Senior Burn Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy•Brentwood, TN

About The Position

The Senior Burn Crew Member (SBCM) works as part of a team in wildland fire operations, overseeing staff and volunteers during fire-related activities such as 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 Tennessee Chapter’s prescribed fire management 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, with spring fire season running from February through April. The Tennessee Business Unit is recruiting up to two seasonal crew members for squads based near Tellico Plains and Crossville, Tennessee. The SBCM works under a Burn Crew Manager, Burn Boss, or other command position and assists with safe and effective prescribed burning, fire-line preparation, and equipment use and maintenance. Employees may participate in wildland fire suppression activities with nonprofit partners, local fire departments, and local, state, or federal agencies, as a Conservancy employee or as a volunteer or short-term employee of a partner entity. The position includes ongoing professional development: keeping up with new burn techniques and equipment, developing skills, and maintaining or growing professional fire-certification credentials. The SBCM also builds and maintains relationships in the professional fire community and the local communities where the Conservancy works. The hourly seasonal position runs from February 8 through April 16, pays $22.00–$23.00 per hour based on qualifications and experience, and provides crew housing for non-local employees.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be able to obtain 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 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.
Must complete a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

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.
Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
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 equipment.
Perform other land management activities as assigned by a Burn Crew Manager or another command position.
Keep abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain or grow professional fire-certification credentials.
Build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and local communities where the Conservancy works.
Participate in wildland fire suppression with nonprofit partners, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, as applicable.