Senior Burn Crew Member (IC)

The Nature Conservancy • George, OR

19d • $24 - $28

About The Position

The Nature Conservancy’s Oregon Fire Partnership program is working to support prescribed fire planning, implementation, and monitoring across the fire-adapted forests of Oregon. The Prescribed Fire Senior Crewmember will be an employee of The Nature Conservancy, based in one of three focal geographies working on a 4 to 10-person prescribed fire module. For approximately 6 months per year (mid-May through November), the Module Crewmember will work closely with the module leader, and partner organizations such as the U.S. Forest Service and other local, state, federal, NGO, university, and Tribal partners, in preparing, conducting, and evaluating/monitoring prescribed fire/fuels management activities in Oregon. The Crewmember will be expected to travel frequently within their focal area for prescribed fire assignments, and may be asked to travel to other geographies in the state depending on burn window availability and project needs. The Prescribed Fire Senior Crewmember will report directly to the Prescribed Fire Module Leader and/or Assistant within their geography. This position is expected to help TNC, the U.S. Forest Service, and other partners to meet their respective prescribed fire and fuels management goals. This six-month seasonal position is supported by federal, state, and private funding with the intention of assisting with prescribed fire across land ownerships. There may be an opportunity to extend the season if funding allows. You will represent The Nature Conservancy Oregon’s Fire Management Program in the places you work. Your can-do attitude, safety mindset and fire practitioner skills will be important as the module prepares fire lines, maintains equipment, conducts pre and post-burn monitoring, interacts with landowners and community members, and completes other prescribed fire related tasks. We will ask you to serve in roles matching your qualifications and experience. As a Prescribed Fire Senior Crewmember, you will be asked to serve as a Firefighter Type 1 or Single Resource Boss during daily crew operations, including prescribed fire planning, preparation, implementation, and monitoring. This may include leading small squads of TNC employees, partner staff, or volunteers. We will look to you to take direction from crew leadership, and work with small groups to complete tasks and achieve goals associated with fire management. The Prescribed Fire Senior Crewmember may participate in wildland fire management activities in partnership with other non-government organizations, Indigenous Peoples and Tribes, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee or as a short-term employee of a partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined short-term federal employee). This is a seasonal, full-time, hourly wage position. Working over 40 hours a week will occur occasionally, especially during prescribed fire seasons and while traveling for assignments overtime rates apply after the first 40 hours each week. Travel expenses, meals and lodging will be provided by TNC when traveling for prescribed fire assignments. Shared module housing will be provided by The Nature Conservancy and/or partner organizations at no cost to the employee.

Requirements

• High school diploma and 6-months of related experience in fire operations, science-related field or similar field or related experience in land management.
• Hold the NWCG qualification of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) as described in The Nature Conservancy’s Fire Manual: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm
• Achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and as described in The Nature Conservancy’s Fire Manual: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm
• Must have experience operating and maintaining various types of hand tools and motorized equipment safely.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR, chainsaw operation).
• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural experience appreciated.

Nice To Haves

• Qualified as an NWCG Singe Resource Boss (Engine Boss or Firing Boss preferred) as described in TNC’s Fire Manual: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/SingleResource.htm
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience managing volunteers or entry-level staff.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Maintain accurate records of work time, expenses, etc. and submit reports in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

• Perform tasks under the supervision of the Prescribed Fire Module Lead and Assistant and in coordination with local U.S. Forest Service Fire Management staff.
• Function as a contributing member of a diverse, mixed-gender, cross-generational team with a range of experience and skills.
• Follow established safe work practices.
• Be able to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Assist with all aspects of prescribed burning including planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• Based on experience and qualification (either Firefighter Type 1 or Single Resource Boss), lead small groups in support of fire management activities under the direction of crew leadership.
• Operate ATVs, UTVs, tractors, chain saws, leaf blowers and tow trailers.
• Maintain assigned equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of work time, expenses, etc. and submit reports in a timely manner.
• Become competent with mobile mapping and data collection such as Collector for ArcGIS and Avenza Maps.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Benefits

• The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits.
• Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.
• We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!
• 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.
• Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
• We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED