Fire Crew Member – Fall 2024

Position Summary: 

The Women in Fire cohort creates a safe space for participants to learn, grow, and build their careers in wildland firefighting and natural resource management, although all applicants are encouraged to apply. 

Wildland firefighting demands a high level of fitness to work in difficult environmental conditions, including steep terrain, extreme temperatures, altitude, and smoke. This program will provide practical, hands-on training and certifications related to natural resource management and wildland firefighting. The program is comprehensive and intentionally structured to prepare members to transition into careers focused on wildland firefighting. Additional opportunities such as repeated networking with Federal employees and training on the federal land management application process are also included in this program. 

Project Work: 

This fire crew will work in New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia, as well as occasional work in other NPS sites in the Northeast. We encourage applicants who identify as women+ to apply. Our program model fosters a supportive learning environment where participants can maximize their opportunities to grow and develop while gaining certifications to propel them into a career in environmental stewardship. It also creates an intentional space for under-represented groups to enter conservation and natural resource management. 

This program will give you extensive training and certifications in wildland firefighting, chainsaw work, and first aid/CPR. While in this program, you will also build your resume to apply for federal wildland fire jobs. Part of this position will be working with prescribed fire and on non-fire related fuel reduction. In addition to fire, the crew should be prepared to assist on a variety of projects including trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and habitat management.