As Needed - Senior Burn Crew Member

What We Can Achieve Together:

The As Needed Senior Burn Crew Member (ANSBCM) works in a team environment and participates in wildland fire operations and may oversee staff and volunteers during fire related activities which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring. The ANSBCM will participate in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, prescribed fire implementation, post-burn monitoring and other tasks as assigned. The SBCM may conduct other land management activities as assigned by a Burn Crew Manager or other command position.

The ANSCCM works on an as-needed and as-requested basis under the supervision of the Fire Manager. Work needs and hours are closely coordinated with the Fire Manager or designee. This position is a workforce multiplier when extra personnel for wildland fire operations are needed, therefore, there is no minimum hourly requirement and work is based entirely on need and availability of the individual. During fire operations, the As Needed Burn Crew Member may be assigned to positions equal to their official fire line qualification(s). As Needed Burn Crew Members will work with federal and state partners on a regular basis and may travel frequently. The As Needed Burn Crew Member may work on fire assignments that require travel of up to two weeks based on your availability. The As Needed Burn Crew Member must reside in Central or Eastern Kentucky, in proximity to work areas. Housing is not provided, however, work related travel expenses are reimbursed.

The ANSBCM participates in wild land fire operations which include ignition, control, mop up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks assigned. As a part of the ANBCM’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 credentials. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where The Nature Conservancy works. This may include participation in wild land fire suppression activities in partnership with other non-profits, 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. May work in variable weather conditions at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

As part of the ANSBCM’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, 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).

We’re Looking for You:

The Kentucky Business Unit 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 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 Kentucky Chapter needs a ANSBCM in the Appalachians area of Kentucky with most of the work being located near Morehead with occasional travel to Tennessee. The SBCM will work under a Burn Crew Manager, Burn Boss, or other command positions. The SBCM will assist with the safe and effective implementation of prescribed burning, fire line preparation, and use and maintenance of equipment. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your skills and begin or grow your career in fire management. This is an hourly, seasonal (January 18 – April 30), position with a pay range of $22.00 to $23.00 USD per hour, based on qualifications and experience.

Ready to be a part of wildland fire operations? Join us as a Senior Burn Crew Member (SBCM) 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!

Be sure to include in your resume, IQCS qualifications, and training to validate the position you are applying for.

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) with 2 seasons of wildland fire experience. Required course work includes Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), and Firefighting Training (S-130) and must successfully pass the arduous physical fitness test. See TNC’s requirements for FFT2 here: TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR).

Desired Qualifications:

• Firefighter Type 1 qualified.
• Wildland Fire Faller qualified.
• ATV / UTV operator qualified.
• Experience driving off-road, loading, and towing trailers.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience managing volunteers or entry-level staff.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Two or more years of experience in fire operations related experience in land management or a similar field.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers).
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Updated Incident Qualification Card (Red Card)

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 the Auto Safety information page. 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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $22.00 - $23.00 hourly rate. 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.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s 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 world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s 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 valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll 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.

We’re 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 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 View email address on aiapply.co with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.