Dec 14, 2019
The Nature Conservancy
OFFICE LOCATION Asheville, North Carolina, USA NC406 A LITTLE ABOUT US Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter. The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond. YOUR POSITION WITH TNC Two crew leaders will work together to oversee logistics and coordination for a 20-person as-needed fire crew in the Southern Blue Ridge, as directed by a Burn Boss or other command position. Compensation of $19.00 per hour will include travel time from a meet up location to the burn unit. If overnight travel is required, compensation will occur during actual work hours. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Crew Leaders will have leadership roles on prescribed burns throughout Southern Blue Ridge from November 7, 2019 through July 5, 2020. The Conservancy supports Southern Blue Ridge Fire Learning Network partners on multiple controlled burns each year. Together with the 20-person as-needed burn crew, the crew leader helps fill a void of wildland firefighters for single or multi-day prescribed fire operations. These positions coordinate staff meeting times, oversee equipment preparation and rehabilitation, engine maintenance, radio programming, travel to burn sites and routinely has supervisory responsibility of crew during burns. Staffing needs for these positions could average 40-50 hours per operational period (bi-weekly) at the discretion of the Southern Blue Ridge Stewardship Manager. Operational periods are generally sporadic and clustered by opportune weather conditions, and no guarantee of a minimum number of opportunities is given or implied. The Burn Crew Leaders will participate on opportunities only as their own schedules will allow, and thus participation on any given opportunity is not required. The primary responsibilities of the Burn Crew Leader will be to: oversee communication from Stewardship Manager to crew and volunteers to determine availability; ensure crew receives Avenza maps; work with Stewardship Manager to assign crew to burns, plan transport of crew to/from Asheville - work sites, ensure equipment is ready (refill drip torches, charge radios; sharpen hand tools, service chainsaws, prep engine and trash pumps and help maintain shop space); communicate via phone/text with agency fire staff, supervise 4-8 FFTs (holding-firing) on prescribed burns; secure meals and overnight lodging for crew using TNC credit card; planning and directing team building activities; leadership roles in annual fire refresher. Wildland fire operations includes line construction, holding, ignition, patrol, mop-up, and monitoring. All Individuals will be representing the Conservancy on partner burns and must act accordingly. Individual is expected to provide some of their own personal protective equipment (Nomex pants, Nomex shirt, fire boots, hard hat) as outlined by the TNC fire management manual http://www.tncfiremanual.org/require.htm and provide their own transportation to the meeting location in Asheville. TNC will provide a radio and transportation from Asheville to the burn unit and return. TNC can provide line pack, fire shelter, and radio harness if necessary. There is also potential for assisting on forestry-related projects. RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE Function as both leader and member of a work team, in a high stress team environment. Convey work instructions to Burn Crew members. Makes decisions on the fire line based upon evaluation of fire behavior, available resources and judgment. Perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire. Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Must have valid driver's license and good driving record. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma and 3 years training in fire operations or other science-related field or related experience in land management. Must be qualified (and have proper documentation) as a Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and successful completion of FFT1 task book. Requirements for FFT1 include S-131 Advanced Firefighter, S-133 Look Up, Look Down, Look Around, Basic First Aid and CPR, and IS-700.a NIMS An Introduction and can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm (TNC will provide refresher and administer arduous pack test at the start of the position.) Ability to achieve and maintain arduous physical fitness standard. Must be able to walk 3 miles in less than 45 minutes carrying 45 lbs. Experience supervising staff is required May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR. Experience operating various types of equipment. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated. More than 4 years training in fire operations or other science-related field or related experience in land management. Ability and willingness to work in a team environment. Ability to evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions that affect the safety and work of firefighters within squad. Ability to coordinate with staff and external partners through technology including text messages and emails; familiarity with Avenza PDFMaps. Firing Boss Qualified Other training which supports development of knowledge and skills: ATV Safety and Operations, S-212 Wildland Chainsaws, S-211 Portable Pumps and Water Use. Preference will be given to those with higher qualifications (above FFT1). Ability to operate standard transmission vehicles and comfortable pulling equipment trailers. AUTO SAFETY POLICY This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers . 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. HOW TO APPLY To apply to position number 47964, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 10, 2020. Click "submit" to apply for the position or "save for later" to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration. If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org . 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.
Professional Diversity Network
Asheville, NC, USA
Full-Time