Job Type: Full-time, on-site, seasonal
Location: The Ember Alliance - Troy, NC
Salary: $20/hr, housing is provided
Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
Description:
The Ember Alliance (TEA) is a national organization of wildland fire practitioners, researchers, analysts, and instructors. The mission of TEA is to restore the relationship between communities and fire on the landscape. TEA is a just and transparent workplace that strives for clear and kind communication. We are dedicated to a workplace that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports work/ life balance, and encourages growth. Learn more about TEA at https://emberalliance.org
The Ember Alliance is hiring 2 seasonal, 6-month prescribed fire crewmember positions in Troy, NC. The Prescribed Fire/Fuels Module crewmembers will play an integral role in restoring habitat and reducing wildfire risk in central North Carolina. This position will participate in the day-to-day operations of a module focused on aiding partners on prescribed fire and natural resource management projects. The position is predominantly in the field, in potentially difficult environmental conditions such as hot and humid or cold weather, loose footing, and steep terrain. Crewmembers will be required to pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test. Candidates should have a passion for increasing the pace and scale of prescribed fire on public and private lands, increasing diversity and inclusion in the fire practitioner community, and building skills and confidence for fire practitioners from all backgrounds and experience levels in an inclusive and supportive operational environment.
A successful candidate will have a passion for developing prescribed fire and wildland fire skills and experience, the ability to embrace adversity and uncertainty, and a clear commitment to working with diverse populations in an inclusive environment. The position will primarily focus on natural resource management in the field in a team setting. The duty location is Troy, NC, but work site locations will vary. Housing is provided at no cost to employees (See below for further benefit details).
This position will require assisting with implementation of prescribed fire on public and private lands. A successful candidate will show enthusiasm for working with the public and demonstrate proficiency and professionalism while on private property. The module will assist in project work or other duties as assigned by partners when not participating in prescribed fire operations. These projects may include timber stand improvement, trail maintenance, invasive species removal through chemical and mechanical methods, and wetland restoration.
Responsibilities:
Participate in prescribed fire operations or other work as assigned by agency representatives, including but not limited to tree planting, treatment of non-native invasive plant species, campground cleanup, trail maintenance, ecological surveys, and timber stand improvement (TSI)
Must participate in best practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19
Complete prescribed fire operations at the direction of the Burn Boss to implement safe, moderate complexity prescribed burning
Operate chainsaws, hand tools, hose lays, backpack sprayers, portable pumps, engines, and other equipment on prescribed fire operations and fuels reduction projects
Maintain crew supplies, equipment, and vehicles as directed
Travel for extended periods of time and work outside of normal business hours
Attend partnership meetings, informational field trips, and trainings for professional development to build knowledge and skills in the field
Demonstrate a strong work ethic, including a commitment to principles of Duty, Integrity and Respect
Actively participate in creating a kind, safe, and healthy work environment which encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion of all people
Employee may be required to participate in prescribed fire implementation, suppression, or training up to level of current qualification, on as needed basis as determined by supervisor
Minimum Qualifications:
Understanding of risk management with a strong commitment to safety
Ability to complete an arduous pack test annually (carry a 45lb backpack for 3 miles in under 45 minutes)
Commitment to creating and participating in a safe, inclusive, and effective work culture
Ability to complete various outdoor tasks, such as operating chainsaws, using hand tools, and implementing prescribed burns and other forestry related project work
Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to work in difficult weather conditions on steep and broken terrain
Flexibility to accommodate changing schedules to take advantage of prescribed fire implementation windows
Must be 18 years of age or older
Current and valid U.S. driver’s license
Legally eligible to work in the U.S. and participate in a background check
Desired Qualifications:
Firefighter Type 2 (FFT-2) currency (RT-130 Annual Refresher provided, as needed)
Efficient organizational skills
Experience using chainsaws
Strong mechanical ability
First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or higher medical certification
