The Prescribed Burn Crew Lead is a vital role focused on supervising and ensuring the safety of crew members engaged in hazardous fuel reduction in the Lake Tahoe Basin. This position, under the guidance of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and in collaboration with the Forest Service Project Partner, oversees the execution of field operations including the use of chainsaws, prescribed fire, and other tools. The Crew Lead is responsible for creating a safety-first culture, managing diverse and challenging work schedules, and maintaining equipment and tools. Work involves outdoor, backcountry settings with variable schedules including 4-day, 8-day, and 5-day tours, and demands physical fitness for hiking in steep or rough terrain. The ideal candidate will be capable of leading by example with a focus on operational efficiency and safety, navigating the complexities of prescribed burn operations while ensuring a supportive team environment. Crew leads will also be expected to stay up to date on administrative tasks, which are data reporting/recording, and for entering the crew’s time sheets each week. 

Note: This job description is segmented into tasks common to all crew members and those exclusive to the Crew Lead. It provides a summary of both the crew lead and member tasks, it is not an exhaustive list. Crew Leads are expected to be proficient in all member tasks, in addition to their leadership-specific duties. This delineation ensures clarity on the shared and unique responsibilities, emphasizing the Crew Lead's dual role in hands-on operations and oversight.

Primary Responsibilities (Common to All):

• Operate chainsaws, hand tools, and loppers for hazardous fuels reduction and habitat restoration.
• Prepping sites for prescribed burns, including but not limited to chipping and piling slash, clearing escape routes, constructing fire lines, preparing equipment, and removing obstacles to the burn pile i.e. snow or nearby vegetation.
• Execute ignition operations under LTBMU supervision and monitor burn piles to ensure safety and boundary adherence.
• Participate in holding, mop-up operations, and construction/utilization of firefighting equipment.
• Follow safety, burn, and emergency protocols in line with AmeriCorps, NCC, and agency policies.
• Maintain professionalism, effective communication, and cooperation with team members and agency staff.
• Contribute to campsite duties and engage in in-field education sessions.

Primary Responsibilities (Exclusive to Crew Lead):

• Coordinate with USFS Project Partner for briefings and ensure crew readiness in PPE, training, and mental/physical capacity.
• Lead crew PT program, emergency planning, and morning briefings.
• Oversee data submission accuracy and project partner satisfaction.
• Manage inventory and maintenance of tools, reporting any defects.
• Address and report member welfare issues, including harassment or distress.
• Complete and assist with vehicle, accident reports, and workman’s comp paperwork.
• Oversee all chainsaw operations, and oversee safe practices for the crew ranging from sharpening tools, to creating handline, or on crew physical training days. 

Secondary Responsibilities (Common to All):

• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance leadership and field skills.
• Provide fire behavior information during burns and maintain orderly housing accommodations.
• Uphold NCC and AmeriCorps work standards.

Secondary Responsibilities (Exclusive to Crew Lead):

• Foster member responsibility and development, assigning tasks based on capability.
• Promote a learning environment and ensure inclusivity.
• Manage post-fire reporting and documentation.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum one year of leadership or managerial experience preferred, with conservation or fire background beneficial.
• Physical stamina for prolonged, strenuous work under challenging conditions.
• Strong communication skills.
• Fosters a supportive learning environment, acknowledging diverse member abilities.
• Adaptable to project shifts and schedule changes.
• Team player with cooperative skills.
• Ability to identify and report safety risks and environmental changes.

Required Academic and Experience Qualifications:

• High school diploma or a GED equivalent is required. 
• Applicants that do not exactly meet the qualifications are still encouraged to apply. Any combination of the below criteria may qualify the applicant as a crew lead with GBI:
• One year of direct fire experience with any Federal, State, or municipal fire crew is preferred. 
• One year of trail construction with chainsaw use. 
• No higher level education is required, however, classes in Forestry, Natural Resources, or Environmental Science may be considered as a replacement for field experience.
• Any year of work that can be considered relevant labor experience: trails work, fire camp supply, ranch work, farming, tree crew service, other manual labor occupations, road work, etc. 

Training and Field Experience Provided by GBI and U.S. Forestry:

• Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and AED certification Leave No Trace (LNT) training
• Trail construction and maintenance training
• USFS B-Feller certification
• Crews will receive USFS training modules for the following certifications: I-100, S-130, S-190, L-180, S-212CREW 
• Provides a Red Card as a Firefighter Type II through the NWCG
• MUST PASS WORK CAPACITY TEST AT THE ARDUOUS LEVEL & MAINTAIN RED CARD CURRENCY
• Crew leader-specific training will be provided for data submission, and how to handle a range of issues that may occur in the field. 

Dates of Contract and Compensation:

Training and project work commences on March 3, 2025 to February 13, 2026. The compensation rate is $24.44 hourly, with housing fully provided. A per diem allowance of $24.00 is also available for each day, contingent upon the completion of a minimum of half a day's work.

In addition to a competitive base salary, this full-time position includes comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision), mental health support resources, and personal leave. This exciting role contributes to GBI’s significant positive impacts within the fields of environmental research, education, and conservation.

TO APPLY

Please submit an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume, and contact information for three professional references.  Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. For questions regarding this position, please contact lwilson@gbinstitute.org.

Nevada Conservation Corps (NCC), a Program of The Great Basin Institute: 

Established in 1999 as a federally-funded AmeriCorps program, NCC is a vital component of the Great Basin Institute's efforts in conservation. This 21st-century service corps harnesses the enthusiasm and dedication of youth and volunteers for resource management, focusing on land restoration and conservation internships. NCC offers extensive professional development opportunities for those seeking careers in conservation and land management. Celebrating diversity, the NCC assembles members and staff from varied backgrounds to effectively address the needs of Nevada's public lands and communities. It provides a platform for students and emerging professionals to make impactful contributions to the preservation of Nevada’s natural heritage, while also gaining invaluable experience in the field of natural resource management.

The Great Basin Institute (GBI): 

Founded in 1998 at the University of Nevada, the Great Basin Institute is a leading interdisciplinary field studies organization, fostering environmental research, education, and service throughout the West. GBI specializes in applied research to support science-based management of public lands and is fervently committed to the promotion of scientific understanding through its field studies, conservation efforts, and public outreach. GBI is home to numerous influential programs, including the Nevada Conservation Corps, International Conservation Volunteer Exchange, Research Associate Program, Cultural Resource Program, Basin & Range Forestry, NEPA Services, Ecological Monitoring Program, and oversees visitor centers at Taylor Creek, Galena Creek, and the Tallac Historic Site, thereby expanding its reach and impact in safeguarding the region's natural and cultural heritage.

Disclaimer: Although the Company has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, the Company reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the Company, at any time, with or without advance notice.