Burn Crew Manager

Milton, Delaware, USA

DE201

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.”

The Delmarva As-Needed Burn Crew Leader (Crew Leader) will have leadership roles on prescribed burns across the Delmarva Peninsula from February 1, 2023 through June 1, 2023. Together with the 2-4 person as-needed burn crew, the Crew Leader helps fill a void of wildland firefighters for single or multi-day prescribed fire operations on private lands. The primary responsibilities of the Crew Leader will be to: oversee communication from Burn Boss to crew and volunteers to determine availability; ensure crew receives Avenza maps; work with Burn Boss to assign crew to burns, transport crew with the engine to/from work sites, ensure equipment is ready (refill drip torches, charge radios; sharpen hand tools, service chainsaws, prep engine and portable pumps and help maintain shop space); communicate via phone/text with agency fire staff, supervise burn crew (holding-firing) on prescribed burns; purchase fuel and supplies using TNC credit card; planning and directing team building activities. Wildland fire operations includes line construction, holding, ignition, patrol, mop-up, and monitoring. All Individuals will be representing the Conservancy and must act accordingly.

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 passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

The As-Needed Burn Crew Leader will oversee logistics and coordination for a 2-4 person as-needed fire crew for private lands burning across the Delmarva Peninsula, as directed by a Burn Boss or other command position. The position coordinates staff meeting times, oversees equipment preparation and rehabilitation, engine maintenance radio programming, travel to burn sites, and routinely has supervisory reasonability of crew during burns. In addition, other preserve management duties may be performed when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire. Staffing needs for these positions could average 40-50 hours per operational period (bi-weekly). Operational periods are generally sporadic and clustered by opportune weather conditions, and no guarantee of a minimum number of opportunities is given or implied. The Crew Leader will participate on opportunities only as their own schedules will allow, and thus participation on any given opportunity is not required.

This position is not a full or part time seasonal position and is meant to be a flexible position, allowing for compensation for attending and assisting on prescribed fires. The Crew Leader participates in prescribed fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned.

This position will be based out of Milton, Delaware.

Compensation of $21.75 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.

Workdays are dependent on weather due to the nature of prescribed fire.

• High school diploma and 3 years training in fire operations or other science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Must be qualified (and have proper documentation) as a Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and successful completion of FFT1 task book. Requirements for FFT1 include S-131 Advanced Firefighter, S-133 Look Up, Look Down, Look Around, Basic First Aid and CPR, and IS-700.a NIMS An Introduction and can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm (TNC will provide refresher and administer arduous pack test at the start of the position if needed.)
• Ability to achieve and maintain arduous physical fitness standard. Must be able to walk 3 miles in less than 45 minutes carrying 45 lbs.
• Experience supervising staff is required.
• Ability to function as both a leader and member of a work team
• Ability to work in a high stress team environment
• Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions at remote locations on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Ability to make decisions on the fire line based upon evaluation of fire behaviour, available resources, and judgement
• May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR.
• Must have valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Must have or be willing to obtain driver certification for USDOT Commercial Motor Vehicles (Heavy Vehicles).
• Comfortable pulling equipment trailers.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated.
• More than 4 years training in fire operations or other science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
• 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 and external partners through technology including text messages and emails; familiarity with Avenza PDFMaps.
• Firing Boss Qualified
• 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 will be given to those with higher qualifications (above FFT1).

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. 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.

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.

Job Family: Conservation

Job Number: 450007

Salary Grade: 4

To apply for job ID 52566, 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.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.