Forestry Conservation Student Blackwell CCC

The Forestry Conservation Student position at American Climate Corps offers individuals aged 16 to 24, or those with disabilities, hands-on experience in conservation projects on public lands in Wisconsin. Participants will engage in activities such as wildland firefighting, timber management, and watershed rehabilitation from July 2024 to July 2026. The role includes a living stipend, free housing, and healthcare, with a focus on natural resource management and outdoor work.
About the position

The Forestry Conservation Student position at the USDA Forest Service Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center offers a unique opportunity for individuals aged 16 to 24, or those with disabilities, to engage in various conservation projects on public lands. This program is designed to provide hands-on experience in natural resource management and prepare students for future employment in federal or private sectors. The term of the position lasts from July 15, 2024, to July 15, 2026, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. Students will have the chance to work on diverse projects including wildland firefighting, timber management, invasive species mitigation, watershed rehabilitation, and resource surveys. Participants will learn essential skills such as safety protocols, incident command, and wildland fire suppression techniques. They will also gain knowledge in soil and hydrology, silviculture, and land measurement, which are crucial for identifying, valuing, and marking timber. The role includes maintaining trails and recreation areas, as well as operating and maintaining specialized tools and equipment. This position not only provides practical experience but also allows students to earn a public land corps certificate, which offers federal hiring preference upon completion. The program emphasizes self-paced progress, allowing students to engage in paid work-based learning on National Forests while receiving a living stipend, free housing, healthcare, meals, and other benefits. With up to 10 openings available, this position is ideal for those passionate about conservation and outdoor work.

Responsibilities
• Learn natural resource management and safety protocols.
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• Perform wildland fire suppression, management, control, and support.
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• Improve watersheds and learn about soil and hydrology.
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• Mitigate invasive species and conduct flora and fauna surveys.
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• Learn silviculture and land measurement techniques.
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• Identify, value, and mark timber for management purposes.
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• Conduct reforestation efforts to improve forest health.
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• Maintain trails and recreational areas for public use.
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• Operate and maintain specialized tools and equipment.

Requirements
• Must be between 16 and 24 years old or have a disability.
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• Must meet income limitations for eligibility.
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• Ability to engage in significant outdoor activity and physical training, including hiking with a pack.
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• Strength to use tools effectively.

Nice-to-haves
• Interest in working outdoors and protecting the land.
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• Desire to serve people through conservation efforts.
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• Willingness to explore other trades such as heavy equipment operation, welding, construction, maintenance, office administration, or culinary.

Benefits
• Living stipend
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• Paid time off
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• Free housing
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• Healthcare
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• Meals
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• Uniforms
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• Transportation from home
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• Counseling services
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• Education and GED/high school diploma support
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• Drivers licensing and trade certifications
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• Opportunity to earn a public land corps certificate for federal hiring preference