fire behavior, available resources and judgement. As part of the incumbent’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. The Burn Crew Manager may assist on wildland fire operations with federal, state, or private partners, or travel to other areas of the state or out-of-state to assist other TNC programs or partners on prescribed or wildland fires. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works. If you have a passion for leading & collaborating with others to get good fire on the ground, then this job is for you. Position will begin on January 6, 2027, and terminate on May 28, 2027 (end date negotiable) and will be based out of Greenville, SC, with housing provided.

Requirements

Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and successful completion of FFT1 task book.
Ability to achieve a NWCG arduous wildland firefighter rating by carrying a 45lb-pack 3 miles in less than 45 minutes.
Experience supervising staff or volunteers is required.
Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment, including 4WD vehicles, Type-6 Engines, ATVs/UTVs, chainsaws, drip torch, etc.
Willingness to travel extensively and occasionally work weekends and maintain a flexible work schedule.
Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
Willingness to provide lace-up leather boots, minimum height of 8 inches.
Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Nice To Haves

Qualified Single Resource Engine Boss (ENGB) and successful completion of ENGB task book.
Qualified as Intermediate Faller (FAL2), or ample chainsaw experience and training to safely supervise crew during saw operations.
Advanced medical experience or qualifications i.e., Wilderness First Responder or EMT.
Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
Motivated, self-starting leader who with minimal oversight can keep crew engaged & productive.

Responsibilities

Supervise three seasonal, nomadic Burn Crew Technicians.
Act as a liaison with fire management staff in the state.
May act as line supervisor on burns as assigned by the burn boss.
Prepare and implement prescribed burns at various preserves.
Occasionally travel overnight for up to a week to support fire operations out of state or elsewhere in South Carolina.
Monitor the progress of burn crew members toward achieving fire management goals.
Perform administrative and oversight duties such as time and expense tracking, equipment repair, and purchasing supplies.
Make key decisions on the fire line based on evaluation of fire behavior, available resources, and judgment.
Keep abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials.
Assist on wildland fire operations with federal, state, or private partners.
Travel to other areas of the state or out-of-state to assist other TNC programs or partners on prescribed or wildland fires.
Build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community.