Asheville, North Carolina, USA
NE003

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 Member (BCM) participates in wild land fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. 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 wildland 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 may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

The Southern Blue Ridge (NC) Burn Crew Member participates in wildland fire operations which includes ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring and other tasks as assigned. Compensation of $18.75 per hour will include travel time from a meet-up location to and from the burn unit. If overnight travel is required, compensation will occur during actual work hours. No housing is provided.

Essential Functions
The Burn Crew Member participates on prescribed burns throughout the Southern Blue Ridge region, under the direction of the Stewardship Manager. The Burn Crew Member provides wildland fire support for single or multiday prescribed fire operations. Staffing needs for this position average 2-4 operational periods biweekly and operational periods are at the discretion of the Stewardship Manager. Operational periods will likely be sporadic and clustered by opportune weather conditions, and no guarantee of a minimum number of opportunities is given or implied. Under supervision by a Burn Crew Leader or the Stewardship Manager, Burn Crew Members will participate in opportunities only as their schedules allow, and thus participation on any given opportunity is not required.

The primary responsibility of the Burn Crew Member will be to assist in wildland fire operations with partners such as state and federal agencies, or on TNC preserves in North and South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. Wildland fire operations may include fire line construction, holding, igniting, patrol, mop-up and monitoring weather. All TNC staff actively participating on a burn must meet Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) minimum qualification but do not need a red card. Burn Crew Members represent TNC on partner burns and must act accordingly. TNC supports the Southern Blue Ridge Fire Learning Network partners on multiple controlled burns each year. Potential for assisting on forestry-related projects.

The Burn Crew Member should provide some of their own PPE (Nomex pants and shirt, fire boots, hard hat) as outlined by TNC's fire management manual and must provide their own transportation to the meet-up location, usually in Asheville, NC. TNC will provide radio and transportation from Asheville to and from the burn unit(s). TNC can provide a line pack, fire shelter and radio harness, if necessary.

Responsibility & Scope

• Works in a high stress team environment.
• Works under close supervision.
• Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

Ready to be a part of wildland fire operations? Join us as a Burn Crew Member (BCM) and be at the heart of the action! From ignition to mop-up, you'll tackle tasks like preparing fire lines and monitoring post-burn activities. But that's not all - your journey with us means continuous growth. Master new techniques and equipment to level up your skills and certifications. Plus, you'll build strong relationships within the fire community and local areas where we operate. Come join TNC and apply today!

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

• 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 as a requirement for this position. See TNC Fire Management Manual
• Must achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Must be able to obtain certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Qualified as a FFT2 including:
  • 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. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
• 1 year or more training in fire operations or other science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Flexibility in scheduling - assignments will vary, both in location and duration, from minimal hours per pay period to many hours, depending on conditions and other factors. Locations scattered around western NC and into TN, SC and GA from Asheville base.
• Ability to operate standard transmission vehicles and comfort pulling equipment trailers.
• Ability to evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions that affect the safety and work of firefighters within squad.
• Ability to coordinate with staff through technology including text messages and emails; familiarity with Avenza PDFMaps.
• Other training which supports development of knowledge and skills: ATV Safety and Operations, S-212 Wildland Chainsaws, S-211Portable Pumps and Water Use. Preference may be given to those with higher qualifications (above FFT1).

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 $18.75 per hour. 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 55531, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on September 24th, 2024. 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.