Ecological Restoration Crew Member

Program Dates: 11/11/2024 – 04/27/2025

This position requires acceptance of AmeriCorps membership to be eligible for this internship.

About us:

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces across the country.

Program Description:

You will be part of a six-person ecological restoration crew. Work includes: Invasive species removal, prescribed burning, including firebreak construction, fuels reduction, burn operations, and monitoring as well as habitat restoration. You and your crew will be involved with removing invasive exotic species using herbicides and chainsaws, planting longleaf pine and other species, marking timber for harvests, growing and out planting thousands of pollinator plants, maintaining a canoe trail/campground, and assisting in sensitive and endangered species surveys and recovery. You will receive your basic Wildland Firefighter Type 2 Wildland Firefighter Type 2/(Red Card) training as well as S212 (Wildland Fire Chainsaws) and ATV safety course. These positions are a great way to add a lot of skills to your resume if you are considering a position in wildlife, forestry or similar fields. This crew typically burns over 10,000 acres/year in 30 or more burn operations.

EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

This is a great opportunity for learning about the ecosystems of the Southeast, rare species ecology, prescribed fire, and habitat management. You will work with several different biologists from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, US Forest Service, Georgia State Parks and other agencies, as well as volunteers. Leadership opportunities will be available on the Fireline. Working state-wide will offer opportunities to recreate at numerous state parks (biking, hiking, canoeing) as well as chances to experience the local culture.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:

·      NWCG Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 Training (S130, S190, L100)

·      ATV Safety training (ATV Safety Institute)

·      NWCG Chainsaw (2-S12) training

·      Herbicide handling and safety

REQUIREMENTS:

Successful applicants must pass the arduous pack test within 2 weeks of hire as a condition of employment.

Applicants are requested to submit a copy of their Covid-19 vaccination card, if they have one, as part of their application.

Member Benefits:

·      Weekly $500 living allowance

·      One-time $650 travel allowance

·      AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the position valued at $3,697.50

·      HOUSING IS INCLUDED

·      Fire boots will be paid for as well valued at $250

Additional:

·      Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member. This includes: 

·      Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;

·      Being at least 18 years or older;

·      Having a high school diploma or equivalent;

·      Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.