Pathways to Fire Crew Member - Fall 2024

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.  

Schedule: 

The schedule for this crew is heavily dependent on weather, partner schedules, and  varying  workload at any given time in the season. We ask members to be flexible and open to changing needs throughout the season. 

The typical hitch schedule is 4 days on and 3 days off. While in the field, crew members work 10 hours a day. The day starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting and includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour break for lunch.    

Prior to their start date, selected crew members must begin their background check process and complete an online enrollment process which includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, and enrolling with AmeriCorps. For those with limited access to online platforms, accommodations may be available and can be discussed during the interview process. 

Crew Life: 

Members with ACC serve on a crew with four crew members and two crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete all necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc.). Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known ahead of time.

Many evenings include group discussions on conservation topics.  When living on site, members will camp, travel, work, and eat as a crew. No drug or alcohol consumption is allowed during work related travel at any time.  

ACC supports a culture of feedback and growth. Crew members will set goals at the beginning of the season and review their performance through both self-evaluation and a review with their crew leader in the middle and at the end of their season. Evaluations will cover areas such as professionalism, responsibility and leadership, communication, engagement, productivity, safety, and equipment use. Crew members will also be asked to evaluate their crew leaders’ performance, the overall program, and their experience at the end of their term. 

Participation and Expedition Behavior  

• Work effectively as a member of a team, despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences.  
• Contribute to a safe learning environment; no harassment of others will be tolerated for any reason. 
• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national service.  Members must commit to participating in all crew/team activities, including service days in local communities where applicable.  
• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization staff.  
• Have the ability to learn necessary skills and apply them to effectively carry out the service work requirements.  
• Appropriately represent ACC and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners at all times.  

Safety and Judgment  

• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. You 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.  
• Effectively perceive, understand, and follow directions by others so that you can successfully execute appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during exposure to the hazard.  
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.  
• Perceive and comprehend significant and apparent hazards, including those hazards previously identified by others.  
• Respond appropriately to stress or crises.  
• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others.