What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Wildfire Protection Crew Member position at Northwest Youth Corps?
LOCATION(S):Serve in communities across Oregon while working in a camping-based 10-days-on/4-days-off format.
Meetup point for the crew located in Eugene, OR. Candidates within a commutable distance from Eugene are preferred.
BENEFITS OVERVIEW:
- A total living stipend of $7,200 (before taxes) will be prorated and distributedmonthly. Meals and camping accommodations during workdays are included.
- A 450-hour AmeriCorps term earning a $1,956.35 education award will be earned at the end of a successfully completed service term.
PROGRAM DATES:
- Service term: September 21st- December 18th, 2026
- Member training: September 21st-September 25th, 2026, located near Eugene, OR.
Members will be expected to camp as a crew 24/7 with cycles of10 dayson and 4 days off throughout the session, traveling throughout Oregon. The meetup point for the crew is Eugene, OR.
POSITION SUMMARY
Community Wildfire Protection Crew Members create fire-resilient communities and reduce fire risk in high-priority areas whileprovidingworkforce development and career-building opportunities to program participants.
This highly structured immersive program integrates team-based work projects, education, and on-site vocational training into an experience that prioritizes personal development and Wildfirefuelsreductionwork skills.Participants work on physically demandingfuelsreduction projects in all kinds of weather and terrain, creating defensible space around critical infrastructure and homes.
- We focus intentionally on the concept of community building 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.
Training/Professional Development may cover: Intro to home ignition zone, USDA Chainsaw Operation and Maintenance, Brush Cutter Operation, Power Pole Saw Operation,Wood ChipperOperation, Driver training and Trailer Use, Conservation Tool Use and Maintenance, Defensible Space Training, Work Site Analysis, Conservation Education, Risk Management and Safety Procedures, and more.
Introductory Wildland Firefighter courses may 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 apacktest (i.e.Red Card). Having your "Red Card" will qualify you for employment as a Wildland Firefighter (NWCG Firefighter 2).
POSITION DETAILS
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Safety is the number one priority in everything we do, including work, education, and recreation.
- Work Project Participation: CWPC members will be part of a crew with up to 5 Crew members, led by one Crew Leader. Crew membersare responsible forthe completion of assigned projects under the direction of their Crew Leader.
- Development and Education: Crew membersparticipatein informal and formal educational discussions. Each member will create a Participant Success Plan to foster self-improvement and reflection throughout the program.
Position Qualifications and Certifications
- 19-26 years old (age at enrollment)
- Desire to learn and grow
- Positive mental attitude, excellent judgment, and commitment to success
- Ability to listen, give andtakefeedback
- Current First Aid/CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification before their participation
- Commitment to making a positive impactinthe lives of other crew members and the community
- High School Diploma or GED
- US citizenship or permanent residency
- Acceptable criminal history background check
- Past outdoor work experience preferred
- While no experience with these isrequired, you should be physically and mentally prepared to:
- Hike several miles and be on foot for8 hours per day
- Camp in tentscontinuously without modern conveniences
- Follow safety protocols
- Build community with peoplevery differentfrom you
Physical Demands/Work Environment
- Physical Condition: Applicants in good physical condition, capable of working long hours on strenuous, labor-intensive projects are preferred as NYC's work projects often require heavy lifting, constant bending, digging, and long hikes to and from the worksite.
- Work Environment: temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the position.
- Applicants must be prepared to spendmost ofthe time with the crew as thecrewsare expected to remaintogetherweekends/non-working hours.
TO APPLY: Pleasesubmitan applicationon our website (https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com/jobs/1263924) under "Apply Now", which will ask for a resume and short questionnaire, and will send you a confirmation email. For questions, please contact Khalil Caffrey, Member Services Coordinator:khalilc@nwyouthcorps.org.
Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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