Southern Wisconsin Burn Crew Member
The Nature Conservancy
Baraboo, WI, USA
USD 18-20 / hour
Posted on Apr 6, 2026
What We Can Achieve Together
Cover letters and references required with applications
Over the past 60 years The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin has protected more than 236,000 acres of Wisconsin’s forests, waters, wetlands, and prairies. Today we own and manage over 30,500 acres in Wisconsin, including the Border Lakes of the Northwoods, the Door Peninsula of northeastern Wisconsin, and the Baraboo Hills, Military ridge Prairie Heritage Area, and Mukwonago River Watershed in southern Wisconsin among others. As part of a four-person team, the Burn Crew Member is based out of our Baraboo Hills Project in Baraboo, WI and works across the diverse landscapes of Wisconsin to support the implementation of prescribed fire and other priority land management. The Burn Crew Member will also participate in wildland fire operations throughout the United States for up to 16 weeks annually.
Wildland and prescribed fire operations include preparing fire lines, ignition, control, suppression, mop-up, post burn monitoring, equipment maintenance, and other tasks as assigned. Land management tasks include timber stand improvement, invasive species management through chemical and manual control, trail maintenance, species monitoring and mapping, and property monitoring among others. In addition, the Burn Crew Member shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local communities where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in wildland fire suppression or prescribed fire implementation in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee, or as a short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an administratively determined, short term federal employee). The Burn Crew Member position may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
We’re Looking For You
Ready to be a part of wildland 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 local areas where we operate. Come join TNC and apply today!
As a Burn Crew Member, you’ll be supervised and directed by the Wisconsin Burn Crew Manager and will work cooperatively with other crew members, TNC Staff, volunteers, and partners to manage preserve areas and implement prescribed fire operations. As part of a mobile fire crew, you will frequently travel throughout Wisconsin (up to 80% time) and will travel up to 16 weeks annually throughout the United States. Occasional camping may be required. Housing is not provided, however TNC covers all expenses and lodging incurred during any travel. TNC strongly supports the professional development of our prescribed fire staff through travel and training to obtain or maintain National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualifications. This may be done through assignments with TNC and/or other agencies, as well as through Prescribed Fire Learning Exchanges (TREX) and other partnership trainings such as the National Interagency Prescribed Fire Training Center.
The Burn Crew Member Position works 35-40 hours per week; however, overtime is expected during our prescribed burn season and during out-of-state travel assignments. The starting rate for this position is $18.00-$20.00/hour based on experience. Our Burn Crew Member position is a full-time, fully benefitted position that has been funded through December 31, 2030, with the potential to be extended beyond that date.
What You’ll Bring
Salary Information
The pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $18 - $20 per hour based on experience. 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.
Cover letters and references required with applications
Over the past 60 years The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin has protected more than 236,000 acres of Wisconsin’s forests, waters, wetlands, and prairies. Today we own and manage over 30,500 acres in Wisconsin, including the Border Lakes of the Northwoods, the Door Peninsula of northeastern Wisconsin, and the Baraboo Hills, Military ridge Prairie Heritage Area, and Mukwonago River Watershed in southern Wisconsin among others. As part of a four-person team, the Burn Crew Member is based out of our Baraboo Hills Project in Baraboo, WI and works across the diverse landscapes of Wisconsin to support the implementation of prescribed fire and other priority land management. The Burn Crew Member will also participate in wildland fire operations throughout the United States for up to 16 weeks annually.
Wildland and prescribed fire operations include preparing fire lines, ignition, control, suppression, mop-up, post burn monitoring, equipment maintenance, and other tasks as assigned. Land management tasks include timber stand improvement, invasive species management through chemical and manual control, trail maintenance, species monitoring and mapping, and property monitoring among others. In addition, the Burn Crew Member shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local communities where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in wildland fire suppression or prescribed fire implementation in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee, or as a short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an administratively determined, short term federal employee). The Burn Crew Member position may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
We’re Looking For You
Ready to be a part of wildland 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 local areas where we operate. Come join TNC and apply today!
As a Burn Crew Member, you’ll be supervised and directed by the Wisconsin Burn Crew Manager and will work cooperatively with other crew members, TNC Staff, volunteers, and partners to manage preserve areas and implement prescribed fire operations. As part of a mobile fire crew, you will frequently travel throughout Wisconsin (up to 80% time) and will travel up to 16 weeks annually throughout the United States. Occasional camping may be required. Housing is not provided, however TNC covers all expenses and lodging incurred during any travel. TNC strongly supports the professional development of our prescribed fire staff through travel and training to obtain or maintain National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualifications. This may be done through assignments with TNC and/or other agencies, as well as through Prescribed Fire Learning Exchanges (TREX) and other partnership trainings such as the National Interagency Prescribed Fire Training Center.
The Burn Crew Member Position works 35-40 hours per week; however, overtime is expected during our prescribed burn season and during out-of-state travel assignments. The starting rate for this position is $18.00-$20.00/hour based on experience. Our Burn Crew Member position is a full-time, fully benefitted position that has been funded through December 31, 2030, with the potential to be extended beyond that date.
What You’ll Bring
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 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 various types of equipment.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., Driver's License, First Aid, CPR, pesticide application).
- 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.
- Experience in the maintenance or repair of various types of equipment (e.g., chainsaw, ATV).
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- PC and/or mobile device familiarity.
Salary Information
The pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $18 - $20 per hour based on experience. 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.
