Type: Full-time, Temporary
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Salary: $18.75 per hour
Deadline: 9/24/2024
The Burn Crew Member (BCM) participates in wild land fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. As part of the BCM’s ongoing professional development, they 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 wildland fire suppression activities in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies, tribal or indigenous, 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). They may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
The Southern Blue Ridge (NC) Burn Crew Member participates in wildland fire operations which includes ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring and other tasks as assigned. Compensation of $18.75 per hour will include travel time from a meet-up location to and from the burn unit. If overnight travel is required, compensation will occur during actual work hours. No housing is provided.
Essential Functions
The Burn Crew Member participates on prescribed burns throughout the Southern Blue Ridge region, under the direction of the Stewardship Manager. The Burn Crew Member provides wildland fire support for single or multiday prescribed fire operations. Staffing needs for this position average 2-4 operational periods biweekly and operational periods are at the discretion of the Stewardship Manager. Operational periods will likely be sporadic and clustered by opportune weather conditions, and no guarantee of a minimum number of opportunities is given or implied. Under supervision by a Burn Crew Leader or the Stewardship Manager, Burn Crew Members will participate in opportunities only as their schedules allow, and thus participation on any given opportunity is not required.
The primary responsibility of the Burn Crew Member will be to assist in wildland fire operations with partners such as state and federal agencies, or on TNC preserves in North and South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. Wildland fire operations may include fire line construction, holding, igniting, patrol, mop-up and monitoring weather. All TNC staff actively participating on a burn must meet Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) minimum qualification but do not need a red card. Burn Crew Members represent TNC on partner burns and must act accordingly. TNC supports the Southern Blue Ridge Fire Learning Network partners on multiple controlled burns each year. Potential for assisting on forestry-related projects.
The Burn Crew Member should provide some of their own PPE (Nomex pants and shirt, fire boots, hard hat) as outlined by TNC’s fire management manual and must provide their own transportation to the meet-up location, usually in Asheville, NC. TNC will provide radio and transportation from Asheville to and from the burn unit(s). TNC can provide a line pack, fire shelter and radio harness, if necessary.
Responsibility & Scope
Works in a high stress team environment.
Works under close supervision.
Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
Ready to be a part of wildland fire operations? Join us as a Burn Crew Member (BCM) and be at the heart of the action! From ignition to mop-up, you'll tackle tasks like preparing fire lines and monitoring post-burn activities. But that's not all – your journey with us means continuous growth. Master new techniques and equipment to level up your skills and certifications. Plus, you'll build strong relationships within the fire community and local areas where we operate. Come join TNC and apply today!
