*Apply online at: CCNM - Fall 2023 - Veterans Fire Corps - Crew Leader - 512 N Valley Dr, Las Cruces, New Mexico - Conservation Legacy (silkroad.com)

 

Start date: August 2023

End date: February 2024

Wages: $750/week

Location: Las Cruces, NM

Benefits: S-212 Chainsaw Certification; Certifications: S-130 & S-190, Firefighter Training and Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior. IS100b, Intro to Incident Command System. IS700, National Incident Management System (NIMS); Paid training; Food budget while on camping hitch; Health Benefit Eligible; Employee Assistance Program

Summary

Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM):

Conservation Corps New Mexico, a program of Conservation Legacy, aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. CCNM crews are based in Las Cruces, NM and all project work will take place on public lands in New Mexico and western Texas.

 

Veterans Fire Corps Crews:

The crew is multi-faceted and demanding, but with opportunity for enormous rewards. Successful candidates will demonstrate high standards, compassion, excellent judgment, effective communication skills, initiative, and the desire to devote themselves (at least seasonally) to working alongside other military veterans, ages 21-35 years old, in an environmental setting.  The crew will work together and maintain a flexible, positive, and professional attitude. The program engages participants in a cohort environment in which a team of recent-era military veterans work together to train and complete natural resource management projects, specifically related to fire fuels management and fuels reduction using chainsaws. This crew assists recent-era veterans transition from military to civilian careers. Crew Leaders do not have to be military veterans.

Crew Leader Responsibilities

Crew Leaders (CL) are responsible for facilitating a positive crew member experience by setting an example of enthusiasm throughout work and camp life. The CL works in tandem with the Assistant Crew Leader to communicate directions, project specifications, and constructive feedback throughout the term of service. The CL is expected complete project and Corpsmember paperwork in a timely manner and professionally represent CCNM.

Training

Generally, the term begins with a leadership training which focuses on developing outdoor leadership skills, goal setting, technical and field skills training and developing an understanding of CCNM procedures. We tend to approach this training with a train-the-trainer technique. Following leadership training, most terms will begin with an orientation with Crew Leaders and Crew Members that includes training on First Aid (typically Wilderness First Aid), Leave No Trace, Outdoor Living, Crew Culture and Diversity, and goal setting.  Informal hands-on training will continue throughout the term with on- the- ground skills training.

Depending on the project needs, crews may receive specialized training in herbicide handling, crosscut saw, chainsaw, dry stone masonry or rigging.

Schedule:

Generally, crews work an 8-day, 10-hours/day ‘hitch’ schedule, while camping in front and backcountry settings. Typically, members will have 6 days off in the town of the home base office.  Drive time to and from the work site from the home base office is typically included in the hitch schedule.  Applicants should expect the project schedule and type of work to vary.

Workdays will start with a Job Hazard Analysis safety meeting followed by a 15-minute warm-up exercise and a 15-minute stretch.  Days will include two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch.

Qualifications

• 21+ with some leadership experience
• Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a changing work environment including willingness to work a varying schedule. This position could also be deployed for national disaster relief, outside of the region, for multiple weeks at a time.
• Excellent communication and teaching/mentoring skills, as well as, strong conflict resolution and team building skills.
• Ability perform administrative duties, such as managing crew budget and documents and utilizing Microsoft programs.
• Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently and in collaboration with a small group.
• Valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
• Have US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status.
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Pass background checks: all offers of positions are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and Federal criminal background check

Preferred Qualifications:

• Military Veteran
• Faller B Chainsaw Certification, or readiness to evaluate as one
• Prior AmeriCorps Service
• Certification in Wilderness First Responder and CPR.
• Relevant Bachelor’s degree.

 

Expectations 

CCNM is a drug-free organization; alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited. CCNM is an independent, non-residential program. Participants must supply his/her/their own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. A suggested gear-list will be provided prior to starting the term of service.  CCNM will provide the tools, personal protective gear, budget for crew meals and transportation to projects.  Additionally, CCNM has pro-deals and some gear available to borrow.

 

Contact: Genevieve Tucker

gtucker@conservationlegacy.org