Fire & Land Management Fellow - SC/MN
The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading non-profit organization working on fire issues. We have been working with fire since 1962, when we conducted our first controlled burn. Our approach has evolved from one that was primarily focused on managing our preserves for biodiversity to one that includes developing more equitable policy and funding, elevating the leadership of Indigenous fire practitioners , growing skilled and diverse fire management workforces , and helping communities develop ways to live more safely with wildfire .
What We Can Achieve Together:
Over eighty percent of North American ecosystems depend on fire for essential ecological functions. Indigenous people have used fire for millennia and contemporary land managers continue the practice, although not to the same degree or effect. The Nature Conservancy and our partners seek a better future with fire—one where natural areas are sustained by and ready for fire and where communities are empowered and prepared to live with fire.
While in South Carolina, the Fire and Land Management Fellow serves a foundational role within TNC-SC’s fire program, as an implementer of prescribed fire on TNC and partner lands as a member of the chapter’s 4-person burn crew. Prescribed fire work will be conducted statewide, from the mountains to the coast. As such, the Fellow will learn to burn in a variety of terrains and fuel types, from montane oak-hickory forests to southern rough in the Lowcountry piney woods. Career development opportunities within Rx fire planning and fire program management, as well as with NWCG fire qualifications are available (and encouraged) for interested candidates.
While in west central Minnesota, the Fellow will serve as an integral part of the burn crew and stewardship team. Prescribed fire work will focus on the Agassiz Beach Ridges Landscape in MN (~23,000ac) and the Sheyenne Delta in ND (~75,000ac) and may also include time spent in central and northern MN. Opportunities for stewardship work abound through the summer months in MN. Tasks may include treating invasive species, fence removal/installation, tree removal, brush mowing, orchid monitoring, building/equipment maintenance, grazing projects, burn break installation and more.
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, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!
We’re Looking for You:
Year-Round Fire & Land Management Fellowship (Fellow) is a 2-year term position that will split time between South Carolina (January 2026 – April 2026; November 2026 – April 2027) and the Agassiz Beach Ridges of western Minnesota (May 2026 – October 2026; May 2027 – November 2027). They will be a part of the seasonal burn crews in each location as well as engaging in preserve management activities outside of prescribed fire timeframes.
While in South Carolina, the position will be based in Awendaw, near the city of Charleston. In Minnesota, the position will be based at the Bluestem Preserve 20 miles west of Fargo, ND. Housing will be provided for each location. It is expected that this position will arrange for travel between SC and MN when shifting geographies; however, time and reasonable travel expenses will be compensated by TNC.
The Fellow must use safety equipment and maintain a safety-conscious attitude at all times. Tasks will include assisting with preserve management activities such as clearing and mowing firebreaks, prescribed burning, applying herbicide, boundary posting, repairing and organizing burn equipment, fence construction and removal, tree and brush cutting, constructing parking areas, maintaining vehicles and equipment, meeting with local landowners, identifying management needs for preserves, assisting with field trips, leading volunteers, and other land management activities as necessary. As part of the Fellows’ 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 a 2-year term, benefited position that will begin in South Carolina on January 7, 2026 , and migrate to Minnesota in May 2026. The position is expected to end in November of 2027.
What You'll Bring:
High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
Must be qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. See https://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
Ability to achieve an NWCG work capacity test at arduous level (3 mile walk with 45 lb. pack in 45 minutes)
Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, 4WD, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
Experience working in a team environment.
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
Willingness to travel extensively and occasionally to work weekends and maintain a flexible work schedule.
Demonstrated ability to work well with a wide variety of people in stressful conditions and to follow assignments closely.
Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Willingness to provide lace-up leather boots, with a minimum height of 8 inches.
Chainsaw & medical experience/qualifications are a plus.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $17.00 -$22.00/hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
Who We Are :
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor .
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
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!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
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TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.