Interested in pursuing forestry or natural resource management in Texas or Louisiana? The Silviculture crew is an AmeriCorps opportunity for young adults to engage and support the US Forest Service Silviculture staff. Be a key part of the team in charge of maintaining timber management data, developing data for forest prescriptions, and carrying out silviculture operations – both field and administrative – to support the achievement of the district’s annual targets and management goals.

Each member is eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service term and accumulate hours toward a Public Land Corps Hiring Certificate if you meet the age and service requirements.

The crews will be hosted by National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT) and Kisatchie National Forests in Louisiana (KNF).
Gain on-the-job training and skill building opportunities in national forest program areas. Mentorship and preparation for applying to permanent Forest Service positions using various hiring authorities. Must be Native American or Alaskan Native and provide a tribal card. Opportunities for travel and camping will be provided!

APPLICATIONS DUE: ASAP! Priority due date is before December 31, 2024 by 11:59pm CST

COMPENSATION (Monthly Living and Housing Allowance):

• Crew Leader $2,720 per month ($1,360 biweekly)
• Crew Member $2,400 per month ($1,200 biweekly)

AMERICORPS TERM LENGTHS

Zavalla/Lufkin, TX and Baton Rouge, LA (675 hour)

• Crew Leaders and Members: February 10, 2025 – June 27, 2025

BENEFITS

• Monthly Living Allowance: to cover basic expenses during your service term
• Medical Health Insurance: Provided at no cost to participants by The Corps Network (TCN), eligible members can opt-in OR opt-out
• Personal and Professional Growth
• Technical and Fundamental skills training
• Gear & Boot Assistance for qualified purchases.
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: money for qualified student loans, higher education and training programs
• Student Loan Forbearance: For eligible student loans, temporarily postpone payments during your term of service.
• Opportunity to network and build connections with partnering agencies
• Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-Competitive Hiring Eligibility status for jobs on Federal Lands
• Industry-Recognized Certifications and Trainings: depend on crew type and availability, and are not guaranteed during a term of service. Some that are frequently offered are the American Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, the S-212 Wildland Chainsaw Certification (typically only for Crew Leaders), and FEMA Certifications (for crews on disaster response teams).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Frequently required to walk and hike over long distances while carrying tools
• Ability to operate tools
• Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 35-50* pounds (*depending on crew type)
• Walking and working on steep or uneven terrain
• Ability to work long days in adverse weather conditions
• Depending on crew type, ability to hitch, camp, and travel throughout the duration of an entire AmeriCorps term

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED
• Between the ages of 18-35; Ages 21+ for Crew Leaders
• US Citizenship or lawful permanent US Resident
• Must be Native American or Alaskan Native and provide a tribal card
• Ability to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC)
• Additional experience and qualifications for Crew Leaders
  • Clean 3-year Driving Record 
  • 3-5 months of previous conservation experience (ex: chainsaws, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, trail work)
• View more qualifications on our website by clicking here!

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Effective in diverse community settings
• Able to work independently and with a crew while having a safety mindset
• Strong commitment to completing an entire term of service with a desire to serve the community and the environment
• Adaptability and flexibility with project tasks during service hours
• Desire to learn, grow and challenge yourself
• Additional Preferred Experience and Qualifications for Crew Leaders
  • Willingness to engage in hard conversations and mediate conflict
  • Desire to explore your leaderships style and develop leadership skills
  • Good problem solving and logistical skills
  • Collaborative Leadership and Facilitation skills

American YouthWorks’ and AmeriCorps Non-Discrimination Policies

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information and military service.