Fire Assistant Crew Lead

Position Title: Fire Assistant Crew Leader – AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Conservation Corps North Carolina

Site Location: Bahama, North Carolina

Terms of Service:

Start Date: 01/12/2026

End Date: 04/17/2026

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 Hours

Conservation Corps North Carolina:

The mission of Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) is to empower young adults through meaningful outdoor work that benefits North Carolina’s land and water and creates healthy communities. CCNC is a program of Conservation Legacy that partners with public land managers in North Carolina to engage motivated young adults (ages 18-30, or 35 if a veteran) to complete challenging and impactful conservation service projects throughout the region. Projects may include trail construction & maintenance, habitat improvement, hazard fuel reduction, and ecological restoration.  Crews may also complete technical and/or specialized projects depending on project partner needs, including disaster relief if the opportunity arises.

Purpose:

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of CCNC’s Fire and Forest Management program that is partnering with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to perform prescribed fire work and forestry.

Bahama Crew: 1 Staff Crew Leader, 1 Assistant Crew Leader & 3 Crew Members (Season ends on April 17th)  

Description of Duties:

Each crew will be primarily stationed in their home base — the Bahama crew in Bahama, NC, and the Hampstead crew in Hampstead, NC — with opportunities for both crews to travel to other parts of the state if additional projects become available. All crews will begin with a joint training course located in one location. During travel, crews will be expected to camp in established or primitive campsites with the necessary supplies provided to support their needs. The program will offer education, certifications, and on-the-job experience to help participants pursue a variety of natural resource management careers.  

These projects will include but not limited to:  

• Prescribed burn operations with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
• Fire prep-work such as creating and maintaining fire breaks, and fuels reduction projects

Hand tools, drip torches, and backpack blowers will be frequently used by this crew for the preparation and completion of prescribed burns. Tools such as chainsaws, brush cutters, and more will be used as required when additional equipment is beneficial.  

Schedule 

The crew will live, train, and work together as a team. It will be a flex schedule with a base schedule of 5 days on, 2 days off, 8 hours per day or 4 days on, 3 days off, 10 hours per day. During the fire season, the crew should anticipate working extended shifts up to 14 hours to accommodate long burn projects including night burns.  
 

While the staff at CCNC and partners work to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and work locations are subject to change per project needs. 

Training 

The program will begin with an intensive two weeks of training focused on pertinent certifications including FFT2 Red Card, Wilderness First-Aid, and S-212 chainsaw operation. Informal training will continue throughout the term with on-the-ground skills training that will include things like tool maintenance, fire-based ecology, and an overview of public land management agencies. Formal certifications are awarded at the end of the season.  

Supplies and Equipment 

Crew members supply their own personal outdoor gear equipment such as tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, and work pants.  CCNC can assist if this gear presents significant challenges to participation. CCNC will provide tools, food, group camp equipment (i.e., cook stove, water jugs), transportation to and from base camp to project locations, and Personal Protection Equipment (i.e., Nomex pants and shirt, neck and face covering, fire-rated work boots, helmet, leather gloves.)  

Housing Accommodations 

For the Bahama-based crew, housing accommodations will be at Camp Slocum in primitive cabins. Each cabin includes a bed, desk, and electricity (lights and outlets) but no central heating; small space heaters will be provided. Crew members will also have access to a shared restroom with showers and toilets, as well as an outdoor kitchen provided by CCNC. Free Wi-Fi is available on site. Camp Slocum is a shared space, and crew members are expected to treat it with respect and consideration for others. Please note that Camp Slocum is in a remote area with no public transportation; crew members must have reliable personal transportation for their days off. 

If members live in the local community and have reliable transportation, they may opt to forgo provided housing and commute daily. 

Essential Responsibilities and Functions 

• Represent CCNC and AmeriCorps appropriately to the public
• Perform chainsaw work with an unwavering commitment to safety
• Use, maintain, and repair hand and power tools as necessary
• Operate heavy machinery as necessary
• Perform heavy manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects
• Work long days outdoors in all types of weather
• Apply environmental conservation and restoration knowledge and outdoor living skills to all outdoor settings and work projects
• Support the creation of a positive team environment that nurtures personal growth
• Follow written and verbal instructions from supervisors and co-workers
• Commit to completion of all program activities, including conservation project work, education, training, and crew/team activities

Physical/Outdoor Skills and Fitness Requirements 

• Sit, stand, walk, speak, and hear
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl for significant periods of time
• Safely lift 50 pounds on a routine basis
• Work in variable weather conditions at remote locations on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances
• Successfully pass the Arduous/Pack Test/3-mile hike with 45-pound pack in 45 minutes
• Remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed so as to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries

Safety and Judgement Requirements 

• Communicate danger to others in the form of a warning of danger others may encounter or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance – must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds
• Perceive, understand, and follow directions by others so that appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar techniques can be successfully executed to manage hazards – these directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or during the exposure to the hazard.
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in a variety of weather conditions
• Maintain proper dosage of any prescription medications without assistance from others

Responsibility/Oversight 

• Implement detailed instructions to complete required tasks
• Work responsibly whether under close supervision or infrequent supervision
• Proactively support duties such as routine maintenance of equipment with help of a supervisor

Communications/Interpersonal Contacts 

• Positively interact with members of the crew, public agencies, and the general public
• Consult with supervisor in the event of unusual circumstances, problems or questions that falls outside of general management expectations

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications 

• Be able to pass an arduous pack test for Firefighter Type 2 (carry a 45-pound pack 3 miles under 45 minutes)
• Ability to use a chainsaw, and other equipment frequently on rugged terrain and in inclement weather
• Must be a US Citizen
• Pass Background Checks: All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex

Preferred Qualifications 

• Ability to operate and conduct field maintenance of vehicles and to recognize and avoid hazards associated with operating them.
• Ability to handle and maintain tools, equipment, and supplies in good working order for daily operation
• Experience with prescribed or wildland fire
• Ability to record and maintain data and keep monitoring records.
• Ability to operate various types of hand and power tools and machinery in a safe and efficient manner.
• Associates degree with 1-year experience or bachelor’s degree in forestry, biology, ecology, natural resources management or related field
• Eligible to serve an AmeriCorps term
• High School Diploma or GED
• Be between the ages of 18 and 30
• Ability to work a flex (variable) schedule that may change with little notice
• Previous AmeriCorps experience

CCNC is a drug-free organization.  Alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited while participating in program activities and on CCNC and program partner property. 
Essential eligibility requirements for the program must be met. If you are unable to meet certain requirements, we may be able to assist you with some modification unless it alters the fundamental nature of the program, compromises the health and safety of participants or staff, or places an undue financial or administrative burden on the organization. These requirements are written the same for all positions and therefore may not apply directly to your position.   
Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements   

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve Monday to Friday, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service.
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

Orientation and Training:

• Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35
• Living Allowance of $530.00 per week.
• Additional Benefit of $120.00 per week.
• Healthcare Coverage if Eligible
• Childcare Coverage if Eligible
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Interest Payments if Eligible
• Provided Housing
• Member Assistance Program– 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist
• Fire boot stipend
• Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary safety equipment is provided.

Depending upon the academic institution and program, Crew Member positions may fulfill internship requirements.  
Exposure to natural resource career paths and opportunities.  

Training and opportunities for the following certifications: 

• S-212 Chainsaw
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.)
• Leadership-focused, on-the-job training
• Assistance may be available for getting Crew Members the outdoor gear needed to participate
• Food budget while on project
• Option for limited Paid Time Off
• ICS-100 Introduction to ICS
• S-130 Basic Wildland Firefighting
• L-180 Human Factors in Wildland Fire Service
• Red Card
• FAL1 (Beginner (A) Bucker)
• Direct experience on prescribed burns with a variety of public land managers throughout the state of North Carolina
• FAL2 (Intermediate (B) Faller)
• FAL2 (Intermediate (B) Bucker)

Potential opportunities for the following certifications: 

• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of term. The education award may be used to pay educational expenses at eligible post-secondary institutions, including many technical schools, or to repay qualified student loans
• WFA
• FAL1 (Beginner (A) Faller)
• FFT2 (Firefighter Type 2 – crew member)
• S-190 Basic Wildland Fire Behavior
• IS-700 NIMS Introduction

Onboarding: 

Once Crew Members are selected and prior to their start date, they are required to complete an online enrollment process that includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, enrolling with AmeriCorps, and beginning their background check process. For those with limited access to online platforms, accommodations may be available and can be discussed during the prior to the onboarding process.  

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

Drew Gotwals: agotwals@conservationlegacy.org 

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.