NC Sandhills Assistant Burn Crew Manager

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Assistant Burn Crew Manager oversees a squad (4-8 Burn Crew Members) in wildland fire activities, as directed by the Burn Crew Manager, Burn Boss, or other command position.

The NC Sandhills Assistant Burn Crew Manager (1 position) participates in preserve operations, restoration, maintenance, and management. This may include the following functions:

• Participates in prescribed fire and wildfire activities, which may include: burn unit prep, fire operations, managing staff and volunteers, maintenance of equipment and supplies, mop up, and monitoring.

• Participates in and manages restoration projects including thinning, planting, and other projects.

• Maintains preserves and buildings, which may include: maintaining tools and equipment, repairing fences and gates, posting boundaries, and maintaining grounds and structures at historical sites.

The Assistant Burn Crew Manager may assist on wildland fire operations in other parts of the North Carolina Sandhills 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 fires.

The Assistant Burn Crew Manager supports the coordination of day-to-day activities of the prescribed fire crew and participate in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring and other tasks. As part of the ABCM’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:

Ready to be a part of wildland fire operations? Join us as a Assistant Burn Crew Manager (ABCM) 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!

One NC Sandhills Assistant Burn Crew Manager position is available from January-April, and is based in or near Southern Pines, NC. Some overtime may be allowed. Housing provided.

You may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• 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 or currently FFT1 trainee. Requirements for FFT1 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual. See TNC Fire Management Manual.

• Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.

• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.: chainsaw, ATV, tractor and implements, leaf blower, BK radio, hand tools, drip torch, etc.).

• Experience supervising staff or volunteers is required.

• Must have valid driver’s license. Please indicate this in your resume.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• 1-2 years training in fire operations or other science-related field or related experience in land management or similar field.

• 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.

• PC familiarity, including database knowledge, in order to maintain preserve records.

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 rate for a candidate selected for this position is $23.07 per hour. This rate only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. 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 us.fitly.work with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.