Southern Pines, North Carolina, USA
NE033

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."

The Sandhills WRC Burn Crew Manager and Restoration Technician oversees a squad (3 Burn Crew Members) in prescribed fire activities on North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's (WRC) Game Lands, as directed by a State Burn Boss during the months of January-June. The remainder of the year July-December this position will collaborate closely with Partners and TNC on various activities, including but not limited to wetland and longleaf restoration projects, fleet maintenance, and land management activities (e.g. invasive plant control, wildlife monitoring, etc.). Specific functions include the following:

• Participates in prescribed fire activities and coordinates the day-to-day activities of the seasonal fire crew, which includes burn unit prep, fire operations, managing crew and volunteers, maintenance of tools, vehicles, and equipment, and purchasing supplies. Prescribed fire may require occasional travel to other areas of the state or out-of-state to assist other TNC fire management programs.
• Lead seasonal or temporary crews in completing projects and achieving management goals in isolated wetland restoration, invasive species control, thinning, planting, and various other projects. Organize logistics, promote crew cohesion, and ensure a safe working environment.
• Manage contracts for restoration projects. Project management and contracting involves planning a scope of work, soliciting bids, selecting contractors, overseeing work, confirming work is done to satisfaction, and managing contract paperwork.
• Maintains preserves and buildings, which includes repairing fences and gates, minor home repairs in seasonal housing, posting boundaries and signage, and maintaining grounds and structures at historical sites.

As part of the Burn Crew Manager and Restoration Technician's ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn techniques, ecological restoration practices and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional certification credentials. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional 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).

Have you ever asked yourself, "How can I make a difference?", but you don't know where to go or have the time to do it? Welcome to The Nature Conservancy. You have found the solution and now you can pointedly make a difference every day!

In this role, you will function as both a leader and a member of a team. You will lead the team by monitoring the progress of burn crew members toward achieving the fire management goals. You will be a key decision maker on the fire line based on your evaluation of fire behavior, available resources, and judgment. You will also be responsible for writing contracts for restoration projects and monitoring the work being completed.

The Sandhills WRC Burn Crew Manager and Restoration Technician position is based in or near Southern Pines, NC. Some overtime may be allowed. Shared housing is offered for individuals (TNC employee) moving from outside the local area along with full benefits. This position is funded for 2 years pending approval of an annual contract with NC Wildlife Resources Commission, with the possibility to extend, contingent on funding.
You may perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

You may perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma and 1-year training in fire operations, science-related field or similar field or related experience in land management.
• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and successful completion of FFT1 task book. Requirements for FFT1 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.: chainsaw, ATV, tractor and implements, leaf blower, BK radio, hand tools, drip torch, etc.)
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers is required.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners.
• Experience with natural systems and ecological land management principles.
• May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application.
• Must have valid driver's license. Please indicate this in your resume.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions from co-workers.
• Ability to develop timeframes and then complete tasks within timeframes.
• Experience and willingness to supervise a wide range of people (TNC staff and volunteers).
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
• Ability to navigate to remote sites with maps, written directions, and GPS.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team environment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1-2 years training in fire operations or other science-related field or related experience in land management or similar field.
• Experience establishing and managing contracts
• Experience with woody vegetation control, invasives species control, and isolated wetland restoration
• Ability to evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions that affect the safety and work of firefighters within squad.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in land management and natural resource conservation.

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ 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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $25.00 per 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.

To apply for job ID 56575, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on 05/07/2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page 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.

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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.