This position is AmeriCorps and acceptance of AmeriCorps membership is required for all crew members.
The Prescribed Fire Crew Member participates as a member of a burn team conducting wildland fire operations, including burn unit preparation, ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. Positions will be focused on the use of prescribed fire as an ecological management tool to support the restoration of longleaf pine ecosystems in the Altamaha River corridor for rare fire-adapted species such as red-cockaded woodpecker, gopher tortoise, indigo snakes, and carnivorous plants. The Prescribed Fire Crew Member will work on high-priority preserves owned by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and assist with burning on other partner lands (GA DNR, TOS, FWS, USFS) throughout Georgia. When weather is not suitable for burning, other tasks may include assisting with ecological monitoring, planting tree seedlings, fence removal, timber marking, boundary marking, equipment and building maintenance, and general stewardship work. The Prescribed Fire Crew Member will attend a wildland fire training academy the first week of service (some online training pre-coursework required) and must achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Fire Program Manager successfully completing a "pack test".
EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: At times, there may be opportunities to participate in outreach or donor engagement events hosted by The Nature Conservancy focusing on ecological management. Because this position is very dependent on weather, it is impossible to accurately predict the coinciding of these educational opportunities with day-to-day job duties. There will be many opportunities for educational and recreational events as this position spans the entire state of Georgia, especially when the weather precludes the ability to conduct prescribed fire operations.
Position Benefits:
- Housing included at Moody Forest Preserve (near Baxley, GA)
- $400 / week living allowance
- One-time Boot Stipend of $275
- One-time travel allowance of $650
- Eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award (must complete minimum hour requirement 675 hrs – $ 2626.27)
- Wildland Fire Training (S-130 & S-190)
- Chainsaw Training (S-212)
- Health Insurance is provided (Proof of health insurance is mandatory before the start of the position)
*For SCA's COVID-19 guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid
Position ID: PO-00736059
Expected Dates: January 5, 2024 - June 6, 2024
Location:
3553 E RIVER RD
BAXLEY, GA 31513
US
Training Provided: The first week of service will include wildland firefighter training (S-130/S-190/L-180/I-100/I-700) and chainsaw training (S-212). ATV/UTV SafeRider training available upon scheduling availability. Opportunities to assist with visiting field researchers.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Opportunities to participate in outreach events (Learn & Burn, donor engagement field trips). Various outdoor recreational activities include hiking, biking, canoe/kayaking, swimming, birding.
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Recommended
Site is relatively remote; groceries and any urban needs need a vehicle to access. Limited use of TNC vehicles can be arranged for grocery trips.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
Housing is a small shared single-room cabin(s) with numerous bunk beds on-site at Moody Forest Preserve. At times, there may be other burn crews or researchers staying there at the same time. We ask that burn crew members bring their own sheets, pillows, blankets, etc. for the beds for their own comfort, though these items are available on site. The cabins are equipped with electricity, heat/air-conditioning, and ceiling fans.
The Moody Forest Preserve office complex is about 100' away from cabin(s) and has a conference meeting room, screened-in back porch, indoor common area including kitchen and dining area, 3 refrigerators, 3 bathrooms (shower stall, sink, toilet), washer and dryer, and office computer. The kitchen has all cooking equipment and dishware needed. Propane grills are also available on the back porch. Burn crew members are asked to provide their own toiletry items such as soap, shampoo, and towels. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas.
Any/all travel related costs for work purposes during the service time will be covered by TNC, including hotels if necessary. On occasion the crew may tent camp under suitable conditions both for work and for leisure, as such any personal camping gear may prove useful.
Housing is remote and can be very isolating at times. There will be many opportunities to meet and interact with other burn crews and researchers if desired.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes