LTBMU Prescribed Burn Crew Lead

The Prescribed Burn Crew Lead is a vital role focused on supervising and ensuring the safety of crew members engaged in hazardous fuel reduction in the Lake Tahoe Basin. This position under the guidance of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and in collaboration with the Forest Service Project Partner oversees the execution of field operations including the use of chainsaws prescribed fire and other tools. The Crew Lead is responsible for creating a safety-first culture managing diverse and challenging work schedules and maintaining equipment and tools. Work involves outdoor backcountry settings with variable schedules including 4-day 8-day and 5-day tours and demands physical fitness for hiking in steep or rough terrain. The ideal candidate will be capable of leading by example with a focus on operational efficiency and safety navigating the complexities of prescribed burn operations while ensuring a supportive team environment. Crew leads will also be expected to stay up to date on administrative tasks which are data reporting/recording and for entering the crews time sheets each week.

Note: This job description is segmented into tasks common to all crew members and those exclusive to the Crew Lead. It provides a summary of both the crew lead and member tasks it is not an exhaustive list. Crew Leads are expected to be proficient in all member tasks in addition to their leadership-specific duties. This delineation ensures clarity on the shared and unique responsibilities emphasizing the Crew Leads dual role in hands-on operations and oversight.

Primary Responsibilities (Common to All):

• Operate chainsaws hand tools and loppers for hazardous fuels reduction and habitat restoration.
• Prepping sites for prescribed burns including but not limited to chipping and piling slash clearing escape routes constructing fire lines preparing equipment and removing obstacles to the burn pile i.e. snow or nearby vegetation.
• Execute ignition operations under LTBMU supervision and monitor burn piles to ensure safety and boundary adherence.
• Participate in holding mop-up operations and construction/utilization of firefighting equipment.
• Follow safety burn and emergency protocols in line with AmeriCorps NCC and agency policies.
• Maintain professionalism effective communication and cooperation with team members and agency staff.
• Contribute to campsite duties and engage in in-field education sessions.

Primary Responsibilities (Exclusive to Crew Lead):

• Coordinate with USFS Project Partner for briefings and ensure crew readiness in PPE training and mental/physical capacity.
• Lead crew PT program emergency planning and morning briefings.
• Oversee data submission accuracy and project partner satisfaction.
• Manage inventory and maintenance of tools reporting any defects.
• Address and report member welfare issues including harassment or distress.
• Complete and assist with vehicle accident reports and workmans comp paperwork.
• Oversee all chainsaw operations and oversee safe practices for the crew ranging from sharpening tools to creating handline or on crew physical training days.

Secondary Responsibilities (Common to All):

• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance leadership and field skills.
• Provide fire behavior information during burns and maintain orderly housing accommodations.
• Uphold NCC and AmeriCorps work standards.

Secondary Responsibilities (Exclusive to Crew Lead):

• Foster member responsibility and development assigning tasks based on capability.
• Promote a learning environment and ensure inclusivity.
• Manage post-fire reporting and documentation.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Minimum one year of leadership or managerial experience preferred with conservation or fire background beneficial.
• Physical stamina for prolonged strenuous work under challenging conditions.
• Strong communication skills.
• Fosters a supportive learning environment acknowledging diverse member abilities.
• Adaptable to project shifts and schedule changes.
• Team player with cooperative skills.
• Ability to identify and report safety risks and environmental changes.

• High school diploma or a GED equivalent is required.
• Applicants that do not exactly meet the qualifications are still encouraged to apply. Any combination of the below criteria may qualify the applicant as a crew lead with GBI:
  • One year of direct fire experience with any Federal State or municipal fire crew is preferred.
  • One year of trail construction with chainsaw use.
  • No higher level education is required however classes in Forestry Natural Resources or Environmental Science may be considered as a replacement for field experience.
  • Any year of work that can be considered relevant labor experience: trails work fire camp supply ranch work farming tree crew service other manual labor occupations road work etc.

Training and Field Experience Provided by GBI and U.S. Forestry:

• Wilderness First Aid CPR and AED certification Leave No Trace (LNT) training
• Trail construction and maintenance training
• USFS B-Feller certification
• Crews will receive USFS training modules for the following certifications: I-100 S-130 S-190 L-180 S-212CREW
  • Provides a Red Card as a Firefighter Type II through the NWCG
• MUST PASS WORK CAPACITY TEST AT THE ARDUOUS LEVEL & MAINTAIN RED CARD CURRENCY
• Crew leader-specific training will be provided for data submission and how to handle a range of issues that may occur in the field.

Dates of Contract and Compensation:

Training and project work commences on March 2 2026 to February 12 2027. The compensation rate is $24.44 hourly with housing fully provided. A per diem allowance of $24.00 is also available for each day contingent upon the completion of a minimum of half a days work.

In addition to a competitive base salary this full-time position includes comprehensive health benefits (medical dental vision) mental health support resources and personal leave. This exciting role contributes to GBIs significant positive impacts within the fields of environmental research education and conservation.

TO APPLY

Please submit an up-to-date resume a one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume and contact information for three professional references. Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. For questions regarding this position please contact .

Nevada Conservation Corps (NCC) a Program of The Great Basin Institute:

Established in 1999 as a federally-funded AmeriCorps program NCC is a vital component of the Great Basin Institutes efforts in conservation. This 21st-century service corps harnesses the enthusiasm and dedication of youth and volunteers for resource management focusing on land restoration and conservation internships. NCC offers extensive professional development opportunities for those seeking careers in conservation and land management. Celebrating diversity the NCC assembles members and staff from varied backgrounds to effectively address the needs of Nevadas public lands and communities. It provides a platform for students and emerging professionals to make impactful contributions to the preservation of Nevadas natural heritage while also gaining invaluable experience in the field of natural resource management.

The Great Basin Institute (GBI):

Founded in 1998 at the University of Nevada the Great Basin Institute is a leading interdisciplinary field studies organization fostering environmental research education and service throughout the West. GBI specializes in applied research to support science-based management of public lands and is fervently committed to the promotion of scientific understanding through its field studies conservation efforts and public outreach. GBI is home to numerous influential programs including the Nevada Conservation Corps International Conservation Volunteer Exchange Research Associate Program Cultural Resource Program Basin & Range Forestry NEPA Services Ecological Monitoring Program and oversees visitor centers at Taylor Creek Galena Creek and the Tallac Historic Site thereby expanding its reach and impact in safeguarding the regions natural and cultural heritage.

Disclaimer: Although the Company has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position the Company reserves the right to change the same including to change add to or subtract from the duties outlined within the sole discretion of the Company at any time with or without advance notice