Senior Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy•GEO / Remote - Nebraska, NE

17d•$20 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

As part of the Nebraska Fire Team, the Senior Burn Crew Member (SBCM) works to build prescribed fire capacity in the Nebraska Sandhills and surrounding areas. The Fire Team builds capacity in burn co-ops to help them control the woody plants that threaten the grasslands in their communities. The Nebraska Sandhills is a 12-million-acre landscape of rolling sand dunes covered by sandhills prairie, one of the world’s largest and most intact temperate grasslands. The SBCM participates in wildland fires on lands owned by public and private landowners as well as by TNC and oversees staff and volunteers during fires, which may include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring. They support the Nebraska Fire Team working with private landowners and partners at events related to prescribed fire, such as trainings, workshops, and meetings. The Fire Manager or other team members may assign the SBCM other land management work as needed. The SBCM has opportunities to earn advanced fire qualifications through training and to take on increasing responsibility for projects. The SBCM will build and maintain relationships with conservation partners, the fire community, and local communities in the Sandhills. The SBCM will be responsible for staying current on burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and gain professional fire certifications. The SBCM may participate in wildland fire suppression in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined, short-term federal employee). The SBCM reports to Nebraska’s Burn Crew Manager. Senior Burn Crew Member (SBCM) works in a team environment and participates in wildland fire operations overseeing staff and volunteers during fire related activities which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring. SBCM may conduct other land management activities as assigned by a Burn Crew Manager or other command position. This position operates throughout Nebraska, with primary responsibilities in the Nebraska Sandhills. The selected candidate should be based in north-central Nebraska.

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), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), 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.
Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined 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 (e.g., First Aid, CPR).
Requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

Passion for grassland conservation and fire management.

Responsibilities

Oversees staff and volunteers during wildland fires, including ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring.
Supports the Nebraska Fire Team by working with private landowners and partners at events related to prescribed fire, such as trainings, workshops, and meetings.
Conducts other land management activities as assigned by a Burn Crew Manager or other command position.
Builds and maintains relationships with conservation partners, the fire community, and local communities in the Sandhills.
Stays current on burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and gain professional fire certifications.
Participates in wildland fire suppression in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies.
Prepares fire lines and monitors post-burn activities.
Operates throughout Nebraska, with primary responsibilities in the Nebraska Sandhills.