POSITION: Community Wildfire Protection Crew Member – Medford, OR

LOCATION: Medford, OR area. Non-camping crew, local housing is required.

Position Description:

The Community Wildfire Protection Crews (CWPC) create fire-resilient communities and reduce fire risk in high-priority areas while providing workforce development and career-building opportunities to young adults.

CWPC carries out physically demanding land management work, such as fuel reduction and invasive species removal. The crews focus most intensely on clearing the first 100 feet around important infrastructure and homes to create a buffer of "defensible space" from flammable material.

• This work is done in coordination with local area fire departments and the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Office of State Fire Marshall.
• 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 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.

PROGRAM DATES AND SCHEDULE:

• Members can start as soon as possible but no later than 3/2/2026, ending on 5/1/2026. This is a full-time, session-based position.
• Typical hours are Monday - Friday, but can vary due to weather, Industrial Fire Precaution Levels, training needs, etc.

Required Qualifications:

• 19-26 years old (age at enrollment).
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain certification before participation.
• Desire to learn and grow, positive mental attitude, flexibility, and commitment to success.
• Excellent judgment and ability to listen, give, and take feedback.
• Desire to go the extra mile to make a positive impact on oneself, others, and the environment.
• Applicants must be in good physical condition and 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.
• Applicants must be comfortable working outdoors in harsh weather and varying temperatures.

BENEFITS:

COMPENSATION: Participants are eligible to receive a total stipend of up to $7,208.33 (depending upon hire date) paid monthly, along with a $1,565.08 AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the service term.

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

Training/Professional Development may cover the following topics:

• Leadership Development
• OSHA Courses
• USDA Chainsaw Operation and Maintenance (Dependent on time of Hire)
• Brush Cutter Operation and Maintenance
• Power Pole Saw Operation and Maintenance
• Wood Chipper Operation
• Safe Driver (select Members only) and Trailer Use
• Tool Use and Maintenance
• Site Assessment (Defensible Space Inspection) Training
• Conservation Education
• Risk Management and Safety Procedures
• Crew Management and Motivation
• Behavior Management
• Time Management
• S-190 (Dependent on time of Hire)
• CWPC Crew members can gain industry-recognized credentials and skills that can be added to their CV/Resume.

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.

To Apply: More information and link to apply can be found at information can be found at https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com/jobs/1274789

QUESTIONS/CONTACT: For any questions or additional information, please contact Khalil Caffrey at khalilc@nwyouthcorps.org.

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer.