Blacksburg Prescribed Fire and Fuels Crew Lead

Position Description Overview

TEA is hiring for a 6-month full-time Prescribed Fire & Fuels Crew Lead based in Blacksburg Virginia. This position provides day-to-day leadership and direct supervision for a four-person prescribed fire module supporting TEAs contract with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Western Virginia with a primary focus on post-Hurricane Helene recovery operations.

The Crew Lead will oversee and participate in fireline preparation prescribed fire implementation mop-up and patrol fuels reduction and debris clean-up and burn unit mapping and monitoring. Work is conducted under the supervision of designated agency Burn Bosses and the position collaborates closely with partners from TNC the U.S. Forest Service Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

This role requires exceptional operational leadership experience working in Southern Appalachian fuels and landscapes strong communication and partner-coordination skills and a demonstrated commitment to safety professionalism and interagency cooperation.

Duration of employment will be 6 months beginning as soon as possible or NLT March 30th 2026 with the potential to extend depending upon funding.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as a Single Resource Boss (SRB) by leading and supervising a four-person module during prescribed fire assignments and daily operations.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic including a commitment to the principles of Duty Integrity and Respect.
• Report daily to multiple land agency representatives and TEA Project Manager.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with partner organizations.
• Ensure module timeliness and engagement in prescribed fire operations or other work as assigned by agency representatives.
• Perform fire line preparation prescribed fire implementation mop-up patrol and post-burn rehabilitation and fuels reduction.
• Ensure all module operations follow approved burn plans and direction from the assigned burn boss.
• Maintain compliance with NWCG standards and required qualifications.
• Conduct daily operational briefings and After-Action Reviews and ensure crew understanding of LCES contingency plans and risk mitigation measures.
• Monitor fire behavior weather conditions and fuel conditions typical of Central Appalachian ecosystems.
• Support burn unit mapping planning documentation and monitoring activities.
• Assist with fire effects vegetation or other assigned monitoring tasks.
  • Ensure readiness safe operation and maintenance of required equipment including type 7 UTV.
• Manage logistical needs such as supplies equipment vehicles lodging and support requirements.
• Coordinate crew schedules scout burn units and procure necessary equipment.
• Ensure all crew members are fit for duty properly equipped and compliant with PPE standards.
• Complete and review timesheets daily logs equipment inspections and required contract documentation; approve crew timesheets.
• Foster a strong safety culture where hazards are reported discussed and mitigated.
• Mentor and support crew development providing guidance and training as needed to all crew members.
• Travel for extended periods and work outside normal business hours as needed.
• Participate in hiring processes for seasonal permanent and assistant lead positions when requested.
• Record and report daily activities and metrics (e.g. units completed hours worked).
• Assist Project Manager with project reporting as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Employee may be required to participate in prescribed fire implementation suppression or training up to level of current qualification on as needed basis as determined by supervisor.

Pay and Benefits 

Pay: $27.00/hour 

Overtime will be based on operational needs. Paid leave and paid holiday benefits are provided. Employer-sponsored health and dental care coverage is available upon employment. Employer-matched retirement plan is available 3 months afterhire. 

Qualifications :

Minimum Qualifications

• Qualified Single Resource Boss (SRB); Engine Boss preferred
• Experience in prescribed fire and fuels management
• Ability to pass the annual Arduous Work Capacity Test (a 3-mile walk in 45 minutes or less while carrying a 45-pound pack)
• Strong mechanical ability 
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Current and valid U.S. drivers license
• Legally eligible to work in the U.S.; able to pass a background check

Desired Qualifications and Experience

• NWCG Engine Boss (ENGB) qualification
• NWCG Faller 1 or 2 certification
• Experience in prescribed fire or fuels management in the Southern Appalachians
• First Aid Wilderness First Aid Wilderness First Responder or higher medical certification.
• M-410 or teaching equivalent and ability to lead or assist instruction for 100 and 200-level NWCG courses
• Experience leading or serving in a senior role on prescribed fire or fuels crews
• Demonstrated experience implementing prescribed fire in complex fuel and varied terrain
• Proven leadership in field operations
• Experience coordinating with federal state nonprofit or private land management partners
• Proficiency in fire line preparation ignition holding and mop-up
• Experience maintaining vehicles UTVs pumps drip torches chainsaws and suppression equipment
• Ability to use Avenza Field Maps or similar applications
• Strong organizational technical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work in challenging weather and terrain with flexible schedules to meet burn windows
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Experience with basic budget management
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel Word etc.)
• Competent with field navigation using map compass and GPS

Education

Minimum of an Associates degree OR demonstrates written and verbal communication skills as deemed sufficient by hiring team

Span of Control

• Supervise 1-3 module members

*Supervisory duties include:

1. Approving timesheets and time off in The Ember Alliances HRIS
2. Approving expense reports
3. Training and mentoring module members and identifying professional development opportunities

Candidates meeting 75% of the requirements are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information :

Schedule Requirements 

The average work week is40 hours but the schedule may varybased on weather and project needs. Overtime hoursmay berequired. Projects may require working during weekends and/or up to14 dayscontinuouslytravelingfor extended periods of timeremainingovernight near project locations and workingoutside ofnormal business hours with limited is a full-time 6-month position with the potential opportunity to extend based on other project needs within TEA.

Duty Station

Blacksburg Virginia

Housing

The Ember Alliance may provide crew housing in Blacksburg VA. Housing would be paid for by The Ember Alliance and will be counted as a fringe benefit and as such is subject to applicable state and/or federal taxes. Employer-provided housing is not required should candidates live locally.

How to Apply 

Interested applicants should review The Ember Alliance website and submit a resume cover letter and three professional references through the Smart Recruiters website. The deadline to apply for this position is March 15 2026.  Please specify your earliest available start date.

For queries during the application process please reach out to:

Meg OBrien

Planning and Implementation Program Manager

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Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time