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

LOCATION: Applegate, OR. This is a community-based crew without housing or camping provided.

COMPENSATION:

• Participants receive a total stipend of $16,250 pro-rated over 26 weeks and paid monthly, along with a $3697.50 AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the service term of 976 hours which can be used for educational tuition/fees or student loans.

PROGRAM DATES AND SCHEDULE:

• 11/3/2025 through 5/1/2026
• Members will typically work Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm
• Members must complete a minimum of 976 hours of service including work, training, and education. Members receive a 30-minute lunch that does not count toward work hours and two 15-minute breaks per day.
• Off time will include 11/27, 11/28, 12/22-12/26, and 1/1/26

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
• Respect, Opportunity, and Growth for All
• Crew Management and Motivation
• Behavior Management
• Time Management
• Anaphylaxis Training
• S-190
• CWPC Crew members can gain industry-recognized credentials and skills that can be added to their CV/Resume.
• Gear and Safety Equipment provided: 2 x field work shirts, eye protection, ear protection, hard hat, and sawyer chaps.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

• Since 1984, Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), a non-profit organization, has given tens of thousands of youths 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 education award.
• More importantly, young people gain skills needed to become economically and socially self-sufficient, benefit their communities as citizen stewards, and 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 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 Wildfire fuels reduction 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 and fuel reduction. While in session, crews will be responsible for completing wildfire fuel reduction projects.

Saw work is within the scope of A-level sawyer certification, consisting of brushing and small diameter trees, and does not include felling of large trees.

• 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 or headphones 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 Leader 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 professional skill sets.
• CWPC Crew members assist in creating resilient communities in the face of Wildfire.

POSITION DETAILS

Foster a Supportive and Inclusive Team Environment

• Support a welcoming and supportive community.
• Represent and promote Northwest Youth Corps commitment to creating a confidence-building environment where everyone can thrive.

Department Supervision and collaborations

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

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 Leader. Crew members are responsible for the completion of assigned projects under the direction of their Crew Leader. 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 crew is essential.

Position Qualifications and Certifications

• 19-26 years old (age at enrollment).
• 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 ability to obtain certification before participation.

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 community.
• Comfortable working with diverse populations.

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, and possibly be exposed to natural hazards such as poison oak. The applicant must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 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 in weather conditions that include rain, wind, snow, wet, cold, dry, and hot conditions, and varying temperatures.
• 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 position 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.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• This is a full time, session-based position.
• Typical hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30 PM, but can vary due to weather, IFPL levels, training needs, etc.
• During regular CWPC session dates, a CWPC Eugene Crew typically receives Saturdays and Sundays off.
• Crew receives a 30-minute lunch and two 15-minute breaks each day. This 30-minute lunch break does not count toward work hours.
• This job offer is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.

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 strive to create an 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 statuses, 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.