TITLE: Veterans Fire Corps Assistant Crew Leader 

DATE OF EMPLOYMENT: April 19, 2021-July 30, 2021

STATUS: Seasonal, Full-time, Non-exempt 

LOCATION: Flagstaff, AZ

SALARY: $450/week living stipend, Americorps Segal Education Award 

BENEFITS:  

• Employee Assistance Program
• S-212 Chainsaw Certification.
• Coconino Community College & 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.

 THE ARIZONA 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 a 9 on / 5 off.

Trainings will focus on gaining conservation and forestry skills, specifically the use of hand tools and the operation of chainsaws. Members will go to the Coconino Community College 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:  

ASSISTANT CREW LEADER RESPONSIBILITIES

Assistant Crew Leaders (ACL) are responsible for facilitating a positive crew member experience by setting an example of enthusiasm throughout work and camp life. The ACL works in tandem with the Crew Leader to communicate directions, project specifications, and constructive criticism throughout the term of service. The ACL will expand their role, learn leadership strategies, assume management duties including filling-in for the Crew Leader in project relations or completing paperwork when needed.

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 AZCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent Arizona 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, & AZCC 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.

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 AZCC 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:  

• All applicants must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and have a DD214/discharge paperwork and be between the ages of 21 – 35 at the start date.

• Have US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status. 

• Have a high school diploma or GED

• Pass background checks: all offers of positions are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and Federal criminal background check

• Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award

• Teaching, facilitation and team-building experience with diverse groups of people 

• 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 
• Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission
• 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

Required Skills Required Experience

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND SKILLS:

• MINIMUM REQUIRED: A related associates (or relevant current industry license or certification) and 4000 verified occupational/industry hours within 7 years; OR, a related Bachelor’s or any Master’s degree with 18 discipline related credits and 2000 verified occupational/industry hours within 7 years.
• RELATED DEGREE, CREDENTIAL, AND/OR OCCUPATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN: Welding, Mechanical Engineering, Machining or related Business Ownership/License