What We Can Achieve Together:

The NC Coastal Plain Burn Crew Member participates in preserve operations, restoration, maintenance, and management. This may include the following functions:

• Participates in prescribed fire activities, which may include: burn unit prep, fire operations, managing staff and volunteers, maintenance of equipment and supplies, mop up, and monitoring.
• When weather is not conducive to prescribed fire, the crew member will participate in longleaf pine restoration such as timber stand improvement, treating invasive plants, thinning, planting, monitoring, and other projects.
• Assists in maintaining preserves and buildings, which may include: maintaining tools and equipment, repairing fences and gates, posting boundaries, and maintaining grounds and structures.

We are committed to supporting the professional growth of our team by offering ongoing training opportunities, including task book development and certifications in areas such as First Aid/CPR, ATV/UTV operation, and wildland chainsaw use. The selected candidate will serve as a representative of The Nature Conservancy during prescribed fire operations with partner agencies and must consistently demonstrate professionalism in all interactions. Prescribed fire is the primary focus of this position, and we prioritize taking advantage of favorable weather conditions. As such, the role requires flexibility, including working nights, weekends, and potential overtime during optimal burn windows.

We are hiring 2 NC Coastal Plain Burn Crew Member positions at the 6-month length. The positions are as follows:

January - June (2 positions)

Applicants need to be available for the entire 6-month time frame

All positions are based in Wilmington, NC. Some overtime may be allowed. Housing is provided.

We’re Looking for You:

Ready to be a part of wildland fire operations? Join us as a Burn Crew Member and be at the heart of the action! 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!

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be qualified as a Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), 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 as a requirement for this position. See TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual (walk 3 miles in under 45min with a 45lbs weight vest).
• Experience operating various types of equipment, preferably including chainsaws, ATVs/UTVs, T6 Engines, and tractors.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
• 6 months - 1 year of related experience.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.

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.

The starting pay rate for a candidate selected for this position is $19.91 per hour. This rate only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. 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.