Fire in the Forest Senior Burn Crew Member

Position details:

• This job posting will be open until filled and will hire one individual.
• This is a seasonal, full-time (40 hours/week) position is anticipated to start March 16, 2026 and end on June 1, 2026.
• This position is based out of Cushing, Minnesota on TNC's Lake Alexander Preserve.
• Shared housing and basic utilities are provided by TNC to the employee upon signing and agreeing to housing terms. The value of the housing will be considered taxable income vs charged rent.
• Hourly rate range: $ /hour dependent on experience.

What We Can Achieve Together:

As our Senior Burn Crew Member (SBCM,) you will work in a team environment and participate in wildland fire operations overseeing staff and volunteers during fire related activities which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring. You may conduct other land management activities as assigned by a Burn Crew Manager or other command position.

As part of the SBCM's ongoing professional development, you will be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. In addition, you shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in wildland fire suppression activities in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined, short term federal employee).

We're Looking for You:

Ready to be a part of prescribed fire operations and training delivery in the forested lake country of Central and Northern Minnesota? Join us as a Senior Burn Crew Member (SBCM) and be at the heart of the action You will assist the Burn Crew Manager to support the crew, scout treatment units, install firebreaks, fell trees and build piles, keep equipment fire-ready, drill on incident within incident skills, implement prescribed burns, monitor burn units, and deliver training with and for fellow practitioners. You'll build rewarding relationships within the regional fire and stewardship community which includes numerous agency, NGO, and Tribal partners. Come join TNC and apply today

What You'll Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualified.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR)
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

  
  
• FAL2, FFT1, and ICT5 qualified. (These qualifications are expressly requested by our USFS partners.)
• Experience managing volunteers or entry-level staff.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.
• Two or more years of experience in fire operations related experience in land management or a similar field.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers).
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

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 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 $ /hour. 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.

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.

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 with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.