Blacksburg Prescribed Fire and Fuels Crew Member (FFT1, FAL2)
Posted 21 days ago
Blacksburg Prescribed Fire and Fuels Crew Member (FFT1, FAL2)
The Ember Alliance - Virginia (Blacksburg)
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.
Required Qualifications:
NWCG-qualified Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) or Faller 2 (FAL2) 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
If FFT1 then NWCG Faller 2 or 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