TITLE: Veterans Fire Corps Crew Leader 

DATE OF EMPLOYMENT: January 4 – November 12, 2021

                                      March 29 – November 12, 2021

STATUS: Seasonal, Full-time, Non-exempt 

LOCATION: Based out of Durango, CO 

SALARY: $685 / week 

BENEFITS:  

• Health Benefit Eligible 
• S-212 Chainsaw Certification
• Colorado Fire Camp Training & Certifications: S-130 & S-190, Firefighter Training and Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior. IS100b, Intro to Incident Command System. IS700, National Incident Management System (NIMS). 
• First Aid & CPR   
• Uniforms, Personal Protective Equipment and Food while in field.  
• Opportunity for intermediate trainings on Chainsaw and Fire.

DEADLINE: Multiple positions open until filled.  

THE SOUTHWEST CONSERVATION CORPS' VETERANS FIRE CORPS program provides training and on-the-job experience for post 9-11 era veterans interested in entering careers and gaining experience in natural resource management.   

The program engages participants in a cohort environment in which a team of recent era veterans works together to train and complete natural resource management projects, specifically related to fire fuels management and fuels reduction. Project work and schedules will vary depending on region and season. Projects require members to camp and live on project locations for an 8 on / 6 off or possibly a 10/4 schedule.

Trainings will focus on gaining conservation and forestry skills, specifically the use of hand tools and the operation of chainsaws. Members will go to Colorado Fire Camp to earn S130- Firefighter Training, S190- Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior, S212- Wildland Fire Chainsaws, IS100b- Intro to Incident Command System, and IS700a-National Incident Management System, as well as First Aid/CPR.     

Additionally, the program aims to provide background knowledge and introductory training in Wildland firefighting. The program assists veterans in their transition to civilian careers by providing contact with potential future employers and trainings in applying for federal land management jobs.    

This AmeriCorps program is designed for veterans who separated from the military at any point after September 11th, 2001 (including but not limited to OIF, OEF, ONO, OCO, and GWoT veterans) who are interested in pursuing educational and professional development in resource management, wildland firefighting and other outdoor related fields.  

For the health and safety of our crews, staff and communities, projects may be postponed or adjusted due to COVID-19. The information provided in this Position Description is an outline of how our program has typically been operating, however is subject to change. As this situation develops, and decisions are made, we will provide updates. We encourage you to continue with the application process and we will keep consistent and direct communication with all applicants.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

LEADERSHIP & MENTORSHIP  

• Manage, supervise, and lead the day-to-day details of project work 
• Implement skills training on work-site and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics
• Promote individual corps member development and a healthy community
• Mentor and delegate project responsibilities, crew life, and member development to Co-Leader
• Must be willing to follow and enforce all SCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent Southwest Conservation Corps. This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while on hitch

PROJECT MANAGEMENT, SAFETY & IMPLEMENTATION  

• Train and motivate a crew of four to six veterans to efficiently complete conservation projects on public lands
• Manage the on-the-ground quality and quantity of project work
• Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems.
• Communicate effectively & coordinate logistics with project partners, co-leader, & SCC staff. 
• Monitor, manage, and promote the crew’s physical and emotional safety on and off the work site
• Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety.

ADMINISTRATION  

• Complete professional documentation of time sheets, daily and weekly reports, corps member and peer evaluations, disciplinary action forms, incident reports, etc. in a timely manner
• Responsible for all project related outcomes and deliverables
• Manage food budget and credit card for purchases

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

• Frequently required to walk, hike, sit and talk or listen
• Required to use hands to operate objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds 
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to focus
• Required to drive an SCC vehicle - and therefore have a very clean driving record
• Must be able to speak, understand, read and write English 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Experience with SCC or other conservation corps or youth corps, leading Veterans
• Teaching, facilitation and team-building experience with diverse groups of people 
• Faller B Chainsaw certification (Or ready to evaluate as one) 
• Wildland Fire experience (Hot shot, hand crew, engine crew, etc.)  
• Current 80 hour + medical certification (WFR, WEMT, or OEC) with CPR/AED 
• Familiarity with basic conservation skills (hand tool use and maintenance, etc.) 
• Strong conflict resolution skills 
• Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference and promote leadership in others

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Leadership experience
• Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently as well as with others 
• Ability to effectively and efficiently manage all aspects of crew life and production within a 40-45-hour work week 
• Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment
• Willingness to learn and be a part of a dynamic community of peer leaders 
• Desire to learn from and work with recent era military veterans
• Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission
• Significant chainsaw operations and maintenance experience
• Physically fit and able to work long days in adverse conditions 
• Experience with backpacking, wilderness living and travel, LNT principles  
• High School diploma or GED certificate  
• Minimum of Wilderness First Aid and CPR/AED current  
• Must be 21, have a clean driving record (insurable by SCC) and a current driver’s license

TO APPLY: 

Complete the VFC Crew Leader application: https://sccorps.org/veterans-fire-corps 

Any questions can be addressed to Lisa Slupianek, Adult Programs Manager: lslupianek@conservationlegacy.org

Required Skills Required Experience