The Burn Crew Member (BCM) participates in wildland fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. Position will begin on December 30, 2019 and terminate on May 29, 2020.
The South Carolina seasonal prescribed burn crew consists of three Prescribed Burn Crew Technicians and one Crew Manager. The crew assists Conservancy staff in the preparation and implementation of prescribed burns at various preserves in South Carolina which may be owned by TNC or other public or private partners. The crew travels extensively as a team in one to two-week blocks between locations within the state. The work schedule is weather dependent and may be highly irregular at times. Routine preserve management activities such as fencing, boundary posting, removal of invasive species, forest management, ecological monitoring and other related stewardship activities may be performed during periods when the weather is unsuitable to conduct burns.
The three Prescribed Burn Crew Technicians are supervised by the Crew Manager who travels with the crew. The crew works closely with Conservancy staff. The Conservancy provides vehicles and lodging. Lodging includes rustic lodges and often camping near the preserves.
The Prescribed Fire Crew Technicians 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 fires.
As part of the incumbent’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.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Assist with fireline construction, implementation of prescribed burns and mop-up activities. Maintain equipment and tools used on prescribed burns.
- Operate fire equipment, if qualified, including ignition devices, 4WD trucks, ATV’s, UTV’s, portable pumps, pump engines, port-a-tanks, tractors, backpack blowers, brush cutters, chain saws, hand tools, and GPS units.
- Perform fire preparations, including tractor mowing, tree cutting, chain saw work, raking, handline construction, boundary delineation, etc. Must have familiarity with the safe operation of equipment and off-road vehicles and must follow recommended safety guidelines and precautions specified for said work.
- Conduct routine preserve management work such as removal of invasive species, forest management, ecological monitoring, fence construction and repair, boundary posting, and other related stewardship activities.
- Travel and work as a team member performing these tasks.
- 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.
- Ability to perform heavy physical work for extended and irregular periods in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Must be qualified as a 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
- Ability to achieve a NWCG moderate wildland firefighter rating by carrying a 45lb-pack 3 miles in less than 45 minutes.
- Experience operating various types of equipment, including 4WD, standard transmission vehicles and ATVs.
- Experience operating GPS units.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, and driver’s license).
- Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
- Willingness to travel extensively and occasionally to work weekends and maintain a flexible work schedule.
- Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
- Valid driver’s license and compliance with The Nature Conservancy’s auto safety program. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.
- Willingness to provide lace-up leather boots, minimum height of 8 inches.
- Demonstrated ability to work well with a wide variety of people in stressful conditions and to follow assignments closely.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 6 months -1 year of related experience.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems. Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to complete preserve management activities.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.