As Needed - Senior Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy•Tellico Plains, TN

7d•$22 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Burn Crew Member works on an as-needed, as-requested basis under the supervision of the Fire Manager, with work needs and hours coordinated with the Fire Manager or designee. This is a workforce-multiplier role for periods when additional personnel are needed for wildland fire operations; there is no minimum hourly requirement, and assignments depend on operational need and the individual’s availability. During operations, the employee may be assigned to positions consistent with their official fire-line qualifications. The position may involve frequent travel, including fire assignments of up to two weeks, and requires residence in Eastern Tennessee near the work areas. Housing is not provided, but work-related travel expenses are reimbursed. The Senior Burn Crew Member participates in wildland fire operations, including ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring. Duties also include preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, supporting prescribed-fire implementation, conducting post-burn monitoring, and completing other land-management tasks as assigned. The employee may oversee staff and volunteers during fire-related activities and may work under a Burn Crew Manager, Burn Boss, or other command position. The role involves regular work with federal and state partners and may include assignments with nonprofit organizations, local fire departments, tribal or Indigenous partners, and local, state, or federal agencies, either as a TNC employee or as a volunteer or short-term employee of a partner entity. The Tennessee Business Unit’s prescribed-fire program works with government agencies to improve forest health and resiliency in the Appalachian landscape, typically assisting with 10,000 to 25,000 acres of burning per season. The spring fire season runs from February through April. Work is primarily in the Appalachians area of Tennessee, especially near Tellico Plains and Crossville, with occasional travel to Kentucky. The position is hourly and seasonal, with a stated season of January 18 through April 30, and a pay range of $22.00 to $23.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. The employee is expected to keep current with burn techniques and equipment, develop and maintain fire qualifications and certifications, and build relationships in the professional fire community and local communities. Work may take place in variable weather, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be able to obtain qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2).
Required training to obtain RXCM or FFT2 qualifications includes Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fireline (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 meet physical fitness standards 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, such as First Aid or CPR.
Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program; employment is contingent on completing a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a motor vehicle record review.
Must reside in Eastern Tennessee in proximity to work areas.
Ability and availability to work on an as-needed basis; there is no minimum hourly requirement.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Ability to work in variable weather, remote locations, difficult and hazardous terrain, and physically demanding circumstances.
Must meet The Nature Conservancy’s background-screening requirements.

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 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.
Ability to communicate clearly in writing, speech, and graphical formats 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.
Assist with the safe and effective implementation of prescribed burns.
Prepare fire lines and maintain equipment used in fire operations.
Conduct post-burn monitoring and complete other assigned fire and land-management tasks.
May oversee staff and volunteers during fire-related activities.
Work in assigned positions consistent with official fire-line qualifications.
Keep current with burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain or grow fire credentials.
Build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and local communities where TNC works.
Coordinate work needs and hours with the Fire Manager or designee and work with agency and other organizational partners.
May travel for fire assignments, including assignments of up to two weeks, according to availability.