Wildfires in California continue to get bigger and more intense, and the need for communities and agencies to prepare for them is apparent. SCA has partnered with the Inyo National Forest to help reduce the dangers of wildfires by working on several fuels reduction and mitigation projects to help reduce the risk of damage due to wildfires.
Field-life is rugged, and while on work hitches, members should expect to live without electricity, running water, and cell phone reception. Additionally, while on hitch, this crew is alcohol and substance free. If you are in the mood to get down and dirty, live lightly on the land, and get some hard work in this season, this is the crew for you.
Project Background
To accomplish the fuels reduction outcomes desired by the USFS, the SCA team will use chainsaws and other hand tools to clear fuels SCA on about 300 acres of land to create defensible space around a mix of 25 day-use sites and campgrounds. Once cleared the fuels would be chipped on site using a rented chipper. On the other 35 acres of forest land to be treated by the SCA Team, all fuels would be cut with chain saws, loppers and other tools and then hand-piled for eventual burning by Forest Service fire crews. Control lines would also be cut to prescription around each pile.
Arrival Location:
, CA
Crew Living Accommodations
For the duration of the season, crews should expect to be camping in front country and settings for the entirety of the crew. Members should plan to be mobile and expect to be traveling long distances in remote locations to get to their project sites. The team will camp near the actual work sites during the work week and will spend some of their weekends in housing provided by Mammoth Mountain Ski Area on an in-kind basis and/or in local hotels. Members are expected to work together to ensure that all SCA equipment, vehicles, trailer, and tools are properly maintained and ready for use in the field. Personal vehicles are not recommended for this project. Crew members will have access to an SCA vehicle for transportation to and from work projects.
Member Responsibilities
- Ensure project, crew community, basecamp, vehicles, and general safety standards are upheld; full engagement is expected in all work projects and community activities.
- Interfacing with general public and partner organizations in a manner that reflects positively upon the crew, organization, and agency.
- Take on role of Hitch Leader for at least one hitch, serving as a professional liaison with SCA Project Leaders, handling the logistics of a project, meal planning, delegating responsibilities, developing emergency response plans, and completing all necessary paperwork.
- Recording work totals and creating reports for submission to agency partners; this will include GPS field data collection and post-processing.
Member Qualifications
- Commitment to living and working within an intensive crew environment; interpersonal skills and community living experience are pluses.
- Commitment to service in working conditions that will include: extreme heat, extreme cold, high winds, and precipitation.
- Ability to enroll in AmeriCorps Education Award Program.
- Ability to pass SCA background check.
- Valid driver’s license; ability to pass Motor Vehicle Records check preferred
Member Benefits:
– $650 – one time round trip travel allowance
– $300 – weekly living allowance
– AmeriCorps eligible (- hour award, $ education award)
– Professional Development Opportunities: Wilderness First Aid, Crosscut Saw Certification
*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes
**This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must have served as an AmeriCorps member less than 4 times.
For more information on what past crews have done and what being on a Corps team is like, check out some of these final reports from similar crews.
2021 Inyo National Forest Fuels and Recreation Project Report
*** The COVID-19 pandemic has required SCA to implement several safety protocols and policies to help our teams manage the risks associated with the pandemic. Please review the documents below for SCA's updated organizational response plan and participant agreement form to learn more how our teams will be operating in the field.
*For SCA's COVID-19 guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid
SCA COVID-19 Response Plan (updated 1/18/2022)
SCA COVID-19 Participant Agreement Form (updated 1/27/2021)
For Members who have accepted this position (Please click on the links below to review the steps you need to take to prepare for your position)
Preparing for your Corps Team Position
Onboarding for Your Corps Team Position
Position ID: PO-00732950
Expected Dates: June 12, 2023 - August 19, 2023
Location:
351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200
Bishop, CA 93514
US
Training Provided: chainsaw, wilderness first aid
Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Not needed
SCA is working to secure housing at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort. Some overnight camping may be required.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes