The Burn Crew Member participates in wild land fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned.
This is a short-term position from April 3, 2018 through June 1, 2018. There are 2 or 3 openings for this position available at this location.
The Burn Crew Member will work throughout the Prairie Forest Border Ecoregion in central and southeastern Minnesota. This position may spend 70% of the time away from their home base. Housing away from the home base will be will be provided by the Conservancy at a bunk house or camp ground facility. Crew members will participate in prescribed fire activities, and other stewardship activities which may include some or all of the following functions:
- Prescribed burn preparation, implementation, and post-fire monitoring with TNC, MN Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff.
- Assist with maintaining TNC preserves and public lands including state-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMA's) and federally-owned Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA's) and other protected lands.
- Assist in fence maintenance, removal, and construction for conservation grazing.
- Posting and signing of properties.
- Brush/tree removal with chemical stump treatment.
- Remove and chemically treat exotic species.
- Maintain tools and equipment.
- Collect and clean native seeds.
- Monitor and record data entries for photo and vegetation research monitoring.
- Other preserve management activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required completing preserve management activities.
- Will perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
- Works in a high stress team environment.
- Works under close supervision.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT
- Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions:
- require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain
- require long and irregular hours in isolated settings
- require independent and group efforts present frequent possibility of injury
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be qualified as or able to meet qualifications for Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
- Must achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Fire Program Manager.
- Experience operating various types of equipment.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, and driver’s license).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma and 1 year training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
- Multi-lingual and/or multicultural experience appreciated.
- Qualified as or able to meet qualifications for FFT2, including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), National Incident Management System (IS-700), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
- Ability to pass US Forest Service work capacity test at arduous level (3 mile walk with 45 lb pack in 45 minutes).
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal native and exotic species in Minnesota.
- Ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. ATV, engine, pumps, chainsaw, brush-cutter, and two-way radio).
- Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
- Experience performing physical work.
- Ability to pass the DOT federal medical exam (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/391.41).
SALARY INFORMATION
- $12.50 to 15.50 per hour, depending on experience (plus housing for duration of employment)
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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."