NC Sandhills Burn Crew Member

All Burn Crew Members (BCM) will play an important role during the burn season, ensuring the safety, preparedness, and collaborative nature required for successful burns. BCMs will work under close supervision and in potentially high-stress environments. They may perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the high-stress environment of prescribed fire and wildfire activities, which may include burn unit prep, fire operations, managing staff and volunteers, maintenance of equipment and supplies, mop-up, and post-burn monitoring.
• Participate in restoration and stewardship projects including thinning, planting, marking, biological surveys, and other projects when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
• Maintain preserves and buildings, which may include maintaining tools and equipment, repairing fences and gates, posting boundaries, and maintaining grounds and structures.
• Assist local, state, or federal partners with prescribed fire operations and burn unit prep or travel to other areas of the state or out of state to assist other TNC programs.
• Be available to assist on wildland fires with state partners or on TNC property (infrequent).
• Keep abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials.
• Build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in community events, volunteer events, partnership activities, and other TNC functions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and 6 months of related experience.
• Qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), which includes:
  • Introduction to ICS (I-100)
  • An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (IS-700)
  • Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180)
  • Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190)
  • Firefighting Training (S-130)
  • One training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 (see TNC Fire Management Manual).
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR).
• This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’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." Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 6 months to 1 year of related experience.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Basic experience with using paper or digital maps.
• Knowledge of basic chainsaw use and safety.

Pay

The starting pay rate for a candidate selected for this position is $19.91 per hour. This rate only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA.

Schedule

There are 7 BCM positions available for two different employment durations: January-April (2 Positions) and January-June (5 Positions). All positions are based in, or near, Southern Pines, NC. Shared housing is provided.

Benefits

• Health care benefits
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match
• Parental leave
• Accrued paid time off
• Life insurance
• Disability coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Other life and work well-being benefits