Texas Conservation Corps (TXCC) | US Forest Service Southern Region | Integrated Resource and Fire Mitigation Crew Members and Leaders | New Waverly/Huntsville, TX or Zavalla/Lufkin, TX | 675 Hour

Interested in pursuing wildland firefighting and natural resource management? Apply for Integrated Resource and Fire Mitigation Crew (IRFC)!

In partnership with the US Forest Service Southern Region, on one of TXCC’s Integrated Resource and Fire Mitigation Crews, you will:

•  Prepare and implement prescribed fires
•  Construct and maintain trails on US Forest Service lands
•  Remove invasive and exotic plant species from parks and public lands, including chainsaw removal of trees
•  Serve on a crew of 3-5 other AmeriCorps members to complete projects on public lands
•  Maintain vehicles, tools, and equipment including chainsaws, power tools, and hand tools

Required: Ability to pass the Arduous Work Capacity Pack test (walk 3 miles in 45 minutes carrying 45 lbs) is required to complete the IRFC program

 Both Crew Leader and Crew Member positions are available.

Crew Leaders are selected based on previous leadership and relevant experience with the added responsibility of guiding crews through their day to day field activities.

TERM LENGTH: December 2024 – April 2025 (~5 month term)

BENEFITS

• Monthly stipend of $2,400 for Crew Members to $2,720 for Crew Leaders
• Earn money for student loans, tuition, and various training programs with the End-of-Service Education Award
• Health insurance provided at no cost to participants
• Industry recognized training such as chainsaw use and other fundamental skills
• Term length: 675 hour AmeriCorps term
• Opportunity and pathway to obtain S130 Firefighter Training / S190 Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior (allows participants to work in Wildland Fire Jobs after service)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Frequently required to walk and hike over long distances while carrying tools
• Ability to operate tools
• Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 35-50* pounds (*depending on crew type)
• Walking and working on steep or uneven terrain
• Ability to work long days in adverse weather conditions
• Depending on crew type, ability to hitch, camp, and travel throughout the duration of an entire AmeriCorps term

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED
• Between the ages of 18-35; Ages 21+ for Crew Leaders
• US Citizenship or lawful permanent US Resident
• Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC)
• Ability to pass the Arduous Work Capacity Pack Test (walk 3 miles in 45 minutes carrying 45 lbs) is required to complete the IRFC program
• Additional experience and qualifications for Crew Leaders
  • Clean 3-year Driving Record 
  • 3-5 months of previous conservation experience (ex: chainsaws, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, trail work)
• View more qualifications on our website by clicking here!

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Effective in diverse community settings
• Able to work independently and with a crew while having a safety mindset
• Strong commitment to completing an entire term of service with a desire to serve the community and the environment
• Adaptability and flexibility with project tasks during service hours
• Desire to learn, grow and challenge yourself
• Additional Preferred Experience and Qualifications for Crew Leaders
  • Willingness to engage in hard conversations and mediate conflict
  • Desire to explore your leaderships style and develop leadership skills
  • Good problem solving and logistical skills
  • Lead/Teach skills/patience/collaborative leadership

American YouthWorks’ and AmeriCorps Non-Discrimination Policies

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information and military service.