Community Wildfire Protection Crew (CWPC) Member

LOCATION(S): Serve in communities across Eastern Oregon while working in a camping-based 10-days-on/4-days-off format. Mandatory initial training in Eugene, OR, with travel provided from Eastern Oregon.  

Eastern Oregon candidates strongly preferred. Meetup point for the crew located in Pendleton, OR. 

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:  

• A total living stipend of $9,000 (before taxes) will be prorated and distributed monthly.  Meals and camping accommodations during workdays are included.
• A 450-hour AmeriCorps term earning a $1,956.35 education award will be earned at the end of a successfully completed service term.

PROGRAM DATES:   

• Service term: September 22nd- December 18th, 2026
• Member training: September 22nd-September 25th, 2026. Transportation to training sites will be provided from Pendleton, OR.
• 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 is Pendleton, OR.

POSITION SUMMARY  

Community Wildfire Protection Crew Members create fire-resilient communities and reduce fire risk in high-priority areas while providing workforce development and career-building opportunities to program participants.  

This highly structured immersive 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 fuels reduction projects in all kinds of weather and terrain, creating defensible space around critical infrastructure and homes.   

• 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.

Training/Professional Development may cover: 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, Conservation Tool Use and Maintenance, Defensible Space Training, Work Site Analysis, Conservation Education, Risk Management and Safety Procedures, and more.  

Introductory 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 for employment as a Wildland Firefighter (NWCG Firefighter 2).    

POSITION DETAILS  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

• Safety is the number one priority in everything we do, including work, education, and recreation.
• Work Project Participation: CWPC members will be part of a crew with up to 5 Crew members, led by one Crew Leader. Crew members are responsible for the completion of assigned projects under the direction of their Crew Leader.
• Development and Education: Crew members participate in informal and formal educational discussions. Each member will create a Participant Success Plan to foster self-improvement and reflection throughout the program.

Position Qualifications and Certifications  

• 19-26 years old (age at enrollment)
• Desire to learn and grow
• Positive mental attitude, excellent judgment, and commitment to success
• Ability to listen, give and take feedback
• Current First Aid/CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification before their participation
• Commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of other crew members and the community
• High School Diploma or GED
• US citizenship or permanent residency
• Acceptable criminal history background check
• Past outdoor work experience preferred
• While no experience with these is required, you should be physically and mentally prepared to:
• Hike several miles and be on foot for 8 hours per day
• Camp in tents continuously without modern conveniences
• Follow safety protocols
• Build community with people very different from you

Physical Demands/Work Environment  

• Physical Condition: Applicants in good physical condition, capable of working long hours on strenuous, labor-intensive projects are preferred as NYC’s work projects often require heavy lifting, constant bending, digging, and long hikes to and from the worksite.
• Work Environment: temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person’s working conditions while performing the position.
• Applicants must be prepared to spend most of the time with the crew as the crews are expected to remain together weekends/non-working hours.

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer.