SC Mountains Burn Crew Manager

About the role

The Nature Conservancy's South Carolina program seeks a Burn Crew Manager to support prescribed fire operations, planning and preparation, aiming to increase 50,000 acres of prescribed fire across the state over five years. The role sits in the fire program as both crew manager and liaison with conservation partners, working mainly in the mountainous forests of the Upstate, with some work in the Midlands and Coastal Plain. It is based in Greenville, SC, with housing provided, and runs from January 6 to May 28, 2027 (end date negotiable).

Key responsibilities

• Supervise three seasonal, nomadic Burn Crew Technicians and liaise with fire management staff in the state.
• Act as line supervisor on burns when assigned by the burn boss.
• Lead the crew by monitoring progress toward fire management goals.
• Handle administrative and oversight duties such as time and expense tracking, equipment repair and purchasing supplies.
• Make fire-line decisions based on fire behavior, available resources and judgement.
• Keep up with new burn techniques and equipment, and maintain or grow professional fire certification credentials.
• Occasionally assist on wildland fire operations with federal, state or private partners, or travel to other parts of the state or out of state.
• Build relationships in the professional fire community and the local community.

Required profile

• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) with a completed FFT1 task book.
• Ability to earn a NWCG arduous wildland firefighter rating (45 lb pack, 3 miles in under 45 minutes).
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers.
• Experience operating and maintaining equipment such as 4WD vehicles, Type-6 engines, ATVs/UTVs, chainsaws and drip torches.
• Willingness to travel extensively, work weekends and keep a flexible schedule, and to perform physical work in adverse conditions.
• Valid driver's license and good driving record; must comply with the Auto Safety Program and sign a Vehicle Use Agreement.

Desired qualifications

• Qualified Single Resource Engine Boss (ENGB) with a completed ENGB task book.
• Intermediate Faller (FAL2) or ample chainsaw experience and training.
• Advanced medical experience such as Wilderness First Responder or EMT.
• Strong organization skills, attention to detail and ability to lead with minimal oversight.

What we offer

• Starting pay of $25-$27 per hour, depending on qualifications, skills and experience.
• Housing provided.
• Health care, flexible spending account, 401(k) with 8% employer match, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage and an employee assistance program.