Prescribed Fire Crew Members - Moody Forest Preserve
Position Summary
The Prescribed Fire Crew Member participates as a member of a four-person burn team led by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) staff conducting prescribed fire operations, including burn unit preparation, ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned throughout southeast Georgia. This is a 22-week position with anticipated dates from early January to early June. The Prescribed Fire Crew Member will attend a wildland fire training academy the first week of service (online training pre-coursework is REQUIRED) and must achieve physical fitness standard by successfully passing a "pack test". The position will be focused on the use of prescribed fire as an ecological management tool to support the restoration of longleaf pine ecosystems in the Altamaha River corridor for rare fire-adapted species such as red-cockaded woodpecker, gopher tortoise, indigo snakes, and carnivorous plants. The Prescribed Fire Crew Member will work on high-priority preserves owned by TNC in Georgia and assist with burning on other partner conservation lands (Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The Orianne Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service) throughout the state. It is likely the Prescribed Fire Crew Member will have the opportunity to assist with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) use on prescribed fire operations when necessary. When weather is not suitable for burning, other tasks may include assisting with ecological and rare species monitoring, assisting with tree and grass planting projects, timber marking, boundary marking, fence removal, equipment and building maintenance, and general stewardship work.
Schedule
January 5, 2026 - June 6, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Burn unit fire break preparation; Prescribed fire application
Marginal Duties
Vehicle and equipment maintenance; Ecological and rare species monitoring; Longleaf pine and herbaceous groundcover restoration projects; Trail maintenance; Boundary marking;
Required Qualifications
Being at least 18 years or older; having a high school diploma or equivalent; and being willing to undergo background check. Must be willing to work alongside others with diverse backgrounds.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with wildfire or prescribed fire operations; Experience using of hand tools (council rake, hoe, axe) and 2-stroke powered equipment (chainsaw, weed-eater, leaf blower); Experience operating tractors and common farm implements (hay rake, bush hog); Experience with trail maintenance work; Familiarity with longleaf pine ecosystem and associated species in the Southeastern US
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing is provided at no cost. Housing is a shared single-room cabin(s) with four bunk beds on-site at The Nature Conservancy's Moody Forest Preserve near Baxley, Georgia. At times, there may be other burn crews or researchers staying there at the same time in a separate cabin. We ask that burn crew members bring their own sheets, pillows, blankets, etc. for the beds for their own comfort, though these items are available on site. The cabins are equipped with electricity, heat/air-conditioning, and ceiling fans. The Moody Forest Preserve office complex is about 100' away from cabin(s) and has a conference meeting room, screened-in back porch, indoor common area including kitchen and dining area, 3 refrigerators, 3 bathrooms (shower stall, sink, toilet), washer and dryer, and office computer. The kitchen has all cooking equipment and dishware needed. Propane grills are also available on the back porch. Burn crew members are asked to provide their own toiletry items such as soap, shampoo, etc. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas.
Compensation
$500/week living stipend, $275 one-time boot stipend $1,000 one-time travel allowance.
AMERICORPS:NOT ELIGIBLE
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
AMERICORPS:NOT ELIGIBLE
Equal Opportunity Statement
The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.