Blacksburg Prescribed Fire and Fuels Crew Member (FFT2)

Position Description Overview

TEA is hiring for a 6‑month, full‑time Prescribed Fire & Fuels Crew Member based in Blacksburg, Virginia. Crew Members will support a four‑person prescribed fire module working under TEA’s contract with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Western Virginia, with a primary focus on post-Hurricane Helene recovery operations. Primary duties include fireline preparation, prescribed fire implementation, mop-up and patrol, fuels reduction and debris clean-up, and burn unit mapping and monitoring. Crew Members will work under the direction of designated agency Burn Bosses, the Crew Lead, and TEA staff, and will coordinate closely with partners from TNC, the U.S. Forest Service, the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation, and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. This role requires strong situational awareness, a commitment to safety and professionalism, and the ability to work effectively as part of an interagency team in Southern Appalachian fuels and landscapes.

Duration of employment will be 6 months, beginning as soon as possible , with the potential to extend depending upon funding.

Duties & Responsibilities

Serve as a member of a four‑person prescribed fire and fuels module during daily operations.

Demonstrate a strong work ethic, including commitment to the principles of Duty, Integrity, and Respect.

Support fire line preparation, prescribed fire implementation, ignition support (as qualified), holding, mop‑up, patrol, and post‑burn rehabilitation activities.

Participate in fuels reduction activities including chainsaw operation (as qualified), brushing, and debris removal.

Operate chainsaws, hand tools, hose lays, portable pumps, engines, and other equipment on prescribed fire operations and fuels projects.

Assist in implementing approved Burn Plans under the supervision of the Crew Lead and assigned Burn Boss.

Follow all NWCG standards, safety protocols, LCES, and risk‑mitigation procedures.

Assist with monitoring fire behavior, weather, and fuel conditions common to Southern Appalachian ecosystems.

Assist with burn unit mapping, documentation, and basic monitoring activities.

Maintain readiness, safe operation, and maintenance of required equipment, including type 7 UTV, chase truck, fireline and prep tools, and PPE and personally issued gear.

Assist in maintaining equipment, vehicles, pumps, chainsaws, and suppression tools.

Support logistical needs including organizing supplies, refurbing and preparing tools, and loading/unloading equipment.

Participate in daily operational briefings and After-Action Reviews; contribute to a positive and inclusive team culture.

Communicate effectively with crew members, partners, and the Crew Lead.

Travel for extended periods of time and work outside of normal business hours.

Camp at remote work sites when required.

Contribute to a safe, healthy, and inclusive work environment for all team members.

Record daily activities as directed by the Crew Lead.

Other duties as assigned.

Employee may be required to participate in prescribed fire implementation, suppression, or training up to the level of their current qualification, on an as‑needed basis as determined by the supervisor.

Pay and Benefits

Pay: $21.00/hour

Overtime will be based on operational needs. Paid leave and paid holiday benefits are provided. Employer-sponsored health and dental care coverage is available upon employment. Employer-matched retirement plan is available 3 months after hire.

Minimum Qualifications

NWCG-qualified Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)

Ability to pass the annual Arduous Work Capacity Test (a 3-mile walk in 45 minutes or less while carrying a 45-pound pack)

Must be 18 years of age or older

Current and valid U.S. driver’s license

Legally eligible to work in the U.S. and participate in a background check.

Desired Qualifications and Experience

NWCG Faller 3 certification

First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or higher medical certification

Experience working on a prescribed fire, fuels, conservation, or land‑stewardship crew

Experience with fuels reduction activities (saw work, brushing, piling)

Experience maintaining hand tools, pumps, vehicles, and/or basic fire equipment

Familiarity with Avenza, Field Maps, or other handheld GIS/navigation applications

Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a small team

Ability to work independently and as part of a team in variable field conditions

Demonstrated commitment to safety, risk management, and situational awareness

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.)

Ability to work in challenging weather and terrain with flexible schedules to meet burn windows

Ability to be on foot for prolonged periods of time, including hiking several miles with line gear

Proficiency with field navigation including use of map, compass, and GPS

**Employment is contingent upon the submission and review of…