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Fire and Stewardship Crew Leader

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy

USD 20-20 / hour
Posted on Dec 4, 2025

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Fire and Stewardship Crew Leader (FSCL) will work in a team environment and participate in prescribed fire operations which include ignition, control, post ignition operations, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. The FSCL will participate and may lead teams of crew members in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, community health monitoring and other tasks. This FSCL will assist in and may guide a team conducting ecological stewardship practices such as woody encroachment reduction, invasive species control, and other preserve maintenance tasks.

As part of the Crew Leader’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 certifications and stewardship 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 fire & stewardship activities in partnership with other non-profits and local, state, and federal agencies.

We’re Looking for You:

The Crew Leader will be part of the Grand River Grasslands Fire & Stewardship Team. This role with work with Fire & Stewardship Crew Members in the field with direction given by the Fire & Stewardship Coordinator in their respective region.

The Crew Leader must have experience or capability to perform basic maintenance on hand tools, power equipment, 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. The Crew Leader 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.

The Crew Leader will work in a high stress team environment and be able to independently lead crew members to complete fire & stewardship tasks. They should have conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. The Crew Leader should be prepared for crew housing, where crew members will be in proximity both during and after work hours. The Fire and Stewardship Crew Leader will be based out of Dunn Ranch Prairie in Hatfield, MO. The Crew Leader will be expected to travel statewide on occasion. Housing is provided. Camping may be necessary on occasion for short durations. Start date for the crew leader is February 12, 2026. The season will last for a 9-month duration.

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 local areas where we operate. Apply today to join TNC!

What You’ll Bring:

  • High school diploma or equivalent and 1-year training in a science-related field.
  • Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (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 and maintaining various types of equipment.
  • Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR)

Desired Qualifications

  • 1-2 years of related experience
  • Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
  • Experiences in leadership and problem-solving
  • 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 under the FAQ section. 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 $20 hourly. 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 people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:


Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.