Contact Name: Bridget Correa
Company/Organization/Agency: Student Conservation Association
Address: 1310 N Coorthouse Rd, Suite 110, Arlington, VA 22201 United States
Email Address: bcorrea@thesca.org
Contact Phone:
Job Title: Winter 2023 Western Fire Corps Project Leader
Job Description: Conservation Begins Here
The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America's #1 conservation service organization seeks qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire teams for the Western Fire Corps.
Winter Season Dates
Position Length: 1/9/2023 4/22/2023
Project Leader Training and Planning Period: 1/9/2023 2/5/2023
Corps Member Training Period: 2/6/2023 2/18/2023
Field Work: 2/19/2023 4/15/2023
Position Benefits:
Salary range: $700 - $800/week
Wilderness First Responder Training included
Wildland Firefighting Training (S-130, S-190)
Chainsaw Safety Certification
Relocation benefit: $1,100 (half paid on the first paycheck, half paid on last paycheck)
Benefits such as Health Insurance are available for leaders who have accrued 6 months of service time in a 12-month period.
Field-based meals are provided.
Locations:
Arrival Airport: Ontario International Airport, Ontario, California
Training Location: Ridgecrest, California
Project Location: Ridgecrest, California
Position Summary:
Project leaders are responsible for daily management and supervision of a Fire Corps project with members aged 18 or older. Project Leaders coordinate with agency partners to plan and implement projects, and with SCA staff to manage crew safety, performance, and logistics in the field. Leaders are required to perform administrative tasks to track project outcomes, approve members' timesheets, and manage a field budget.
Program Description:
Fire and Fuels Teams work with agency partners in either front country or backcountry settings. Work projects may include prescribed burning, fuel reduction, or forest thinning projects. Project Leaders coordinate with agency partners to plan and implement projects, and with SCA staff to manage crew safety, performance, and logistics in the field. A Project Leader lives and works with their crew for the duration of the season at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstances.
The crews will begin their program with a two-week field-based training program before traveling to their respective project sites. Guided by an experienced Project Leader, Corps Members learn and practice all the requisite hard and soft skills that are essential for a successful conservation project.
Fire Work:
This is not a firefighting position! Members are not expected to take part in fire suppression activities (such as initial attack or mop-up duties on an active fire) as an SCA members. Workdays can vary and may require long days and weekends. Prescribed fire demands a high level of fitness to work in difficult environmental conditions, including steep terrain, extreme temperatures, altitude, and smoke.
Members will be required to pass the Work Capacity (Pack) Test (FFT2 Red Card Certification) at the "arduous" level. The Pack Test consists of completing a 3-mile hike with a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes. Additionally, physical training will be a requirement of this position to ensure that members are prepared for the rigors of this position
Members will be able to take part in prescribed burning activities (weather permitting) and perform fuel reduction projects. Work projects may include:
Preparing burn units for prescribed fire projects
Mechanical fuels reduction (chainsaw work)
Participating in prescribed fires (depending on weather conditions)
Fire effects monitoring
Educational outreach
Field-life is rugged, and while on the hitch, members should expect to live without electricity, running water, and cell phone reception; additionally, while on the hitch, this program is alcohol and substance-free.
Projects frequently change, so check back often for project updates. (Please note- placements will be determined by matching leader candidate skills with project needs)
Primary Responsibilities:
Act as a Team Supervisor by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding group dynamics and community-building, and being transparent and receptive to ideas when making decisions.
Serve as a Teacher by mentoring personal and professional development, teaching environmental stewardship, and teaching conflict resolution skills.
Act as a Project Manager by coordinating with agency partners to ensure successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA.
Perform tasks as a Program Administrator by organizing logistics, completing timely documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff, agency partners, and their own team members.
Qualifications:
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
Must have the ability to legally work in the US.
Valid driver's license and MVR that meets SCA standards required
Ability to meet SCA's criminal background check standards
Must be able to attend mandatory Crew Leader training: January 9, 2023, to February 5, 2023
Wilderness First Responder certification is preferred and will be required for backcountry Project Leaders.
Experience working with young adults 18 and older; managing group dynamics; teaching in an outdoor environment a plus
Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred i.e. habitat restoration, trail maintenance, trail construction, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening
Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 to 10 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
Not required to provide own housing during the dates of the program.
Ability to implement and enforce SCA COVID policies and procedures
Apply Today!
Beginning on 1/18/22, all new SCA volunteer program participants are required to provide proof of up-to-date vaccination against COVID-19. Per CDC guidance, up-to-date vaccination now includes all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when indicated. For example, if someone has completed the primary series but is not yet indicated for a booster shot, they are considered up to date. Once a person is indicated for a booster (6 months after Pfizer or Moderna primary series, 2 months after J&J primary series), full and up-to-date vaccination includes the completed booster shot. Visit the following website for more information: www.thesca.org/covid.
SCA is an EOE dedicated to workforce diversity.
For more information about SCA, visit us at www.theSCA.org
Job Start Date: 1/9/2023
Application Deadline: 12/1/2022
Additional Information: Submit Application Here: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=34414&clientkey=595E0C4F0C9492D99B0EC32A6B3F6415