DEADLINE APPROACHING: Forest Stewards Youth Corps Fall 2018 Fire & Fuels Crews

The Forest Stewards Guild is hiring for two crews based out of the Mountainair and Espanola U.S. Forest Service Ranger Districts. Each crew will have 7 Crew Members and 1 Crew Leader. The program runs for 12 weeks from August 20th until November 9th. Crews will complete natural resource management projects and participate in prescribed fire operations when conditions and weather permit.

• 18-25 years old
• New Mexico resident
• No previous wildland fire fighting experience is required
• Physically fit and able lift 75lbs, work long days in the field (14 hours) and walk with heavy loads on steep and uneven terrain.
• Certification as a wildland firefighter within 1 week of the start of the program (training provided).

• 18-25 years old
• New Mexico resident
• Must possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license
• Must possess certification as a FFT2. Preference will be given to applicants with FFT1 qualification or open FFT1 task book
• Previous experience with a wildfire assignment
• See crew member fitness qualifications
• Excellent organization, communication, and leadership skills

The fall Forest Stewards Youth Corps (FSYC) Fire & Fuels program will include  a comprehensive training component that will include National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Basic Wildland Fire Fighting (S-130/190), Wildland Fire Chainsaw Use (S-212), CPR and first-aid, defensive driving, and New Mexico Forest Worker Safety. All FSYC participants will be eligible to earn 2 college credits from Santa Fe Community College. FSYC participants will also receive on the job training and mentorship from U.S. Forest Service and Forest Stewards Guild staff.

The 2018 fall program will start with a 5 day training at the Cottonwood Gulch Foundation near Thoreau, NM. For the remainder of the program, each crew will report to their respective USFS ranger station. FSYC participants must supply their own wildland fire fighting boots, which must measure 8 inches from heel to the top of the boot, be constructed of all leather, and have lugged soles. All other personal protective equipment will be provided. Camping equipment will be required for the training and prescribed fire operations. While some equipment may be provided, participants should supply their own camping equipment (tent, 20 degree sleeping bag, sleeping pad etc.) Crew members will earn $13.00/hour and crew leaders will earn $15.00/hour.