SC Mountains Burn Crew Member

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.

TNC-South Carolina aims to facilitate an increase of 50,000 acres of prescribed fire across SC over the next 5 years. As part of this goal, this position will support TNC and partner organizations with prescribed fire operations, planning, and preparations. The impact will be not only seen in the number of acres treated, but in individuals trained for Rx fire and in strengthening relationships with agency partners.

We’re Looking for You:

The SC Mountains Burn Crew Member position serves a foundational role within TNC-SC’s fire program, as an implementer of prescribed fire on TNC and partner lands. Prescribed fire work will be conducted primarily in the mountainous forests of upstate South Carolina, though a degree of work will be in the Midlands and Coastal Plain. As such, Burn Crew Member 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.

The SC Mountains Burn Crew consists of three Prescribed Burn Crew Technicians and one Crew Manager. The crew assists Conservancy staff in the preparation and implementation of prescribed burns at various preserves in South Carolina which may be owned by TNC or other public or private partners (SC Forestry Commission, SC State Parks, SC DNR, etc.). The crew occasionally travels overnight for up to a week to support fire operations out of state or elsewhere in South Carolina. Due to the unpredictability of weather forecasts, the schedule can be erratic, with long days and weekend work occasionally required.

As part of the incumbent’s 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. The Burn Crew Members may assist on wildland fire operations 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. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works.

Position will begin on January 11, 2027 and terminate on May 28, 2027 (end date negotiable) and will be based out of Greenville, SC, with housing provided.

What You’ll Bring:

• Qualified as a FireFighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (IS-100), Introduction to NIMS (IS-700), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wildland 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 for more information.  
• Ability to achieve a NWCG arduous physical fitness rating by carrying a 45lb-pack 3 miles in less than 45 minutes.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required i.e., First Aid/CPR, etc.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
• Willingness to travel extensively and occasionally to work weekends and maintain a flexible work schedule.
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with a wide variety of people in stressful conditions and to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Willingness to provide lace-up leather boots, minimum height of 8 inches.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Desired Qualifications

• S-112/S-212 course with Faller Qualification or other experience operating and maintaining chainsaws.

• Medical experience or qualifications i.e., Wilderness First Responder or EMT.

• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment, including 4WD vehicles, Type-6 Engines, ATVs/UTVs, chainsaws, drip torch, etc.     

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. 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.

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. 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.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

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.

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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.