The Prescribed Fire Team Member participates as a member of a four-person burn team led by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) staff conducting prescribed fire operations, including burn unit preparation, ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned throughout southeast Georgia. This is a 24-week position with anticipated dates from December 28, 2026 – June 11, 2027. The first week of service (December 28, 2026 – January 1, 2027) is meant to complete REQUIRED online training pre-course work for S130/S190 wildland fire courses and can be completed remotely. The Prescribed Fire Team Member is expected to be present to work in Georgia on January 4, 2027 and will attend an interagency wildland fire training academy the first full week of January.
The position will be focused on the use of prescribed fire as an ecological management tool to support the restoration of longleaf pine ecosystems in the Altamaha River corridor for rare fire-adapted species such as red-cockaded woodpeckers, gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, and carnivorous plants.
The Prescribed Fire Team Member will work on high-priority preserves owned by TNC in Georgia and assist with burning on other partner conservation lands (Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The Orianne Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service) throughout the state.
It is likely the Prescribed Fire Team Member will have the opportunity to assist with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) use on prescribed fire operations when necessary. When weather is not suitable for burning, other tasks may include assisting with ecological and rare species monitoring, assisting with tree and grass planting projects, timber marking, boundary marking, fence removal, equipment and building maintenance, and general stewardship work.
The Nature Conservancy Georgia
, GA
December 28, 2026 - June 11, 2027
The position will be focused on the use of prescribed fire as an ecological management tool to support the restoration of longleaf pine ecosystems in the Altamaha River corridor for rare fire-adapted species such as red-cockaded woodpeckers, gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, and carnivorous plants. In short, members will support: Burn unit fire break preparation; Prescribed fire application.
Vehicle and equipment maintenance; Ecological and rare species monitoring; Longleaf pine and herbaceous groundcover restoration projects; Trail maintenance; Timber and Boundary marking.
At least 18 years or older; Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must be willing to undergo background check.
Must be willing to work alongside others with diverse backgrounds.
Complete REQUIRED online training pre-course work for S130/S190 wildland fire courses and can be completed remotely.
MUST attend an interagency wildland fire training academy the first full week of January and must achieve physical fitness standard by successfully passing a "pack test".
40 per week.
Housing is provided at no cost. Housing is a shared single-room cabin(s) with four bunk beds; on-site at The Nature Conservancy's Moody Forest Preserve near Baxley, Georgia. At times, there may be other burn crews or researchers staying there at the same time in a separate cabin. We ask that burn crew members bring their own sheets, pillows, blankets, etc. for the beds for their own comfort, though these items are available on site.
The cabins are equipped with electricity, heat/air-conditioning, and ceiling fans.
The Moody Forest Preserve office complex is about 100' away from cabin(s) and has a conference meeting room, screened-in back porch, indoor common area including kitchen and dining area, 3 refrigerators, 3 bathrooms (shower stall, sink, toilet), washer and dryer, and office computer. The kitchen has all cooking equipment and dishware needed. Propane grills are also available on the back porch. Burn crew members are asked to provide their own toiletry items such as soap, shampoo, etc. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas.
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Required
Driving a motor vehicle for the partner agency/organization is a requirement for this position.
To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:
Off-Road Vehicle Safety Training
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional
To receive $3,967.50 AmeriCorps Education Award, Members must complete 900-hours of service during the program. If the 900-hour minimum is not met, the education award will not be received.
The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
