SC Mountains Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy•Greenville, SC

4d•$20 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The SC Mountains Burn Crew Member position serves a foundational role within TNC-SC’s fire program, as an implementer of prescribed fire on TNC and partner lands. Prescribed fire work will be conducted primarily in the mountainous forests of upstate South Carolina, though a degree of work will be in the Midlands and Coastal Plain. As such, Burn Crew Member 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 SC Mountains Burn Crew consists of three Prescribed Burn Crew Technicians and one Crew Manager. The crew assists Conservancy staff in the preparation and implementation of prescribed burns at various preserves in South Carolina which may be owned by TNC or other 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. 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 Members 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. Position will begin on January 11, 2027 and terminate on May 28, 2027 (end date negotiable) and will be based out of Greenville, SC, with housing provided.

Requirements

Qualified as a FireFighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (IS-100), Introduction to NIMS (IS-700), 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.
Ability to achieve a NWCG arduous physical fitness rating by carrying a 45lb-pack 3 miles in less than 45 minutes.
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required i.e., First Aid/CPR, etc.
Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
Willingness to travel extensively and occasionally to work weekends and maintain a flexible work schedule.
Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
Demonstrated ability to work well with a wide variety of people in stressful conditions and to follow written and verbal instructions.
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.
Completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

S-112/S-212 course with Faller Qualification or other experience operating and maintaining chainsaws.
Medical experience or qualifications i.e., Wilderness First Responder or EMT.
Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment, including 4WD vehicles, Type-6 Engines, ATVs/UTVs, chainsaws, drip torch, etc.

Responsibilities

Support TNC and partner organizations with prescribed fire operations, planning, and preparations.
Implement prescribed fire on TNC and partner lands.
Learn to burn in a variety of terrains and fuel types.
Assist Conservancy staff in the preparation and implementation of prescribed burns.
Occasionally travel overnight for up to a week to support fire operations out of state or elsewhere in South Carolina.
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.
Work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works.