Blacksburg Prescribed Fire and Fuels Crew Lead (SRB)

Blacksburg Prescribed Fire and Fuels Crew Lead (SRB)

The Ember Alliance - Virginia (Blacksburg)

TEA is hiring for a 6-month, full-time Prescribed Fire & Fuels Crew Lead based in Blacksburg, Virginia. This position provides day-to-day leadership and direct supervision for a four-person prescribed fire module supporting TEA’s contract with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Western Virginia, with a primary focus on post-Hurricane Helene recovery operations. The Crew Lead will oversee and participate in fireline preparation, prescribed fire implementation, mop-up and patrol, fuels reduction and debris clean-up, and burn unit mapping and monitoring. Work is conducted under the supervision of designated agency Burn Bosses, and the position collaborates closely with partners from TNC, the U.S. Forest Service, Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation, and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. This role requires exceptional operational leadership, experience working in Southern Appalachian fuels and landscapes, strong communication and partner-coordination skills, and a demonstrated commitment to safety, professionalism, and interagency cooperation. Duration of employment will be 6 months, beginning as soon as possible with the potential to extend depending upon funding.

Required Qualifications:

Qualified Single Resource Boss (SRB); Engine Boss preferred Experience in prescribed fire and fuels management Ability to pass the annual Arduous Work Capacity Test (a 3-mile walk in 45 minutes or less while carrying a 45-pound pack) Strong mechanical ability Must be 18 years of age or older Current and valid U.S. driver’s license Legally eligible to work in the U.S.; able to pass a background check

Preferred Qualifications:

NWCG Engine Boss (ENGB) qualification NWCG Faller 1 or 2 certification Experience in prescribed fire or fuels management in the Southern Appalachians First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or higher medical certification. M-410 or teaching equivalent and ability to lead or assist instruction for 100 and 200-level NWCG courses Experience leading or serving in a senior role on prescribed fire or fuels crews Demonstrated experience implementing prescribed fire in complex fuel and varied terrain Proven leadership in field operations Experience coordinating with federal, state, nonprofit, or private land management partners Proficiency in fire line preparation, ignition, holding, and mop-up Experience maintaining vehicles, UTVs, pumps, drip torches, chainsaws and suppression equipment Ability to use Avenza, Field Maps, or similar applications Strong organizational, technical, and problem-solving skills Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Ability to work in challenging weather and terrain with flexible schedules to meet burn windows Strong written and verbal communication skills Experience with basic budget management Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.) Competent with field navigation using map, compass, and GPS

Company Information