SC Mountains Burn Crew Manager

What We Can Achieve Together:

Over eighty percent of North American ecosystems depend on fire for essential ecological functions. Indigenous people have used fire for millennia and contemporary land managers continue the practice although not to the same degree or effect. The Nature Conservancy and our partners seek a better future with fireone where natural areas are sustained by and ready for fire and where communities are empowered and prepared to live with fire.

TNC-South Carolina aims to facilitate an increase of 50000 acres of prescribed fire across SC over the next 5 years. As part of this goal this position will support TNC and partner organizations with prescribed fire operations planning and preparations. The impact will be not only seen in the number of acres treated but in individuals trained for Rx fire and in strengthening relationships with agency partners.

Were Looking for You:

The SC Mountains Burn Crew Manager position serves a critical role within TNC-SCs fire program as both a crew manager and liaison with conservation partners. Prescribed fire work will be conducted primarily in the mountainous forests of the Upstate though a degree of work will be in the Midlands and Coastal Plain. As such Burn Crew Manager will learn to burn in a variety of terrains and fuel types from montane oak-hickory forests to southern rough in the Lowcountry piney woods.

The Crew Manager supervises three seasonal nomadic Burn Crew Technicians. They are the crews liaison with fire management staff in the state and are supervised by the South Carolina Fire Manager. They may also act as line supervisor on burns as assigned by the burn boss. The seasonal crew works with Conservancy staff in preparation and implementation of prescribed burns at various preserves which may be owned by either TNC or its public or private partners (SC Forestry Commission SC State Parks SC DNR etc.). The crew occasionally travels overnight for up to a week to support fire operations out of state or elsewhere in South Carolina. Due to the unpredictability of weather forecasts the schedule can be erratic with long days and weekend work occasionally required.

In this role you will function as both a leader and a member of a work team. You will lead the team by monitoring the progress of burn crew members toward achieving fire management goals. You will be responsible for administrative and oversight duties such as time and expense tracking equipment repair and purchasing supplies for ongoing programmatic needs. You will be a key decision maker on the fire line based on your evaluation of fire behavior available resources and judgement.

As part of the incumbents 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. The Burn Crew Manager may assist on wildland fire operations with federal state or private partners or travel to other areas of the state or out-of-state to assist other TNC programs or partners on prescribed or wildland addition they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works.

If you have a passion for leading & collaborating with others to get good fire on the ground then this job is for you. Position will begin on January 6 2027 and terminate on May 28 2027 (end date negotiable) and will be based out of Greenville SC with housing provided.

What Youll Bring:

• 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 at: to achieve a NWCG arduous wildland firefighter rating by carrying a 45lb-pack 3 miles in less than 45 minutes.

• Experience supervising staff or volunteers is required.

• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment including 4WD vehicles Type-6 Engines ATVs/UTVs chainsaws drip torch etc.
• Willingness to travel extensively and occasionally work weekends and maintain a flexible work schedule.
• Ability to perform physical work sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.

• Willingness to provide lace-up leather boots minimum height of 8 inches.

• Must have a valid drivers license and good driving record.

Desired Qualifications

• Qualified Single Resource Engine Boss (ENGB) and successful completion of ENGB task book. Requirements for ENGB can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at: as Intermediate Faller (FAL2) or ample chainsaw experience and training to safely supervise crew during saw operations.
• Advanced medical experience or qualifications i.e. Wilderness First Responder or EMT.

• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
• Motivated self-starting leader who with minimal oversight can keep crew engaged & productive.

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. 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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $25 27 per hour . Where a successful candidates actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors including for example the candidates qualifications specific skills and experience.

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.

Required Experience:

Manager