As Needed - Senior Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy•Morehead, KY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The As Needed Senior Burn Crew Member (ANSBCM) works as part of a team on wildland fire operations, including ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring. The role may oversee staff and volunteers during fire-related activities and assist with fire-line preparation, prescribed-fire implementation, equipment maintenance, post-burn monitoring, and other assigned land-management tasks. The position works under the supervision of the Fire Manager or, during operations, a Burn Crew Manager, Burn Boss, or other command position. Work is as-needed and as-requested, with hours coordinated closely with the Fire Manager or designee; there is no minimum hourly requirement, and assignments depend on operational need and individual availability. Crew members may be assigned to roles consistent with their official fire-line qualifications and may work with federal, state, nonprofit, tribal or Indigenous, and local partners. Assignments may involve frequent travel, including trips of up to two weeks, subject to availability. The employee must reside in Central or Eastern Kentucky near work areas. Housing is not provided; work-related travel expenses are reimbursed. The Kentucky Business Unit conducts an ecologically based prescribed-fire program, typically assisting with 10,000 to 25,000 acres of burning per season in Appalachian hardwood forests. The spring fire season generally runs from February through April. This position is based in the Appalachians area of Kentucky, with most work near Morehead and occasional travel to Tennessee. The role is hourly and seasonal, with the posting specifying a seasonal period of January 18 through April 30. Pay is $22.00–$23.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. The position may involve variable weather, remote locations, difficult and hazardous terrain, and physically demanding conditions. The employee is expected to keep current with burn techniques and equipment, develop and maintain professional fire credentials, and build relationships in the professional fire community and the local communities where The Nature Conservancy works. Participation in partner suppression activities may occur as a TNC employee, volunteer, or short-term employee of a partner organization.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2).
Two seasons of wildland fire experience.
Completed Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), and Firefighting Training (S-130).
Successfully pass the arduous physical fitness test.
Experience operating various types of equipment.
Ability to obtain related licenses or certifications as required, such as First Aid and CPR.
Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Successful completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a motor vehicle record review.
Reside in Central or Eastern Kentucky near the work areas.
Ability to work in a team environment and in variable weather, remote locations, hazardous terrain, and physically demanding circumstances.

Nice To Haves

Firefighter Type 1 qualification.
Wildland Fire Faller qualification.
ATV/UTV operator qualification.
Experience driving off-road, loading, and towing trailers.
Multilingual skills or multicultural/cross-cultural experience.
Experience managing volunteers or entry-level staff.
Two or more years of fire-operations experience in land management or a similar field.
Working knowledge of common software applications such as Word, Excel, and web browsers.
Clear written, spoken, and graphical communication in English and other relevant languages.
Updated Incident Qualification Card (Red Card).

Responsibilities

Participate in wildland fire operations, including ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring.
Help implement prescribed burns safely and effectively.
Prepare fire lines and maintain and use fire-related equipment.
Conduct post-burn monitoring and other assigned land-management tasks.
Oversee staff and volunteers during fire-related activities when assigned.
Work in assignments consistent with official fire-line qualifications and under the direction of the Fire Manager, Burn Crew Manager, Burn Boss, or other command position.
Coordinate work availability and hours with the Fire Manager or designee.
Travel for fire assignments, potentially for up to two weeks, and work with partner organizations and agencies.
Keep current with burn techniques and equipment and maintain or grow professional fire credentials.
Build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and local communities where TNC works.
Participate in partner wildland-fire suppression activities when assigned.
Follow applicable vehicle-use and safety requirements.