Southeast Conservation Corps
Wildland Firefighting, Conservation
The Southeast Conservation Corps' Veterans Fire Corps (VFC) program provides training and on-the-job experience for recent-era veterans, ages 18-35, interested in entering careers and gaining experience in wildland fire, and prescribed fire utilized for natural resource management.
The program engages participants in a cohort environment in which a crew of Veterans and non-Veterans work together to train and complete projects related primarily to “fuels management” which will include prescribed burning and wildland firefighting. Members should expect work to vary depending on region and season. In addition to fire, projects may include a variety of interdisciplinary work pertaining to natural resource management as needed.
Comfort with ambiguity and working on a fast-paced team is a must with this position as schedules and work change often. When working locally, the schedule is typically 4 days on, followed by 3 days off. Hitches require members to camp 4-7 days at a time, followed by a pre-determined number of days off. When on AD status, the crew will work on the Fireline for 14-21 days plus travel on each end.
Note: When camping on a project location is required, members will camp, travel, work, and eat as a crew. No drug or alcohol consumption allowed during work related travel at any time.
Members will earn the following trainings and certifications:
S130: Firefighter Training
S190: Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior
S-211: Portable Pumps & Water Use
S212: Wildland Fire Chainsaws
S-219: Firing Operations
S-131: Firefighter Type 1
S-260: Interagency Incident Business Management
S-270: Basic Air Operations
S-290: Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
L-180: Human Factors in Wildland Fire Service
I-100: Intro to Incident Command System
IS-700: National Incident Management System
First Aid/CPR certificates
Members must pass the Arduous Work Capacity (PACK) Test within the first two weeks of the season to participate in this program
Wildland firefighting demands a high level of fitness to work in difficult environmental conditions, including steep terrain, extreme temperatures, altitude, and smoke. Crews are generally comprised of individuals 21-35 years of age who have minimal financial and/or personal commitments.
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 Veterans to transition into civilian careers focused on wildland firefighting. Additional opportunities such as repeated networking with Federal employees and training on the federal land management application process is also included in this program.
To apply for this job please visit southeastconservationcorps.org.