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.