SC Mountains Burn Crew Member

About the role

The Nature Conservancy's South Carolina office seeks a SC Mountains Burn Crew Member to help implement prescribed fire on TNC and partner lands. The crew of three technicians and one manager prepares and carries out prescribed burns mainly in the mountainous forests of upstate South Carolina, with some work in the Midlands and Coastal Plain. The position starts on January 11, 2027 and ends on May 28, 2027 (end date negotiable), is based in Greenville, SC, and includes housing.

Key responsibilities

• Assist Conservancy staff in preparing and implementing prescribed burns at preserves owned by TNC or partners such as the SC Forestry Commission, SC State Parks and SC DNR.
• Learn to burn in varied terrains and fuel types, from montane oak-hickory forests to southern rough in the Lowcountry piney woods.
• Occasionally travel overnight for up to a week to support fire operations out of state or elsewhere in South Carolina.
• Keep up with new burn techniques and equipment, and maintain or grow professional fire certification credentials.
• 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 support other TNC programs and partners.
• Build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and the local community.

Required profile

• Qualified as a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), including IS-100, IS-700, L-180, S-190 and S-130 courses, and one supervised training burn.
• Able to earn a NWCG arduous physical fitness rating (carrying a 45 lb pack 3 miles in under 45 minutes).
• Willingness to travel extensively, work weekends and follow a flexible schedule.
• Valid driver's license and good driving record; must comply with TNC's Auto Safety Program and complete a Vehicle Use Agreement.
• Willingness to wear lace-up leather boots of at least 8 inches.

Required skills

• First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain it.
• Desired: S-112/S-212 course with feller qualification or chainsaw operation experience.
• Desired: medical experience such as Wilderness First Responder or EMT.
• Desired: experience operating 4WD vehicles, Type-6 engines, ATVs/UTVs, chainsaws and drip torches.

What we offer

• Starting pay of $20 - $22 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.