Senior Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy•Lexington, KY

10d•$22 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Burn Crew Member (SBCM) works as part of a team conducting wildland fire operations and overseeing staff and volunteers during fire-related activities, including ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring. The SBCM may also perform other land management activities as assigned by a Burn Crew Manager or another command position. The role supports the Kentucky Chapter’s prescribed-fire program, which works with government agencies to improve forest health and resiliency through prescribed burns in the Appalachian landscape. The program typically assists with burning 10,000 to 25,000 acres per season, offering experience with ecologically based prescribed burning in hardwood forests. The SBCM assists with safe and effective prescribed burns, fire-line preparation, and equipment use and maintenance. The position works under a Burn Crew Manager, Burn Boss, or other command position. As part of ongoing professional development, the SBCM keeps current with burn techniques and equipment, builds skills and fire-certification credentials, and develops relationships in the professional fire community and local communities. The role may include participating in wildland-fire suppression with nonprofit partners, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, as a TNC employee or as a volunteer or short-term employee of a partner organization. This hourly seasonal position is based with squads near London, Corbin, or Morehead, Kentucky. The spring fire season runs from February through April. The position begins February 8 and ends April 9, with pay of $22.00–$23.00 per hour based on qualifications and experience. Housing is provided for non-local employees.

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).
Must complete Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), and Firefighting Training (S-130), and serve on one training burn under the supervision of a qualified FFT2.
Must meet physical fitness standards established by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
Experience operating various types of equipment.
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required, such as First Aid or CPR.
Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program; employment is contingent on completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a motor vehicle record review.
Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

Firefighter Type 1 qualified.
Wildland Fire Faller qualified.
ATV/UTV operator qualified.
Experience driving off-road, loading, and towing trailers.
Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience.
Experience managing volunteers or entry-level staff.
Two or more years of experience in fire operations related to land management or a similar field.
Working knowledge of common software applications, such as Word, Excel, and web browsers.

Responsibilities

Participate in wildland fire operations, including ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring.
Oversee staff and volunteers during fire-related activities.
Assist with the safe and effective implementation of prescribed burns.
Prepare fire lines and use and maintain fire-management equipment.
Perform other land management activities as assigned by a Burn Crew Manager or other command position.
Keep current with burn techniques and equipment and develop professional fire skills and certification credentials.
Build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and local communities where TNC works.
Participate in wildland-fire suppression activities with partner organizations, agencies, and local fire departments when applicable.