Job Type: Full-time, On-site, Temporary
Location: Cushing and Ely, MN
Salary: $16.50 to $19.00 hourly
Deadline: 2/9/2025
WHO WE ARE
The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”
WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The Fire in the Forest and Northwoods Burn Crew Member (BCM) participates in:
Prescribed burning operations such as ignition, holding, mop-up, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned.
Preparing firebreaks, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring and other tasks.
Other duties essential to Preserve operations and ecosystem restoration.
Burn Crew Members will participate in prescribed burns in partnership with other non-profit organizations, State and Federal agencies, and Tribes. The work will involve being outdoors in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, at times on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. To support Burn Crew Members’ professional development, they will be introduced to regional prescribed burning ecology, equipment, and practices, and they may be offered trainee opportunities to advance their qualifications. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional wildland fire community and in local communities where TNC works. Burn Crew Members may gain experience on wildfires should they elect to do so and opportunities arise.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU
Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is a passionate and motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!
We are recruiting six Burn Crew Member positions, which will start around March 31, 2025. Some of those positions will conclude around May 30, 2025, while others may extend through the Oct 31, 2025. There are two crews that will be filled by these positions. Three crew members will be based out of Ely, MN on the Northwoods module, and three will be based out of Cushing, MN on the Fire in the Forest module. Housing can be provided to all. Burn Crew Members will report to a full-time, permanent Burn Crew Manager based out of either Cushing or Ely.
Both crews work on The Nature Conservancy and partner lands to help achieve wildfire risk mitigations and expanding fire re-introduction efforts in the forests in the region. They may work in prairie and wetland habitats as well. Overall, it is a collaborative effort to strengthen the fire culture in the region.
The Fire in the Forest program focuses most of its efforts in Central Minnesota in mixed conifer and hardwood forests and works with numerous partners including Federal, State, Tribal, and private landowners. This program’s office is on TNC’s Lake Alexander Preserve.
The Northwoods program partners closely with the Superior National Forest and The Nature Conservancy’s Northeast Minnesota Fuels Planner and can work with other partners in the area. This program’s office is the USFS Kawashiwi Ranger District.
Some overtime is expected, and the crews may be asked to travel anywhere from the north woods along the Minnesota-Canada border to the bluff lands of southeast Minnesota and may stay overnight for multiple days for burn opportunities.
Candidates who are not currently qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) may complete the required on-line training before their first day of work and complete the hands-on component of the training as part of their on-boarding work time.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
High school diploma and 6 months of related experience.
Completion of several trainings created by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, most of which are available on-line, and which may also be conducted in person: Introduction to Incident Command System (I-100), Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighter Training (S-130), An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (IS-700.B). See https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm
Ability to pass the standard physical fitness test for prescribed burning.
Experience safely operating a variety of equipment.
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, etc).
WHAT WE BRING
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
If the candidate has already worked 6 months with The Nature Conservancy, the candidate may be eligible for benefits. Benefits include: comprehensive health care plans (3 options to fit your needs,) flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care,) a 401(k) plan including employer match (8% after 1 year!) 8 weeks paid parental leave, up to 10 days of accrued paid time off in the first year, life insurance (2x salary,) short and long-term disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other life and work wellbeing benefits. . Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
To apply for job ID 56105, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. Apply early as resumes will be reviewed and interviews may be conducted as they are received. For position specific questions, contact Marissa Wales at marissa.wales@tnc.org.
