Community Wildfire Protection Crew Member - Strike Crew (Eugene, OR)

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

LOCATION: Starting from Eugene, OR, but traveling and camping throughout Oregon

MEMBER RECEIVES: $4,235 stipend along with earning a $1,678 AmeriCorps Education Award for a total benefit of $5,913 per 9.5 week term of service.

Learn more about additional position benefits here and additional AmeriCorps benefits here.

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
• Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior
• USDA Chainsaw Operation and Maintenance
• Brush Cutter Operation
• Power Pole Saw Operation
• Wood Chipper Operation
• Driver and Trailer Use
• Tool Use and Maintenance
• Site Assessment (Defensible Space Inspection) Training
• Work Site Analysis
• Crew Management and Motivation
• Conservation Education
• Risk Management and Safety Procedures
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Crew Management and Motivation
• Behavior Management
• Time Management
• Anaphylaxis training

• 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.
• Gear and Safety Equipment provided: 2 x field work shirts, eye protection, ear protection, hard hat and more.

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM DATES:

SESSION #3: 09/05 - 11/11

You may apply for all 2022 sessions. Your eligibility to continue for a subsequent session will be dependent on the session's geographical location and performance evaluation by your Supervisors.

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 educational award. More importantly, these 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 AmeriCorps 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 Community Wildfire Protection 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, fuel reduction and more.
• 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 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 Supervisor 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 workplace skill sets.
• CWPC Crew members assist in creating resilient communities in the face of Wildfire.

POSITION DETAILS

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Support

• Promote continued organization support of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.
• Support a welcoming and supportive community.
• Represent and promote Northwest Youth Corps commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in planning and decision making.

Department Supervision and collaborations

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

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 Supervisor. Crew members are responsible for the safe completion of assigned projects promptly to predetermined specifications under the direction of their Crew Supervisor. 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 CWPC is essential.

Position Qualifications and Certifications

• 19-26 years old (age at enrollment).
• Pass a criminal history background check.
• 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 or applicants must obtain certification before their participation. Reimbursement of this certification is possible upon completion of the session.

Education:

• High School Diploma, GED.
  

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 environment.
• Comfortable working with diverse populations.
• Current Driver's License and acceptable driving record for the past three years (Driver's License Background Check required).

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. The applicant must frequently lift and/or move up to 75 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 year-round in weather conditions that include rain, wind, snow, wet, cold, dry, and hot conditions in temperatures that range from as low as 15F to over 100F.
• Applicants must be able and willing to frequently drive a Northwest Youth Corps vehicle to certain work locations that can be remote and may not have access to the internet, phone, or immediate emergency services.
• Applicants must be comfortable from switching to field and office responsibilities multiple times a week and sometimes within the day.
• 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 Member 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 as well as record of full COVID 19 vaccination OR an NYC approved medical/religious exemption.

HOURS

• This is a Full time, session based opportunity. Typical hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00 PM.
• During regular CWPC session dates, a CWPC Crew Member usually receives Saturdays and Sundays off.
• Session #3 Members must complete a minimum of 9.5 weeks of service. 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.

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 believe diversity is a key source of strength for our communities, and we strive to create a safe and 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 status, or other socio-cultural identifiers.

In accordance with 45 CFR 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.