The Ember Alliance is a national organization of wildland fire practitioners, researchers, analysts, and instructors dedicated to increasing the pace and scale of prescribed fire. The Ember Alliance is dedicated to supporting fire as a natural process in fire-adapted ecosystems on a landscape scale to improve ecosystem function and health and increase wildfire resilience.

The Ember Alliance provides an open, transparent, and just organization and workplace. We strive for clear, open, and kind communication and are committed to centering, recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and supporting fire practitioners from traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities. We are dedicated to building a better way to do fire management, that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, that supports work/life balance, and provides an environment that supports growth.     

Position Description

The Ember Alliance is hiring 2 seasonal, 6-month prescribed fire crewmember positions in Troy, NC. The Prescribed Fire/Fuels Module crewmembers will play an integral role in restoring habitat and reducing wildfire risk in central North Carolina. This position will participate in the day-to-day operations of a module focused on aiding partners on prescribed fire and natural resource management projects. The position is predominantly in the field, in potentially difficult environmental conditions such as hot and humid or cold weather, loose footing, and steep terrain. Crewmembers will be required to pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test. Candidates should have a passion for increasing the pace and scale of prescribed fire on public and private lands, increasing diversity and inclusion in the fire practitioner community, and building skills and confidence for fire practitioners from all backgrounds and experience levels in an inclusive and supportive operational environment.   

A successful candidate will have a passion for developing prescribed fire and wildland fire skills and experience, the ability to embrace adversity and uncertainty, and a clear commitment to working with diverse populations in an inclusive environment. The position will primarily focus on natural resource management in the field in a team setting. The duty location is Troy, NC, but work site locations will vary. The team may work on various projects throughout North Carolina or surrounding states. The main geographical focus for the crew is the Uwharrie National Forest to the NC Sandhills region. Housing is provided at no cost to employees. (See below for further benefit details). 

This position will require assisting with implementation of prescribed fire on public and private lands. A successful candidate will show enthusiasm for working with the public and demonstrate proficiency and professionalism while on private property. The module will assist in project work, or other duties and projects as assigned by partners, when not participating in prescribed fire operations. These projects may include timber stand improvement, trail maintenance, invasive species removal through chemical and mechanical methods, and wetland restoration. 

Responsibilities

• Participate in prescribed fire operations or other work as assigned by agency representatives, including but not limited to tree planting, treatment of non-native invasive plant species, campground cleanup, trail maintenance, ecological surveys, and timber stand improvement (TSI) 

• Must participate in best practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19 

• Complete prescribed fire operations at the direction of the Burn Boss to implement safe, moderate complexity prescribed burning 

• Operate chainsaws, hand tools, hose lays, backpack sprayers, portable pumps, engines, and other equipment on prescribed fire operations and fuels reduction projects 

• Maintain crew supplies, equipment, and vehicles as directed 

• Travel for extended periods of time and work outside of normal business hours 

• Attend partnership meetings, informational field trips, and trainings for professional development to build knowledge and skills in the field 

• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, including a commitment to principles of Duty, Integrity and Respect 

• Actively participate in creating a kind, safe, and healthy work environment which encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion of all people 

Schedule Requirements:

Up to 25% of the position may require extended overnight travel. The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary and will be weather dependent. 10 to 16-hour days may be frequently 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 an at-will, 6-month seasonal position with potential to extend for additional months if funding is available. Start date is in early January 2025. The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary depending on project needs. Weather permitting, burn season activities will start in January, with a probable shift towards project work in April.

Pay and Benefits:

Pay: $20.00/hr.

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. Housing is provided (see below).

The Ember Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. 

Location: 

This position is based out of Troy, NC. The team may work on various projects throughout North Carolina or surrounding states. The main geographical focus for the crew is the Uwharrie National Forest to the NC Sandhills region.

Minimum Qualifications

• Understanding of risk management with a strong commitment to safety  

• Ability to complete an arduous pack test annually (carry a 45lb backpack for 3 miles in under 45 minutes) 

• Commitment to creating and participating in a safe, inclusive, and effective work culture 

• Ability to complete various outdoor tasks, such as operating chainsaws, using hand tools, and implementing prescribed burns and other forestry related project work 

• Ability to work as part of a team 

• Ability to work in difficult weather conditions on steep and broken terrain 

• Flexibility to accommodate changing schedules to take advantage of prescribed fire implementation windows 

• Must be 18 years of age or older 

• Current and valid U.S. driver’s license 

• Legally eligible to work in the U.S. and participate in a background check 

Desired Qualifications

• Firefighter Type 2 (FFT-2) currency (RT-130 Annual Refresher provided, as needed)
• Efficient organizational skills
• Experience using chainsaws
• Strong mechanical ability
• First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or higher medical certification

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

Candidate information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.   

Fitness and Red Card Requirements: must pass the arduous pack test annually (walk 3 miles with a 45lb pack in under 45 minutes) and maintain FFT2 currency. 

Projects will require remote work outdoors in adverse conditions, on steep and rugged terrain, and/or in inclement and variable weather conditions.  

Employees must abide by The Ember Alliance’s current Covid policies, which comply with CDC guidelines. 

Housing: 

Housing, selected by The Ember Alliance, will be provided at no cost to the module, in Troy, NC. Housing is paid for by The Ember Alliance and considered a benefit for module members and leaders. Housing consists of furnished crew apartments with individual rooms for crewmembers.  Employer-provided housing is not required should candidates live locally. 

How to apply:  

Interested applicants should review The Ember Alliance website and submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references through the Smart Recruiters website. This position is open until filled with an initial assessment deadline of November 1, 2024. Please specify the earliest available start date.