Community Wildfire Protection Crew Member (Strike Crew) - Fall 2024 - Northwest Youth Corps

POSITION: Fall Community Wildfire Protection Corps (CWPC) AmeriCorps Crew Member

LOCATION: Starting from Eugene, OR and then traveling/camping within Oregon.

The Community Wildfire Protection Corps is an innovative program working to mitigate wildfire risk to people and communities through fuels reduction. Young people ages 19-26 work in groups of 4-5 to create defensible space, cut back flammable vegetation from homes and rural communities throughout Oregon, and acquire training, skills and certifications to build careers in firefighting and conservation.

MEMBER RECEIVES:

$6,600 living stipend; $1,824.07 AmeriCorps Education Award; food, camping, personal protective equipment, training and transportation during the session.

PROGRAM DATES:

9/23-12/6/2024

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

Training/Professional Development, this comprehensive training will not exceed 20% of total member service hours and may cover the following topics:

• • NYC Leadership Philosophy
  • OHSA Courses
  • USDA Chainsaw Operation and Maintenance
  • Brush Cutter Operation and Maintenance
  • Power Pole Saw Operation and Maintenance
  • Wood Chipper Operation
  • Driver (select Members only) and Trailer Use
  • Tool Use and Maintenance
  • Site Assessment (Defensible Space Inspection) Training
  • Work Site Analysis
  • Conservation Education
  • Risk Management and Safety Procedures
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Crew Management and Motivation
  • Behavior Management
  • Time Management
  • IS-100, IS-700, S-130, S-190, L-180: prerequisites for NWCG Firefighter 2 certification ("red card") which enhances options for wildland firefighting careers.

Position Qualifications and Certifications

• 19-26 years old at enrollment.
• Pass a criminal history background check. NYC encourages applicants who have had past systems involvement.
• Be able to arrive on time to the pre-designated meeting point during all training and service
• 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
  • Courses are widely available through the Red Cross and elsewhere
  • NYC can reimburse certifications at the end of the session up to $40 (receipts required)

HOURS

• This is a full time, session based opportunity. Typical work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30 PM, 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.

• This is an immersive position camping (frontcountry, not backcountry) with your crew. Time away from the crew is not usually possible and would require advance coordination.

• Members receive a 30 minute lunch and at least two breaks each day. This 30 minute lunch break, along with activities such as setting up camp, meal prep, cleaning and crew down time, does not count toward AmeriCorps member service hours.

• CWPC is designed to provide industry-recognized credentials and skills that can assist crew members in starting outdoor and fire careers. Crew members can go on to take the exam independently for the "red card" qualification for wildland firefighting positions.