Burn Crew Manager

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 BCMs 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 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 Kentucky program has a robust prescribed fire management program. We work alongside 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 10000 acres to 25000 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 Kentucky program needs up to three BCM to lead our squads based near London Middlesboro and Morehead KY. 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 ensures readiness of burn crew members. This is an hourly seasonal (February 17 April 10) position with a pay range of $26.00 to $27.50 USD per hour based on qualifications and experience.

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 housing provided for non-local employees.

Ready to lead in wildland fire activities and preserve our natural landscapes Join us as a Burn Crew Manager (BCM)! Youll 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!

Be sure to include in your resume IQCS qualifications training and preferred locations. For preferred locations please list in order of preference top 1 (most preferred) to 3 (least preferred). The locations are London Middlesboro and Morehead.

• 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.

• Must have valid drivers license.

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.

• Valid Incident Qualification Card

This position requires a valid drivers license and compliance with TNCs 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 the Auto Safety information page 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 employees motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $26.00 - $27.50 hourly rate. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidates actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors including for example the candidates 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.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancys mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization we create innovative on-the-ground solutions to our worlds toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. Were rooted in our mission and guided by our values which include respect for all people communities and cultures. Whether its career development flexible schedules or a rewarding mission theres many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are addition to the requirements in our job postings we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicants unique experience. Please apply wed love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC youll join for the mission and stay for the people.

What We Bring:

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 and Perks here.

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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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 Conservancys 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 with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.