Burn Crew Manager - The Nature Conservancy

Tellico Plains, Tennessee, USA

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Burn Crew Manager oversees a squad (2-7 Burn Crew Members) in wildland fire activities, as directed by a Burn Boss, or other command position. The Burn Crew Manager (BCM) participates in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, prescribed fire implementation, post-burn monitoring and may perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.

As part of the BCM’s ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in wild land fire suppression activities in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies, tribal or indigenous, 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). They should have the ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

The Tennessee program has a robust prescribed fire management program. We work alongside of government agencies to improve forest health and resiliency by strategically implementing prescribed burns in the Appalachian landscape. Your role as a seasonal fire employee is critical to our success. We typically assist with burning 10,000 acres to 25,000 acres per season which makes for a busy time. With this amount of burning, you will receive valuable experience around ecologically based prescribed burning in hardwood forests.

The spring fire season begins in February and ends in April. The Tennessee program needs a BCM to lead our squad based near Tellico Plains, TN.  The BCM is responsible for daily oversight of the squad and for handling administrative tasks such as time reporting, accomplishment tracking, logistics planning, purchases, and the overall safety of the squad.  The BCM uses and maintains a full suite of wildland fire equipment and ensure readiness of burn crew members. 

Although the bulk of our work begins in February, we typically hire the BCM to work as needed, and remotely beginning in December. This allows you to work with the Fire Manager to begin planning the arrival of the burn crew. The BCM is a full-time, seasonal, position with provided housing for non-local employees. This is an hourly, seasonal (February – April), position with a pay range of $25.00 to $27.00 USD per hour, based on qualifications and experience.

 Ready to lead in wildland fire activities and preserve our natural landscapes? Join us as a Burn Crew Manager (BCM)! You'll oversee a team, participate in various tasks, and manage preserve duties. Stay updated on the latest techniques and build strong relationships in the fire community. Ready for the challenge? Apply now and make a positive impact with us!

• High school diploma and 1-year training in fire operations, science-related field or similar field or related experience in land management. 
• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and successful completion of FFT1 task book.  Requirements for FFT1 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual.
• Two or more seasons as a Senior Burn Crew Member or similar agency qualification.
• Must successfully complete the arduous physical fitness test. 
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment.
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers.                                                            
• May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as First Aid / CPR and herbicide application.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two (2) years of training in fire operations or other science-related fields or related experience in land management or a similar field. 
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.            
• Ability to evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions that affect the safety and work of firefighters within squad.      
• Faller 3 or Faller 2, UTV operator
• NWCG qualified Single Resource Boss – Engine Boss.                 
• PC familiarity, including database knowledge, to maintain preserve records.
• Experience driving off-road, loading, and towing trailers.
• Ability to work remotely with little in-person contact with supervisor.

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

This position 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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $25.00 to $27.00 USD per hour, based on qualifications and experience This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 55677, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.