Job Details

POSITION: Community Wildfire Protection Corps (CWPC) Crew Member

LOCATION(S):Starting from Eugene, OR and camping across Eastern Oregon for the duration of the session. Meetup point for the crew in Pendleton, OR.

COMPENSATION:

• A total living stipend of $9000 will be paid monthly (before taxes come out). Compensation includes meals and camping accommodations during workdays.
• 450-hour AmeriCorps term earning $1,956.35 education award will be earned at the end of a successfully completed service term.

PROGRAM DATES:

• Service term from February 23rd through May 15, 2026
• Members will be expected to camp as a crew 24/7 with cycles of 10 days on and 4 days off throughout the session in Eastern OR. Meetup point for the crew point in Pendleton, OR.
• Member training in Eugene, OR from February 23rd through February 27, 2026. Transportation to Eugene, OR training site will be provided from Pendleton, OR.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• This is a full time/hitch-based position. Members will be required to camp with the crew 24/7 for the duration of the session alternating 10-day camping hitches followed by 4 days off. Crew members will have 4 days off at the end of each 10-day camping hitch.
• Typical workdays are 8 hours between 7am-5:30pm and vary due to weather, IFPL levels, training needs, etc. There will be other required camp chores before and after these work hours.
• Crew members receive a 30-minute lunch and at least 3, 15-minute breaks each day. The 30-minute lunch break does not count toward work hours.
• You will have camping/all meals provided during the work cycle.
• This is an immersive position camping with your crew and time away from the crew is not usually possible (unless approved in advance).
• This job offer is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

Training/Professional Development, this comprehensive training may cover the following topics and more: • NYC Leadership Philosophy

• OHSA Courses

• Intro to home ignition zone

• USDA Chainsaw Operation and Maintenance

• Brush Cutter Operation

• Power Pole Saw Operation

• Wood Chipper Operation

• Driver training and Trailer Use

• Tool Use and Maintenance

• Defensible Space Training

• Work Site Analysis

• Conservation Education

• Risk Management and Safety Procedures

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Behavior Management

• Time Management

• Anaphylaxis training

Introductory online Wildland Firefighter courses may also be completed during the session: IS-100, IS-700, S-130, S-190, L-180. By completing the above course requirements, you will be eligible to complete a pack test (i.e. Red Card). Having your "Red Card" will qualify you to be employed as a Wildland Firefighter (NWCG Firefighter 2).

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 natural resource related careers.

• Safety Equipment provided during the program: 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 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 education award.

More importantly, 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 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 fuels reduction projects in all kinds of weather and terrain creating defensible space around critical infrastructure and homes. While in session, crews will be responsible for completing wildfire fuel reduction projects.

Saw work is within the scope of A-level certification, 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 building 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 more resilient communities in the face of catastrophic wildfire.

POSITION DETAILS

Collaboration

• This position is directly supervised by a CWPC Crew Leader.
• Support and take part in a welcoming and supportive community.
• Represent and promote Northwest Youth Corps commitment in workforce development and growth, planning, and decision making.

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 their 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.