Senior Burn Crew Member
This is a seasonal, full-time (40 hours/week) position anticipated to start September 12, 2026 and end on October 31, 2026. The position is based out of Cushing, Minnesota on TNC’s Lake Alexander Preserve. Shared housing and basic utilities are provided to the employee, who must live in the provided housing to meet the needs of the position.
About the Role
As the Fire in the Forest Senior Burn Crew Member (SBCM), you will work in a team environment and participate in wildland fire operations overseeing staff and volunteers during fire-related activities, including ignition, holding, mop-up, suppression, and post-burn monitoring. You may also conduct other land management activities such as burn unit preparation, equipment maintenance, timber stand improvement projects, and invasive species control.
As part of ongoing professional development, you will stay abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain or grow professional fire certification credentials. You will also build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and the local community where the Conservancy works.
Some overtime is expected, and you may be asked to travel as far as the Minnesota-Canada border and to the bluff lands of southeast Minnesota, including overnight stays for multiple days for burn opportunities. The role involves working outdoors in variable weather conditions, remote locations, difficult terrain, and physically demanding circumstances.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Burn Crew Manager to support the crew, scout treatment units, install firebreaks, fell trees, and build piles.
- Maintain equipment in fire-ready condition and drill on incident-within-incident skills.
- Implement prescribed burns and monitor burn units.
- Deliver training with and for fellow practitioners.
- Build and maintain relationships within the regional fire and stewardship community, including agency, NGO, and Tribal partners.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualified.
- Experience operating various types of equipment.
- Ability to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR).
- Valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
- Must not be considered a "high risk driver" under TNC’s policies.
- Employment contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of your motor vehicle record.
Desired Qualifications
- FAL2, FFT1, and ICT5 qualifications (requested by USFS partners).
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.
- Experience managing volunteers or entry-level staff.
- Ability and willingness to both lead and follow in a team environment.
- Two or more years of experience in fire operations or a similar field.
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- Strong communication skills in English and other relevant languages.
Pay
The starting pay range for this position is $20.20 - $22.65 per hour, dependent on experience.
Schedule
Full-time (40 hours/week), seasonal position from September 12, 2026 to October 31, 2026. Some overtime and overnight travel may be required.
Benefits
- Shared housing and basic utilities provided.
- Comprehensive benefits package including health care, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match.
- Parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, and an employee assistance program.
- Flexible work environment supporting health and well-being.
About the Organization
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a science-based organization dedicated to protecting the lands and waters upon which all life depends. Founded in 1951, TNC has grown into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world, with over 1 million members and 400 scientists. The organization values respect for all people, communities, and cultures and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment.