Job Type: Full-time, on-site, seasonal
Location: Ely, MN
Salary: $20-$21.15/hour
Description:
This job posting will be open until filled and will hire three individuals.
This is a seasonal, full-time (40 hours/week) position is anticipated to start March 30, 2026 and end on June 1, 2026.
This position is based out of Ely, Minnesota in the USFS Kawashiwi Ranger District office.
Shared housing and basic utilities are provided by TNC at no cost to the employee upon signing and agreeing to housing terms, and the employee must live in the provided housing to meet the needs and nature of the position and to maximize the effectiveness of the crew
Hourly rate range: $20.00 - 21.15/hour dependent on experience.
The Northwoods program partners closely with the Superior National Forest, The Nature Conservancy’s Northeast Minnesota Fuels Planner, and other partners in the area. As one of our Burn Crew Members, you will participate in prescribed burning operations in partnership with other non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies, and Tribes. This includes ignition, holding, mop-up, and post-burn patrol. You will also be responsible for burn unit preparation, equipment maintenance, timber stand improvement projects, invasive species control, and other projects as assigned that are essential to fire operations and ecosystem restoration.
To support Burn Crew Members’ professional development, you will be introduced to regional prescribed burning ecology, equipment, and practices, and you may be offered trainee opportunities to advance your qualifications. In addition, you shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional wildland fire community and in local communities where TNC works. You may gain experience in wildfires should you elect to do so and if opportunities arise.
Candidates who are not currently qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) may complete the required online training before your first day of work and complete the hands-on component of the training as part of their onboarding work time.
Some overtime is expected, and as part of the crew, you may be asked to travel along the Minnesota-Canada border to the bluff lands of southeast Minnesota. This may include overnight stays for multiple days for burn opportunities. You will work outdoors in variable weather conditions, in remote locations, at times on difficult and uneven terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 as a requirement for this position. 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).
Must have valid driver's license.
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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. 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.
