The Rx Burn Operations Coordinator supports prescribed fire and hazardous fuels reduction operations in the Lake Tahoe Basin through the Nevada Conservation Corps (NCC), a program of the Great Basin Institute (GBI), by coordinating training, field readiness, and day-to-day crew operations.
Working in partnership with the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), this position provides field leadership, operational support, and mentorship to crew leads and crew members engaged in prescribed fire and fuels reduction work. The Coordinator helps ensure crews are trained, equipped, and prepared to safely carry out project work including burn preparation, ignition support, holding, mop-up, patrol, hose lay installation, pump operations, and related fuels reduction activities.
This position requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively in dynamic outdoor environments. Work is conducted in field and backcountry settings, often in steep, uneven, or otherwise rugged terrain. Schedules may vary and can include 4-day, 5-day, and 8-day tours.
Essential Job Functions may include the following:
- Coordinate and support required crew trainings related to prescribed fire and hazardous fuels reduction operations.
- Provide direct oversight, mentorship, and operational support to crew leads.
- Coordinate with USFS project partners on project planning, field briefings, crew readiness, and daily operations.
- Ensure crews are prepared to safely perform assigned duties including ignition support, holding, mop-up, patrol, hose lay installation, and pump operations.
- Promote and maintain compliance with GBI, NCC, AmeriCorps, USFS, and project-specific safety protocols, emergency procedures, and job hazard analyses.
- Support the completion and tracking of required certifications, qualifications, and red card documentation.
- Conduct or support physical training, morning briefings, emergency response planning, and other readiness activities.
- Monitor and support the accuracy of field documentation, data collection, and crew timekeeping.
- Oversee the condition, inventory, and maintenance of tools, PPE, vehicles, pumps, radios, and other field equipment.
- Work with the fuels management team to understand unit locations, project objectives, and operational expectations.
- Ensure work is completed to partner standards and in accordance with agency direction.
- Support implementation of Emergency Response Plans and train staff on applicable procedures.
- Support crew leads in developing supervisory skills, communication strategies, and conflict management tools.
- Reinforce safe chainsaw and tool use practices in support of project implementation.
- Collect, compile, and report field data using tools such as Avenza Maps, Google Drive, and Google Sheets.
- Operate chainsaws, hand tools, pumps, and other field equipment in support of hazardous fuels reduction and habitat restoration work.
- Support project site preparation, including slash treatment, line preparation, access preparation, and hazard removal.
- Support ignition operations under LTBMU supervision and participate in holding, mop-up, and patrol as needed.
- Address and elevate concerns related to crew welfare, morale, workplace conduct, and shared housing issues, as appropriate.
- Assist with incident reporting, including vehicle accident documentation and workers’ compensation paperwork, as needed.
- Maintain professionalism and cooperative working relationships with crew members, staff, and agency partners.
- Participate fully in field operations and remain capable of performing the physical and technical duties required of the position
LOCATION
South Lake Tahoe, CA.
WORK SCHEDULE
This position supports the 2026–2027 field season, which runs from March 4, 2026 through February 14, 2027. The selected candidate will be hired to fill this position for the remainder of the current term. Because this role supports recurring annual crew operations, continuation beyond the current term may be considered based on program needs, partner support, funding, employee performance, and mutual agreement between GBI/NCC and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Compensation: $27.44/hour
Housing: Provided
Per Diem: $24.00 per day, when eligible and in accordance with program policy
In addition to a competitive base salary, this full-time position includes comprehensive health benefits [medical, dental, vision(with option to upgrade in coverage)], mental health support resources, and personal leave as well as $25,000 Life/AD&D policy. Voluntary short-term and long-term disability policies are available, and voluntary Life/AD&D policies for family members. Mental health support resources are employer provided, as is 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match, competitive PTO accrual, paid holidays (10 per year), and family leave. This exciting role contributes to GBI’s significant positive impacts within the fields of environmental research, education, and conservation. This exciting role contributes to GBI’s significant positive impacts within the fields of environmental research, education, and conservation.