What We Can Achieve Together:

As part of the Nebraska Fire Team, the Senior Burn Crew Member (SBCM) works to build prescribed fire capacity in the Nebraska Sandhills and surrounding areas. The Fire Team builds capacity in burn co-ops to help them control the woody plants that threaten the grasslands in their communities. The Nebraska Sandhills is a 12-million-acre landscape of rolling sand dunes covered by sandhills prairie, one of the world’s largest and most intact temperate grasslands. The SBCM participates in wildland fires on lands owned by public and private landowners as well as by TNC and oversees staff and volunteers during fires, which may include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring. They support the Nebraska Fire Team working with private landowners and partners at events related to prescribed fire, such as trainings, workshops, and meetings. The Fire Manager or other team members may assign the SBCM other land management work as needed.

The SBCM has opportunities to earn advanced fire qualifications through training and to take on increasing responsibility for projects. The SBCM will build and maintain relationships with conservation partners, the fire community, and local communities in the Sandhills. The SBCM will be responsible for staying current on burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and gain professional fire certifications. The SBCM may participate in wildland fire suppression in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined, short-term federal employee). The SBCM reports to Nebraska’s Burn Crew Manager.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

Senior Burn Crew Member (SBCM) works in a team environment and participates in wildland fire operations overseeing staff and volunteers during fire related activities which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring. SBCM may conduct other land management activities as assigned by a Burn Crew Manager or other command position. This position operates throughout Nebraska, with primary responsibilities in the Nebraska Sandhills. The selected candidate should be based in north-central Nebraska.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The SBCM participates in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, pre-burn and post-burn monitoring, and other tasks while overseeing staff and volunteers. May perform other land management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.

As part of the SBCM’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. 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 may include participation in wildland fire suppression activities in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee, or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined, short term federal employee).

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Function as both leader and member of a work team, in a high-stress team environment.
• Convey work instructions to subordinates.
• Works under close supervision of the Burn Boss during fire operations.
• Perform other land management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
• Perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Assist with administrative tasks necessary for documenting work activities as requested by the supervisor.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Assists with all aspects of prescribed fire implementation including operational and
• administrative functions.
• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and with many partners including government agencies, indigenous communities, and private organizations.
• Makes decisions in rapidly changing and potentially hazardous conditions that may affect the safety of resources.
• Help develop and review prescribed fire burn plans.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• The PFS is responsible for safe and effective fire operations, administers physical fitness testing, trains, and organizes workshops and helps provide annual refresher training.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma.
• Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualified, 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). See TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Two seasons as a qualified FFT2 or agency equivalent.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience managing volunteers or entry-level staff.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Two or more years of experience in fire operations related experience in land management or a similar field.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers).
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

We’re Looking for You:

Passionate about grassland conservation and fire management? Join us as a Senior Burn Crew Member (SBCM) and be at the heart of the action! You’ll help build Nebraska’s prescribed fire capacity, working with private landowners and other partners to advance community-based cooperative burning programs. From ignition to mop-up, you'll tackle tasks like preparing fire lines and monitoring post-burn activities. But that's not all – your journey with us means continuous growth. Master new techniques and equipment to level up your skills and certifications. Plus, you'll build strong relationships within the fire community and local areas where we operate.

Come join TNC and apply today!

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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $20 - $23 per 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. 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.

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We request Priority Protected Veteran & Disabled Referrals for all of our locations within the state.