Prescribed Fire Senior Crewmember

OFFICE LOCATION

Redmond, and Pendleton Oregon, USA

WHO WE ARE

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.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Nature Conservancy’s Oregon Fire Partnership program is working to support prescribed fire planning, implementation, and monitoring across the fire-adapted forests of Oregon. The Prescribed Fire Senior Crewmember will be an employee of The Nature Conservancy, based in one of two focal geographies working on a new, 5 to 10-person prescribed fire module. For approximately 6 months per year (late May through November), the Module Crewmember will work closely with the module leader, and partner organizations such as the U.S. Forest Service and other local, state, federal, NGO, university, and Tribal partners, in preparing, conducting, and evaluating/monitoring prescribed fire/fuels management activities in Oregon. The Crewmember will be expected to travel frequently within their focal area for prescribed fire assignments. 

The Prescribed Fire Senior Crewmember will report directly to the Prescribed Fire Module Leader and Assistant within their geography. This position is expected to help TNC, the U.S. Forest Service, and other partners to meet their respective prescribed fire and fuels management goals.  

This six-month seasonal position is supported by federal, state, and private funding with the intention of assisting with prescribed fire across land ownerships. There may be an opportunity to extend the season if funding allows.  

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

You will represent The Nature Conservancy Oregon’s Fire Management Program in the places you work. Your can-do attitude, safety mindset and fire practitioner skills will be important as the module prepares fire lines, maintains equipment, conducts pre and post-burn monitoring, interacts with landowners and community members, and completes other prescribed fire related tasks. We will ask you to serve in roles matching your qualifications and experience. As a Prescribed Fire Senior Crewmember, you will be asked to serve as a Firefighter Type 1 or Single Resource Boss during daily crew operations, including prescribed fire planning, preparation, implementation, and monitoring. This may include leading small squads of TNC employees, partner staff, or volunteers. We will look to you to take direction from crew leadership, and work with small groups to complete tasks and achieve goals associated with fire management.  

The Prescribed Fire Senior Crewmember may participate in wildland fire management activities in partnership with other non-government organizations, Indigenous Peoples and Tribes, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee or as a short-term employee of a partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined short-term federal employee).

This is a seasonal, full-time, hourly wage position. Working over 35 hours a week will occur occasionally, especially during prescribed fire seasons and while traveling for assignments overtime rates apply after the first 40 hours each week. Travel expenses, meals and lodging will be provided by TNC when traveling for prescribed fire assignments.  

Shared module housing will be provided by The Nature Conservancy and/or partner organizations at no cost to the employee.

Prescribed Fire  Senior Crewmember will be expected to:

• Perform tasks under the supervision of the Prescribed Fire Module Lead and Assistant and in coordination with local U.S. Forest Service Fire Management staff.  
• Function as a contributing member of a diverse, mixed-gender, cross-generational team with a range of experience and skills.
• Follow established safe work practices.  
• Be able to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. 
• Assist with all aspects of prescribed burning including planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• Based on experience and qualification (either Firefighter Type 1 or Single Resource Boss), lead small groups in support of fire management activities under the direction of crew leadership.
• Operate ATVs, UTVs, tractors, chain saws, leaf blowers and tow trailers.
• Maintain assigned equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of work time, expenses, etc. and submit reports in a timely manner.
• Become competent with mobile mapping and data collection such as Collector for ArcGIS and Avenza Maps.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Hold the NWCG qualification of  Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) as described in The Nature Conservancy’s Fire Manual: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm
• Achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and as described in The Nature Conservancy’s Fire Manual: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR)

Desired Qualifications

• Qualified as an NWCG Singe Resource Boss (Engine Boss or Firing Boss Preffered) as described in TNC’s Fire Manual: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/SingleResource.htm
• 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.
• Maintain accurate records of work time, expenses, etc. and submit reports in a timely manner.
• Become competent with mobile mapping and data collection such as Collector for ArcGIS and Avenza Maps.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

WHAT WE BRING

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 including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.  

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

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

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.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $23.00-$25.00/ hr.  for annual base salary. 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.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 54870, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on 4/1/2024. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact [email protected].

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

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.