The Kentucky fire management program is a seeking highly motivated, dedicated, hard-working individuals as Burn Crew Members (BCM) for our spring 2020 prescribed fire teams. BCMs will join other wildland fire management personnel working primarily in Kentucky and Tennessee towards implementing prescribed burning and other land management practices in concert with federal and state partners. These positions located in Southeast Kentucky will require much travel during the employment term of up to 90 days. Typical date ranges are early February through mid-April.
BCMs assist with preparing fire lines, maintaining fire equipment, post burn monitoring, and other land management related tasks. 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 wildland 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
- Ability to work long hours for multiple shifts.
- Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Assist with fireline construction, implementation of prescribed burns and mop-up activities. Maintain equipment and tools used on prescribed burns.
- Maintain accurate records of work time and expenses an submit reports in a timely manner.
- 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, 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 land 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.
- Must be qualified as a Firefighter 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 arduous physical fitness standard as determined by local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
- 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).
- Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working in natural resources management.
- Experience with prescribed burning techniques in deciduous hardwood forests.
- Ability to identify eastern hardwood trees.
- Off Road Vehicle operation training.
- Qualified Faller 3 or 2.
- Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) qualified.
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.