Prescribed Fire and Fuels Crew Lead

Company description

The Ember Alliance (TEA) is a national nonprofit organization of wildland fire practitioners, researchers, analysts, and instructors. The mission of TEA is to restore the relationship between communities and fire on the landscape.  TEA is a just and transparent workplace that strives for clear and kind communication. We are dedicated to a workplace that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports work / life balance, and encourages growth. Learn more about TEA at https://emberalliance.org

position Description Overview

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 jobshiringnearme.org & 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 or NLT March 30th, 2026, with the potential to extend depending upon funding.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as a Single Resource Boss (SRB) by leading and supervising a four-person module during prescribed fire assignments and daily operations.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, including a commitment to the principles of Duty, Integrity, and Respect.
• Report daily to multiple land agency representatives and TEA Project Manager.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with partner organizations.
• Ensure module timeliness and engagement in prescribed fire operations or other work as assigned by agency representatives.
• Perform fire line preparation, prescribed fire implementation, mop-up, patrol, and post-burn rehabilitation, and fuels reduction.
• Ensure all module operations follow approved burn plans and direction from the assigned burn boss.
• Maintain compliance with NWCG standards and required qualifications.
• Conduct daily operational briefings and After-Action Reviews and ensure crew understanding of LCES, contingency plans, and risk mitigation measures.
• Monitor fire behavior, weather conditions, and fuel conditions typical of Central Appalachian ecosystems.
• Support burn unit mapping, planning, documentation, and monitoring activities.
• Assist with fire effects, vegetation, or other assigned monitoring tasks.
  • Ensure readiness, safe operation, and maintenance of required equipment, including type 7 UTV.
• Manage logistical needs such as supplies, equipment, vehicles, lodging, and support requirements.
• Coordinate crew schedules, scout burn units, and procure necessary equipment.
• Ensure all crew members are fit for duty, properly equipped, and compliant with PPE standards.
• Complete and review timesheets, daily logs, equipment inspections, and required contract documentation; approve crew timesheets.
• Foster a strong safety culture where hazards are reported, discussed, and mitigated.
• Mentor and support crew development, providing guidance and training as needed to all crew members.
• Travel for extended periods and work outside normal business hours as needed.
• Participate in hiring processes for seasonal, permanent, and assistant lead positions when requested.
• Record and report daily activities and metrics (e.g., units completed, hours worked).
• Assist Project Manager with project reporting as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Employee may be required to participate in prescribed fire implementation, suppression, or training up to level of current qualification, on as needed basis as determined by supervisor.

Pay and Benefits 

Pay: $27.00/hour 

Overtime will be based on operational needs. Paid leave and paid holiday benefits are provided. Employer-sponsored health and dental care coverage is available upon employment. Employer-matched retirement plan is available 3 months after hire. 

Qualifications

Minimum 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

Desired Qualifications and Experience

• 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

education

Minimum of an Associate’s degree OR demonstrates written and verbal communication skills as deemed sufficient by hiring team

Span of Control

• Supervise 1-3 module members

*Supervisory duties include:

• Approving timesheets and time off in The Ember Alliance’s HRIS
• Approving expense reports
• Training and mentoring module members and identifying professional development opportunities

Candidates meeting 75% of the requirements are encouraged to apply.

Schedule Requirements 

The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary based on weather and project needs. Overtime hours may be required. Projects may require working during weekends and/or up to 14 days continuously, traveling for extended periods of time, remaining overnight near project locations, and working outside of normal business hours with limited notice. This is a full-time, 6-month position with the potential opportunity to extend based on other project needs within TEA.

Duty Station

Blacksburg, Virginia

Housing

The Ember Alliance may provide crew housing in Blacksburg, VA. Housing would be paid for by The Ember Alliance and will be counted as a “fringe benefit” and as such is subject to applicable state and/or federal taxes. Employer-provided housing is not required should candidates live locally.