Northwoods Burn Crew Member

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Burn Crew Member (BCM) participates in wild land fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. As part of the BCM’s ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn 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 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, tribal or indigenous, 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). They may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

This position will be based in Hayward, Wisconsin. Housing is not provided. This position requires frequent travel on occasion, up to 16 weeks annually. The standard weekly work schedule is four days per week, 10 hours per day. This position can include irregular hours, overtime hours, multiple shifts, overnight shifts, and multiple consecutive days worked.

The hourly pay rate is $22.00 per hour. This position is currently funded through October 1, 2027.

• Will perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
• Works in a high‑stress team environment.
• Works under close supervision.
• 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 a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

Ready to be a part of prescribed fire operations? Join us as a Burn Crew Member (BCM) and be at the heart of the action! From ignition to mop‑up, you’ll tackle tasks like preparing fire lines and monitoring post‑burn activities. But that’s not all – your journey with us means continuous growth. Master new techniques and equipment to level up your skills and certifications.

Plus, you’ll build strong relationships within the fire community and the local areas in which we operate where, at this moment in time, you will have the unique opportunity to be an integral part of a startup crew in a new location for TNC. You’ll be coming in on the ground floor of a new wildland fire program and directly assisting with its growth and development not only within the TNC community but also with newly formed State, Federal, Tribal & Non‑Profit Partners.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to I-100, Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 as a requirement for this position. See TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Experience operating various types of equipment (e.g., 4‑wheel drive vehicles, weed whackers, leaf blowers, chainsaw).
• Must have related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR).

• Multi‑lingual skills and multicultural or cross‑cultural experience are appreciated.
• 6 months - 1 year of related experience.
• 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 Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon…