Title: Staff Crew Leader – Veterans Fire Corps 

(Veteran status not required) 

Reports to: Program Coordinator, Program Director   

Duty Station: Crew will be based out of Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area- Oneida, TN 

(Ideally, members will live within one hour of duty station) 

Season Dates: 01/06/2025 - 05/09/2025 

Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Exempt  

Wages: $1,050/week, paid biweekly 

Health Benefits: Medical benefit options may be available for individuals serving 6 months or longer. 

Other Benefits: Paid certifications and trainings related to wildland firefighting, Wilderness First Aid certification, Public Land Corps Hiring Authority Certificate (upon successful completion of hours), $200 fire boot stipend, food & transportation provided while in the field overnight, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment, and other developmental opportunities as available. 

Crew Structure: 1 Crew Leader, 1 Assistant Crew Leader, 5 Crew Members 

Southeast Conservation Corps:  
Engaging future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance our nation’s lands through community-based service.  

Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC), a program of Conservation Legacy, is a non-profit, AmeriCorps-affiliated organization. SECC selects young adults, ages 18-30, up to 35 for veterans, to complete conservation service projects on public lands throughout the Southeast. SECC provides members with impactful opportunities through a unique set of programs that engage people in meaningful education and service to their communities and natural landscapes. SECC serves a diverse population that is representative of the Southeast, including youth, graduates, veterans, and a cross-section of ethnicities and income levels. SECC is also an active member of the AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team (A-DRT), and as such, selected crews may be deployed on Disaster response projects for up to 30 days.  

SECC partners with various land management agencies in Tennessee and throughout the Southeast region, such as the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, State Parks, and conservation-based non-profits. Projects vary but include trail construction and maintenance, ecosystem restoration, habitat restoration, fire fuels reduction, fencing on public lands, invasive weed removal, herbicide applications, and many others. The projects are manual labor based and most projects require a hike into and out of the project site daily carrying tools and a day pack.    

Crews will serve in frontcountry and backcountry locations in all types of weather conditions. Schedules may vary, but generally are 9 days on and 5 days off for camping crews. Project days are 10-hour shifts with scheduled breaks throughout the day. Depending on project and location, other schedule variations may be implemented. While the staff at SECC strives to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change per project needs.     

SECC is an independent, non-residential program. Crew Members are responsible for finding and attaining their own housing when not in the field. On-hitch crews prepare all their own meals and participate as a group to complete all necessary chores. Community/camp chores will be completed every evening, with many evenings including group discussions, conservation and/or corps related topics. The Crew Members must supply 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. SECC will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear and transportation between SECC Office and project sites.   

Position Summary:  

Southeast Conservation Corps’ Crew Leaders perform many roles and are the key to our program’s success. The position is multi-faceted and demanding, but with opportunity for enormous rewards. Successful candidates will demonstrate resourcefulness, effective communication skills, excellent judgement, maturity, initiative, professionalism, and the desire to devote themselves to a crew experience where the needs of others are placed above oneself. The Crew Leader position requires, mentorship, patience, technical aptitude, focus on efficiency, and a high level of comfort in the outdoors. Crew Leaders are ultimately responsible for successes and shortcomings of the crew.  

Service Project:   

This Veteran Fire Crew will typically be stationed at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in Onieda, TN but can also be deployed to other National Park Service sites within the Southeast region. During their time in the field, crew members camp overnight and perform their service projects outdoors in all types of weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor related to wildland fire and natural resource projects. Members should expect projects and schedule to vary depending on region, season, and weather conditions. In addition to fire, the crew should be prepared to assist on a variety of projects including trail maintenance, invasive species removal, habitat management, and other emergency response needs.   

Comfort with ambiguity and being apart of a fast-paced team is a must with this position as schedules and projects change often. When on projects locally, the schedule is typically 4 days on, followed by 3 days off. Camping “hitches” requires members to camp and live on project locations for 8 – 14 days at a time, followed by a pre-determined number of days off.  

The home base for this crew is Big South Fork River & Recreation Area. It is paramount that members understand they can be a roving throughout the Southeastern United States depending on partner and project needs. 

Note: When camping on a project location is required, members will camp, travel, serve, and eat as a crew. No drug or alcohol consumption is allowed during project-related travel at any time.  

Members will earn the following training and certifications: 

• S130: Firefighter Training 
• S190: Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior 
• S212: Wildland Fire Chainsaws 
• ICS100: Introduction to Incident Command System 
• IS700: Introduction to the National Incident Management System 
• L180: Human Factors in Wildland Fire Service 
• Wilderness First Aid Certification 
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority Certificate (upon successful completion of hours) 
• Members must pass the Arduous Work Capacity (Pack) Test within the season's beginning weeks to participate in prescribed fire operations.   

Fuels management projects demand a high fitness level in challenging environmental conditions, including steep terrain, extreme temperatures, altitude, and smoke. Crews are generally comprised of individuals 21-35 years of age with 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, are also included in this program. 

Schedule:   

The schedule for this crew is heavily dependent on weather, partner schedules, and varying projects 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 serve 10-hour days. 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:   

SECC Members with SECC serve on a crew model variation of 4-6 other Crew Members and 2 Crew Leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. Food is provided while in the field. Together, crew members collaborate 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, complete service projects, and eat as a crew. No drug or alcohol consumption is allowed during service-related travel at any time.  

SECC 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.

Expectations:   

SECC is an independent, non-residential program. Crew members are responsible for their own food and transportation when not in the field. While members will be asked to supply as much of their personal equipment as possible, loaner gear will be available if needed, especially for more expensive items such as tents and sleeping bags. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program. Please ask immediately if there is loaner gear you require. In addition to providing food while in the field, SECC will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between duty station and project sites.   

Crew members are asked to put their best foot forward, stay positive, and be flexible with changing schedules, weather conditions, and project needs. This is a seasonal position; crew members are expected to fully commit to the experience, expectations, and timeline.  

Expectations of an SECC Corpsmember:   

• Expect to spend long days in a frontcountry or backcountry location. Project days will include hiking and strenuous labor in remote settings in all weather conditions.   
• SECC is a non-residential program, meaning crew members are responsible for attaining and paying for their own housing when not in the field.   
• Crews prepare all their own meals while in-field and as a group complete all necessary chores. Community/camp chores will be completed every evening, with many evenings including group discussions on conservation and/or corps related topics.    
• Crew members must supply 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. SECC will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between SECC office and project sites.    
• While participating in a term of National Service, SECC crews engage in a variety of team dynamics, emphasizing respect for fellow members, partners, the public, and the land they encounter. 
• SECC expects members to represent the program in a professional manner.  
• Crew life will include our corps values of challenge, stewardship, dedication, community, integrity, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).    
• Members are expected to be timely, hardworking, flexible, and complete all functions of tasks assigned.   

General Qualifications: 

• Members and Leaders must pass the Arduous Work Capacity Test (Pack Test) within the first two weeks of the season to participate in this program (3-mile hike with 45-pound pack within 45 minutes) 
• Wildland firefighting demands a high level of fitness to perform in difficult environmental conditions, including steep terrain, extreme temperatures, altitude, and smoke.   

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission 
• Physically fit and able to perform long days in adverse conditions 
• Technical trail construction and maintenance experience 
• Leadership experience with youth or young adults 
• Excellent organizational & communication skills 
• Must be able to demonstrate strong project management skills 
• Strong time-management skills and ability to collaborate independently as well as with others 
• Ability to effectively and efficiently manage all aspects of crew life and production within a hitch schedule 
• Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment 
• Willingness to learn and be a part of a dynamic community of peer leaders 
• Must be adaptive, patient and able to maintain a positive perspective throughout 
• Experience with backpacking, wilderness living and travel, and LNT principles 
• Must be 21+, OR have a clean driving record for 3+years (insurable by SECC) and a current driver’s license 
• Willingness to deploy on a Disaster Response 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Background with experiential and/or environmental education 
• 1-2 years’ experience with SECC, other conservation corps or youth corps 
• Wildland Fire experience (Hot shot, hand crew, engine crew, etc.)   
• Faller B Chainsaw certification (Or ready to evaluate as one)  
• Familiarity with basic conservation skills (hand tool use and maintenance, etc.)  
• Current and relevant certification in Wilderness Medicine (WFA, WAFA, WFR) with CPR/AED 
• Forest Service chainsaw certifications 
• Facilitation and team-building experience with diverse groups of people 
• Eagerness to take part in various conservation-based projects 
• Strong conflict resolution skills 
• Experience with Disaster Response 
• Relevant Bachelor’s Degree 
• Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference and promote leadership in others 

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements   

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 particular position.  

Participation and Expedition Behavior   

• Frequently required to walk, hike, sit and talk or listen 
• Required to use hands to operate objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms 
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds 
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to focus 
• Required to drive an SECC vehicle 
• Must be able to speak, understand, read and write English 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions 
• Ability to pass Conservation Legacy’s criminal history checks  
• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident and provide primary documentation to support this 

Required Skills: 

Leadership & Mentorship:

• Manage, supervise, and lead the day-to-day details of project tasks 
• Implement skills training on project site and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics 
• Promote individual corps member development and a healthy, supportive community 
• Mentor AmeriCorps Crew Leader while delegating project responsibilities, crew life oversight, and member development to them.   
• Must be willing to follow and enforce all SECC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent Southeast Conservation Corps. This includes creating a substance free environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program 

Project Management & Implementation:

• Train and motivate a crew of six to eight veterans to efficiently complete conservation projects on public lands within a 10-12-hour day 
• Delegate project tasks & investment among co-leader and crew 
• Manage on-the-ground quality and quantity of service project 
• Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems 
• Communicate effectively & coordinate logistics with project partners, co-leader, & SECC staff 

 Safety & Risk Management:

• Monitor, manage, and promote the crew’s physical and emotional safety on and off the project site 
• Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety 
• Transport crew and equipment safely in SECC’s vans or large vehicles with trailers 

Administration:

• Complete professional documentation of time sheets, daily and weekly project reports, corps member and peer evaluations, disciplinary action forms, incident reports, etc., and submit in a timely manner 
• Responsible for all project related outcomes and deliverables 
• Manage food budget and credit card purchases, including receipt reconciliation 

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 direction by others so that you will be able to 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 

Environmental Ethics:  

• Learn and practice ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques  

Outdoor Skills and Fitness (where appropriate):  

• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living, travel, and industry skills as appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed so as to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries.    
• Live in a physically demanding, possibly remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks. Conditions of this environment may vary significantly and may include severe and/or trying weather. The remoteness is such that it may require at a minimum one hour, but perhaps in excess of 12 hours, to reach the nearest advanced medical care.