What are the responsibilities and job description for the 2026 Fall Hazardous Fuels Reduction Crew Leader position at Conservation Legacy?
Title: 2026 Fall Hazardous Fuels Reduction Crew Leader (Indian Youth Service Corps)
Reports to: Dusty Miller, Program Director
Location/s: AZCC Tucson Office
1443 W Prince Rd
Tucson, AZ 85705
Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Camping Program
Dates: 08/24/2026 to April 2027 (exact end date TBD)
Wages: $925-1125/week, depending on prior experience and certifications. During the initial training week, the pay will be $750/week.
Benefits: Health benefits eligible. Employee Assistance Program provided. Food provided while in the field. Uniforms and personal protective equipment also provided.
Training: The term begins with an intensive leadership training focused on practicing outdoor leadership skills, goal setting, technical and field skills, and understanding AZCC procedures/policies. Leads will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities. Following leadership training, Corpsmembers will join leaders for orientation. This week-long orientation will include trainings such as Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, outdoor living, crew culture, and goal setting. This crew will receive Chainsaw Training and S-130, S190, S-212, and WCT will be facilitated by AZCC. IS-700, ICS-100, L-180 will need to be completed prior to the start date.
Housing
AZCC is an independent, non-residential program – we do not provide housing. It is advised that all members supply their own outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. because rental supplies are limited and given out on a first-come first-served basis. A suggested gear list will be provided before starting the term of service. AZCC will provide the tools, personal protective gear, crew meal budget, and project transportation. Additionally, AZCC has Pro Deals opportunities to receive discounts on some outdoor gear brands.
Application closes June 5, 2026 but early applications are highly encouraged.
Position Summary
The Hazardous Fuels Reduction Crew Leader position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives while completing conservation projects on public and private lands. Leaders will be mentors, educators, and facilitators for young adults, working to promote the health and resiliency of our land, air, and water.
Standard schedule generally consists of 8 days on-hitch (out in the field as a crew unit) and 6 days off with some exceptions. Crew Leaders may also be required to come in for an additional day each hitch cycle to complete administrative duties and check-ins with program staff. On-hitch, crews camp together, prepare all meals together, and work together as a group to complete all projects and chores.
The Hazardous Fuels Reduction Crew Leader position requires patience, a consistently positive mental attitude, mentorship, technical aptitude, focus on efficiency, and a high level of competence in the outdoors. It also involves an administration role, where weekly paperwork is due in a timely manner to supervisors. Finally, crew leaders must exhibit the ability to effectively work on dynamic teams and those from a variety of communities.
This crew is funded by Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC). The crew will assist the Forest Service to address wildfire risk on National Forest System lands. Some projects may include fuels reduction, prescribed burning, silvicultural activities, facilities and infrastructure maintenance, and restoration/reforestation efforts. All Hazardous Fuels Reduction crew participants (including members and leaders) will obtain their Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) upon successful completion of required training courses. Courses needing to be obtained by start date listed above includes: IS-700 National Incident Management System, ICS-100 Incident Command System, and L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service. All participants selected for the crew (including waitlist) will need to complete eMedical-Health Screening process and Casual Hire (AD) paperwork with the Forest Service. Once cleared, AZCC/Forest Service will provide Arduous-Work Capacity Test (WCT), S-130 Firefighter Training, S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, Wilderness First Aid, and S-212 Chainsaw Training.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Mentorship
Reports to: Dusty Miller, Program Director
Location/s: AZCC Tucson Office
1443 W Prince Rd
Tucson, AZ 85705
Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Camping Program
Dates: 08/24/2026 to April 2027 (exact end date TBD)
Wages: $925-1125/week, depending on prior experience and certifications. During the initial training week, the pay will be $750/week.
Benefits: Health benefits eligible. Employee Assistance Program provided. Food provided while in the field. Uniforms and personal protective equipment also provided.
Training: The term begins with an intensive leadership training focused on practicing outdoor leadership skills, goal setting, technical and field skills, and understanding AZCC procedures/policies. Leads will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities. Following leadership training, Corpsmembers will join leaders for orientation. This week-long orientation will include trainings such as Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, outdoor living, crew culture, and goal setting. This crew will receive Chainsaw Training and S-130, S190, S-212, and WCT will be facilitated by AZCC. IS-700, ICS-100, L-180 will need to be completed prior to the start date.
Housing
AZCC is an independent, non-residential program – we do not provide housing. It is advised that all members supply their own outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. because rental supplies are limited and given out on a first-come first-served basis. A suggested gear list will be provided before starting the term of service. AZCC will provide the tools, personal protective gear, crew meal budget, and project transportation. Additionally, AZCC has Pro Deals opportunities to receive discounts on some outdoor gear brands.
Application closes June 5, 2026 but early applications are highly encouraged.
Position Summary
The Hazardous Fuels Reduction Crew Leader position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives while completing conservation projects on public and private lands. Leaders will be mentors, educators, and facilitators for young adults, working to promote the health and resiliency of our land, air, and water.
Standard schedule generally consists of 8 days on-hitch (out in the field as a crew unit) and 6 days off with some exceptions. Crew Leaders may also be required to come in for an additional day each hitch cycle to complete administrative duties and check-ins with program staff. On-hitch, crews camp together, prepare all meals together, and work together as a group to complete all projects and chores.
The Hazardous Fuels Reduction Crew Leader position requires patience, a consistently positive mental attitude, mentorship, technical aptitude, focus on efficiency, and a high level of competence in the outdoors. It also involves an administration role, where weekly paperwork is due in a timely manner to supervisors. Finally, crew leaders must exhibit the ability to effectively work on dynamic teams and those from a variety of communities.
This crew is funded by Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC). The crew will assist the Forest Service to address wildfire risk on National Forest System lands. Some projects may include fuels reduction, prescribed burning, silvicultural activities, facilities and infrastructure maintenance, and restoration/reforestation efforts. All Hazardous Fuels Reduction crew participants (including members and leaders) will obtain their Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) upon successful completion of required training courses. Courses needing to be obtained by start date listed above includes: IS-700 National Incident Management System, ICS-100 Incident Command System, and L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service. All participants selected for the crew (including waitlist) will need to complete eMedical-Health Screening process and Casual Hire (AD) paperwork with the Forest Service. Once cleared, AZCC/Forest Service will provide Arduous-Work Capacity Test (WCT), S-130 Firefighter Training, S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, Wilderness First Aid, and S-212 Chainsaw Training.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Mentorship
- Mentor crew members during their term of service: provide valuable feedback, give opportunities for growth, delegate responsibilities, and encourage technical and leadership skill development.
- Implement skills training on worksite and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics.
- Promote individual corps member development and a safe, healthy, cohesive, other-centered and team-oriented community.
- Follow and enforce all policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent the program. This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program.
- Train, motivate and supervise a crew of young adults to efficiently complete tasks and objectives outlined in conservation projects, while working long hours and managing high quality of work and crew morale.
- Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems, requesting assistance or help when needed.
- Communicate and coordinate logistics with project partners, Assistant Crew Leader, and staff.
- Monitor, manage, and promote the holistic health of the crew, including physical and emotional (intimidation free community environment) safety.
- Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety.
- Transport crew and equipment safely in organizational vans or large SUVs with trailers in accordance with CL Driver policy.
- Manage and document incidents in the field and activate incident response system, if needed, per Conservation Legacy policy.
Salary : $925 - $1,125