The Nature Conservancy’s Kentucky Business Unit is seeking a full-time/seasonal Burn Crew Manager for the upcoming spring 2020 burn season. This position will begin late January and end in April unless other arrangements are agreed upon. The Burn Crew Manager oversees a squad (4-8 Burn Crew Members) in wildland fire activities, as directed by the Kentucky Fire Manager, Burn Boss or other command position. This position will spend most of the time in SE Kentucky with frequent overnight travel. Lodging is provided.
The Burn Crew Manager will coordinate activities of the Burn Crew Members in cooperation with federal and state partners and will participate with preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring, fire plan preparation, logistical coordination, time and expense reporting for Burn Crew members, and other tasks. Will perform other preserve management and restoration duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
As part of the incumbent’s ongoing professional development, he/she 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 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).
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Function as both leader and member of a work team, in a high stress team environment.
- Convey work instructions to Burn Crew Members and follow instructions from the Burn Boss and Fire Manager.
- Monitor the progress of Burn Crew Members toward achieving fire management goals.
- Makes decisions on the fire line based upon evaluation of fire behavior, available resources and judgment.
- Handles travel logistics, expenses and time reporting, equipment maintenance needs.
- Ensures preparedness of Burn Crew.
- Perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
- Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances
- Qualified Firefighter Type 1 or current Firefighter Type 1 Trainee (Squad Boss). Requirements for FFT1 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm.
- Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment.
- Experience supervising staff.
- May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR, Driver’s license, and herbicide application.
- Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Qualified Firefighter Type 1 with 2+ years training in fire operations or other science-related field or related experience in land management.
- 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.
- Wildland Firefighter faller Certified.
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.