The Allegheny Highlands Burn Crew serve as representatives of the Central Appalachians Fire Learning Network and strive to build and maintain trust of partners by successfully completing on the ground forest restoration projects. The Allegheny Highlands Burn Crew is a team of 4 and reports to the Allegheny Highlands Burn Crew Manager. The Burn Crew Member (BCM) participates prescribed fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned.
The primary responsibilities of the Allegheny Highlands Burn Crew are to prepare and implement prescribed burns in the Central Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia with key partners such as the USDA Forest Service (George Washington & Jefferson National Forest), VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, VA Department of Conservation & Recreation and the VA Department of Forestry. The BCM will participate in prescribed burn implementation, preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring and other tasks. 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 wild land fire suppression activities in partnership with other local, state and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee, or as a short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an administratively determined, short term federal employee).
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Will perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire such as but not limited to trail maintenance, forest thinning and fire cache organization.
- Works in a high stress team environment.
- Works under close supervision.
- Ability to perform heavy physical work 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
- Must achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual. Must be able to complete arduous Work Capacity Test, 3 miles in 45 minutes carrying 45 lbs.
- Experience operating various types of equipment. (Two-way radio, chainsaw, back pack blower, brush cutter, UTV, portable pumps and drip torches, etc.)
- Faller 3, Basic sawyer is required
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, and driver’s license).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 6 months -1 year of related experience.
- Must have valid driver’s license and good driving record.
- 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: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm
- Faller 2-Intermediate Sawyer preferred
- Off-road vehicle operation training
- Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
- Willing to travel from home base for several days, potentially weeks at a time.
- Willing to drive 4WD trucks and tow trailer.
Hourly Rate: $16-$18/hour.