Appalachian Conservation Corps
FOUNDED IN: 2016
Address:
9386 S. Congress St.
New Market, Virginia
22844
Veteran Fire Crew Member - New River Gorge National Park
JOB DETAILS
Actively Recruiting: Yes
Position title: Veteran Fire Crew Member - New River Gorge National Park
Deadline to apply: 2024-01-19
Type of Position: Corpsmember (Crew)
Town, City, Park, etc: Beckley
State / Territory: West Virginia
Benefits: Education Award, Housing – Primarily Non-Camping, Industry-Recognized Certifications, Meals/Food Assistance
Project/Program Focus: Forestry, Forestry/Tree Management, Trails, Wildfire Management
ORGANIZATION/PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) is a corps program based in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The ACC moves forward from the tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps to engage young people in conservation service projects. The ACC is a Conservation Legacy program. The ACC strives to cultivate a new generation of local land stewards. We partner with land managers to accomplish impactful and lasting conservation service projects. We work to build and support sustainable public access, historical interpretation and ecological health. The ACC runs as a fee-for-service crew and we are willing to collaborate with land managers to find project funding.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Summary:
The Veterans Fire Corps (VFC) program provides training and on-the-job experience for post-9/11 era veterans ages 18-35 who are interested in entering careers and gaining experience in wildland firefighting and natural resource management. The program engages participants in a cohort environment in which a crew of recent-era Veterans work together to train and complete projects related primarily to fuels management, which will include prescribed burning and wildland firefighting.
Wildland firefighting demands a high level of fitness to work in difficult environmental conditions, including steep terrain, extreme temperatures, altitude, and smoke. This program will provide practical, hands-on training and certifications related to natural resource management and wildland firefighting. The program is comprehensive and intentionally structured to prepare Veterans to transition into civilian careers focused on wildland firefighting. Additional opportunities such as repeated networking with Federal employees and training on the federal land management application process are also included in this program.
JOB DUTIES
Project Work:
Projects take place across the Appalachian Region, including work with the US Forest Service, the National Park Service, and other land managers. During their time in the field, Crew Members camp overnight and work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor related to wildland fire and natural resource projects. Members should expect work and schedule to vary depending on region and season. In addition to fire, the crew should be prepared to assist on a variety of projects including trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and habitat management.
REQUIREMENTS
General Qualifications:
- Be a military Veteran able to provide a DD214 or NGB-22 upon interview
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Able to pass the USFS arduous level pack test (3-mile hike with 45-pound pack within 45 minutes)
- US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (Federal Partner requirement)
- Pass background checks: all offers of positions are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and Federal and/or State criminal background check
- Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (individuals are eligible if they have not already completed 2 full years of AmeriCorps service, or 4 AmeriCorps service terms, whichever comes first – please contact us if you are unsure of your eligibility)
- No previous experience is required, but a general comfort and previous knowledge of working/living in an outdoor setting is helpful.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Benefits:
- $600/week living stipend, paid bi-weekly
- AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of service term (award amount varies based on length of commitment and can be used for paying off federal student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college)
- Possible student loan forbearance
- Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist
- Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary safety equipment provided
- On-the-job training and certification opportunities including Wildland Fire Red Card, S212 Chainsaw Certification, and First Aid/CPR
- Additional subject-specific certifications may be offered
- Depending upon the academic institution and program, Crew Member positions may fulfill internship requirements
- Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions, please reach out to Sarah at [email protected].
RELATED JOBS
Summer Conservation Crew Member
Actively Recruiting: Yes
Deadline to apply: 2024-05-01
Type of Position: Corpsmember (Crew)
Town, City, Park, etc:
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Benefits: Education Award
Spring Conservation Crew Member
Actively Recruiting: Yes
Deadline to apply: 2024-02-23
Type of Position: Corpsmember (Crew)
Town, City, Park, etc:
Harrisonburg, VA, Virginia
Benefits: Education Award, Student Loan Forbearance
page 1 from 1