NC Sandhills Burn Crew Member

What We Can Achieve Together:

All Burn Crew Members (BCM) will play an important role during the burn season, ensuring the safety, preparedness, and collaborative nature required for successful burns. BCMs will work under close supervision and in potentially high stress environments. They may perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. BCMs participates in preserve operations, restoration, maintenance, and management. This may include the following functions:

Participate in the high stress environment of 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 post-burn monitoring.

Participate in restoration and stewardship projects including thinning, planting, marking, biological surveys and other projects when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.

Maintain preserves and buildings, which may include maintaining tools and equipment, repairing fences and gates, posting boundaries, and maintaining grounds and structures

Assist local, state, or federal partners with prescribed fire operations and burn unit prep or travel to other areas of the state or out of state to assist other TNC programs.

Be available to assist on wildland fires with state partners or on TNC property (infrequent)

As part of the BCM’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 community events, volunteer events, partnership activities, and other TNC functions.

We’re Looking for You:

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

There are 7 BCM positions available for two different employment durations: January-April (2 Positions) and January-June (5 Positions). Please indicate in your cover letter which duration you would prefer. All positions are based in, or near, Southern Pines, NC. Southern Pines is a relatively rural setting; shared housing is 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 and 6 months of related experience.

Qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) which includes: Introduction to ICS (I-100), An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (IS-700), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), One training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. 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 various types of equipment.

Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR).

Desired Qualifications

Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

6 months -1 year of related experience.

Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.

Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.

Basic experience with using paper or digital maps.

Knowledge of basic chainsaw use and safety.

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 $19.91 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