NC Sandhills NFWF Burn Crew Manager

What We Can Achieve Together:

The NC Sandhills NFWF Burn Crew Manager oversees a squad (4-8 Burn Crew Members) in wild land fire activities, as directed by a Burn Boss, or other command position. Funding for this position is available for two years.

The Burn Crew Manager (1 Position) participates in preserve operations, restoration, maintenance, and management. This may include the following functions:

• Participates in prescribed fire and wildfire activities, which may include burn unit prep, fire operations, managing staff and volunteers, maintenance of equipment and supplies, mop up, and monitoring.

• Participates in and manages restoration projects including thinning, planting, and other projects

• Maintains preserves and buildings, which may include maintaining tools and equipment, repairing fences and gates, posting boundaries, and maintaining grounds and structures at historical sites.

• Supports volunteer events.

• Opportunity for professional development including but not limited to – drone operation, geographic information systems (GIS) training, and pesticide operator license.  

The Burn Crew Manager may assist on wildland fire operations in other parts of the region with federal, state, or private partners, or travel to other areas of the state or out-of-state to assist other TNC programs or partners on prescribed or wildland fires.

All TNC staff actively participating on a prescribed burn must be qualified as a FFT2. The Burn Crew Manager may perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.  

Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I make a difference?”, but you don’t know where to go or have the time to do it?  Welcome to The Nature Conservancy.  You have found the solution and now you can pointedly make a difference every day!

In this role, you will function as both a leader and a member of a work team. You will lead the team by monitoring the progress of burn crew members toward achieving the fire management goals.  You will be a key decision maker on the fire line based on your evaluation of fire behavior, available resources and judgment.

The Sandhills NFWF Burn Crew Manager position is based in or near Southern Pines, NC.  Southern Pines is a rural setting.  This is a full-time position with funding for 2 years, beginning in July 2025.

You may perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

• High school diploma and 1-year training in fire operations, science-related field or similar field or related experience in land management.

• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and successful completion of FFT1 task book. Requirements for FFT1 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual.

• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.

• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.: chainsaw, ATV, tractor and implements, leaf blower, BK radio, hand tools, drip torch, etc.)

• Experience supervising staff or volunteers is required.

• May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application.

• Must have valid driver’s license.  Please indicate this in your resume.

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions from co-workers.

• Ability to develop timeframes and then complete tasks within timeframes.

• Experience and willingness to supervise a wide range of people (TNC staff and volunteers).

• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.

• Ability to navigate to remote sites with maps, written directions, and GPS.

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. 

• 1-2 years training in fire operations or other science-related field or related experience in land management or similar field.  

• 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.                       

• PC familiarity, including database knowledge, in order to maintain preserve records.

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 the Auto Safety information page 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.

This is a full-time, hourly position and the starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $48,750 annually, based on an hourly rate of $25.00. This amount only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall 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 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 or 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 know 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.”

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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

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 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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

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.