Potomac Headwaters As-Needed Burn Crew Member

Cumberland, Maryland

MD201

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube on Glassdoor.

Our 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. We’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

The Burn Crew Member participates in wild land fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. This part-time position will be based out of western Maryland.

Compensation of $19.83 per hour will include travel time from a meet up location to the burn unit. If overnight travel is required, compensation will occur during actual work hours.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Burn Crew Member participates on prescribed burns throughout the Potomac Headwaters landscape from October 1, 2022 through May 31, 2023. The Conservancy supports the Potomac Headwaters Fire Learning Network partners on multiple controlled burns each year. Under the direction of the Crew Leader, the Crew Members provide wildland fire support for single or multi-day prescribed fire operations. Staffing needs for this position average 2-4 operational periods bi-weekly during peak burn windows and operational periods are at the discretion of the Potomac Headwaters Crew Leader. 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 the Burn Crew Leader or Fire Manager, crew members will participate in opportunities only as their own schedules will 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 TNC partners such as state and federal agencies or on TNC preserves. Wildland fire operations may include line construction, holding, ignition, patrol, mop-up, and monitoring weather. All TNC staff actively participating on a prescribed burn must meet FFT2 minimum qualification but do not need a red card. Individuals will be representing the Conservancy on partner burns and must act accordingly. Potential for assisting on forestry-related projects.

Individual will be provided personal protective equipment (Nomex pants, Nomex shirt, hard hat) as outlined by the TNC fire management manual https://www.tncfiremanual.org/require.htm and provide their own transportation to the meeting location in western Maryland. TNC will provide radio and transportation from the meeting location to the burn unit and return. TNC can provide line pack, fire shelter, and radio harness if necessary. A $200 stipend towards fire boots will be provided if needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES & 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma.
• Ability to achieve and maintain arduous physical fitness standard. Must be able to walk 3 miles in less than 45 minutes carrying 45 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. FFT2, First Aid and CPR).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Qualified as a Firefighter 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 http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
• 1 year or more training in fire operations or other science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Flexibility in scheduling – assignments will vary, both in location and duration, from minimal hours per pay period to many hours, depending on conditions and other factors. Locations scattered around western MD, and into WV.
• Ability to operate standard transmission vehicles and comfortable pulling equipment trailers.
• Ability to evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions that affect the safety and work of firefighters within squad.
• Ability to coordinate with staff through technology including text messages and emails; familiarity with Avenza PDFMaps.
• Other training which supports development of knowledge and skills: ATV Safety and Operations, S-212 Wildland Chainsaws, S-211 Portable Pumps and Water Use. Preference may be given to those with higher qualifications (above FFT1).
  

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan to include employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work environment that is supportive of the health, well-being, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ 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.

To apply for job ID 51627, 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.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

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.

Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption.