Fire and Stewardship Crew Member

Location: Van Buren

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Fire and Stewardship Crew Member (FSCM) participates in prescribed fire operations which include ignition, control, post ignition operations, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. The FSCM will participate in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, community health indices (CHI) monitoring and other tasks. This FSCM will assist in ecological stewardship practices such as woody encroachment reduction, invasive species control, and other preserve maintenance tasks.

As part of the FSCM's ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn and stewardship techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional conservation community and in the local community where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in prescribed fire 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).

May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

We're Looking for You:

FSCMs should have some experience or capability to preform basic maintenance on hand tools, power equipment (chainsaws, weed eaters, small pumps), vehicles, and trailers. They will perform preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire, so being prepared for a flexible work schedule is necessary. Members will be expected to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

Crew members will work in a high stress team environment under close supervision. They should have conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. FSCMs should be prepared for crew housing, where crew members will be in close proximity both during and after work hours. The Fire and Stewardship Crew Member (FSCM) will be based out of TNC's Cache/Shop/Quarters, Van Buren, MO and work throughout the Grand River Grasslands.

FSCMs will be expected to travel statewide on occasion. Housing will be provided but there may be an occasional need to camp for short durations. Start date for FSCMs will be October 5, 2026. The season will end on April 1, 2027.

What You'll Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have certifications for:
  Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), NIMS:
  An Introduction (IS-700.B). See TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Will be expected to achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual (arduous pack test).
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, and driver's license).

Desired Qualifications

• 6 months
  -1 year of related experience.
• Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Must have valid driver's license and good driving record.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.

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. 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 $17
-18 per hour with housing provided. 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…