: Community Wildfire Protection Corps (CWPC) Crew Member

POSITION: Community Wildfire Protection Corps (CWPC) Crew Member

LOCATION(S): Based out of Pendelton/Hermiston, OR area with training in the Eugene, OR area.

COMPENSATION:

• $775 per week pay rate (before taxes) including meals and camping accommodations during the work week Monday through Thursday.
• 300-hour AmeriCorps term earning $1,565 education award at the end of a successfully completed session.
• $500 gear stipend included in first paycheck upon successful completion of training.

PROGRAM DATES:

• February 17 through May 9, 2025
• Members will be expected to camp as a crew Monday-Thursday throughout the session near the project location in the Hermiston/Pendleton area. Members will have Friday through Sunday off.
• Member training from February 17 through February 21, 2025 (Mon-Fri for training).

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• This is a full time/hitch-based position. Members will be required to camp (front country, not backcountry) with the crew all day every day for the duration of the session Mondays-Thursdays.
• A living stipend of $775 will be earned weekly and paid monthly.
• Typical work hours are Monday - Thursday, and the workday will be 10hrs, 7am-5:30pm but can vary due to weather, IFPL levels, training needs, etc. There will be other required camp chores, etc. before and after these work hours.
• Crew receives a 30-minute lunch and at least 3, 15-minute breaks each day. The 30-minute lunch break does not count toward work hours.
• This job offer is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.
• You will have camping/all meals provided during the work week.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

• Training/Professional Development, this comprehensive training may cover the following topics and more:
• NYC Leadership Philosophy
• OHSA Courses
• Intro to home ignition zone
• USDA Chainsaw Operation and Maintenance
• Brush Cutter Operation
• Power Pole Saw Operation
• Wood Chipper Operation
• Driver training and Trailer Use
• Tool Use and Maintenance
• Defensible Space Training
• Work Site Analysis
• Conservation Education
• Risk Management and Safety Procedures
• Respect, Opportunity, and Growth for All
• Behavior Management
• Time Management
• Anaphylaxis training
• Gear and Safety Equipment provided: 2 x field work shirts, eye protection, ear protection, hard hat and sawyer chaps.

• Introductory online Wildland Firefighter courses will also be completed during the session: IS-100, IS-700, S-130, S-190, L-180. By completing the above course requirements, you will be eligible to complete a pack test (i.e. Red Card). Having your "Red Card" will qualify you to be employed as a Wildland Firefighter (NWCG Firefighter 2).

• CWPC Crew members can gain industry-recognized credentials and skills that can be added to their CV/Resume. These will assist Crew members in gaining access to outdoor related career outlets.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

Since 1984, Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), a non-profit organization, has given tens of thousands of youth and young adults opportunities to learn, grow, and experience success. Through partnerships with conservation agencies, youth and young adults gain the personal and professional skills needed to carry out a variety of stewardship projects, from which they can earn a stipend, high school credit, and/or an AmeriCorps education award.

More importantly, young people gain skills needed to become economically and socially self-sufficient, benefit their communities as citizen stewards, and recognize that they can make a positive difference. NYC also operates an accredited charter school, internship program, and the Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC).

POSITION SUMMARY:

CWPC is an innovative service program designed to provide hands-on training and experience. Our program integrates team-based work projects, education, and on-site vocational training into an experience that prioritizes personal development and Wildfire fuels reduction work skills.

• Participants work on physically demanding Community Wildfire Protection projects in all kinds of weather and terrain such as creating defensible space around critical infrastructure and fuel reduction. While in session, crews will be responsible for completing wildfire fuel reduction projects.
• Saw work is within the scope of A-level certification, brushing and small diameter trees, and does not include felling of large trees.
• Our program is a highly structured immersive experience.
• We focus intentionally on the concept of community within our crews, which means we focus on being present with one another and CWPC Crew members do not use cell phones or headphones during work hours (we intentionally "unplug").
• Participants engage in many group activities each day to help the crew function, including tool maintenance, daily debriefs, formal educational sessions and more.
• Participants are actively mentored and empowered by their Crew Leader and expected to take on increasing leadership roles within the crew, including acting as a "leader of the day/week" by the end of the program.
• Through these challenging and rewarding experiences, our programs consistently help members become resilient, disciplined, empathetic and strong. A high value is placed upon interpersonal dynamics and the development of robust professional skill sets.
• CWPC Crew members assist in creating resilient communities in the face of Wildfire.

POSITION DETAILS:

Foster a Supportive and Inclusive Team Environment

• Support a welcoming and supportive community.
• Represent and promote Northwest Youth Corps commitment to creating a confidence-building environment where everyone can thrive.

Department Supervision and Collaborations:

• This position is directly supervised by a CWPC Crew Leader.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safety is the number one priority in everything we do, including work, education, and recreation.
• Work Project Participation: CWPC Crew members will be part of a crew with up to 5 Crew members, led by one CWPC Crew Leader. Crew members are responsible for the completion of assigned projects under the direction of their Crew Leader. They work closely with program staff and other participants, paying specific attention to safe workplace practices, proper tool use, work quality, and efficiency.
• Development and Education: Crew members participate in informal and formal educational discussions. A Participant Success Plan will be created by each member to foster self-improvement and reflection throughout the program.
• Committing to being of service to the community and the crew is essential.

Position Qualifications and Certifications

• 19-26 years old (age at enrollment).
• Desire to learn and grow.
• Positive mental attitude, flexibility and commitment to success.
• Excellent judgment.
• Ability to listen, give and take feedback.
• Desire to go the extra mile to make a positive impact on oneself, others and the environment.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain certification before their participation.

Experience: All of the following is preferred:

• Outdoor experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively and promote teamwork.
• Developed communication skills.
• Good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the community.
• Comfortable working with diverse populations.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Applicants must be in good physical condition; capable of working on strenuous, labor-intensive projects as training and work projects often require heavy lifting, constant bending, digging, and long hikes to and from the worksite, be on foot for 8-10 hours per day, and possibly be exposed to natural hazards such as poison oak. The applicant must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (with or without reasonable accommodation).
• The noise level in the environment is quiet to loud. PPE is provided and use is required.
• Applicants must be comfortable working in austere outdoor environments which include but are not limited to working in weather conditions that include rain, wind, snow, wet, cold, dry, and hot conditions, and varying temperatures.
• While performing the duties of this program, with or without reasonable accommodation, the applicant is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or vehicle; reach with hands and arms; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk, hear; and smell repeatedly.

**This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the applicant. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice**

This experience offer is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer -Our core purpose is to provide opportunities for youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. We strive to create an empowering environment for participants from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. We are deeply invested in the success of youth and young adults of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, economic statuses, or other socio-cultural identifiers.

In accordance with 45CFR 2520.65, AmeriCorps members may not perform prohibited service activities directly or indirectly by recruiting, training, or managing others for the primary purpose of engaging in the activities. Prohibited service activities are outlined in the Service Agreement and AmeriCorps member manual.