Student LBJ Civilian Conservation Center

The Student LBJ Civilian Conservation Center offers a hands-on conservation program for individuals aged 16 to 24 in North Carolina. Participants gain experience in natural resource management, wildland firefighting, and timber management. The program runs from September 2024 to June 2027, providing a living stipend, free housing, healthcare, and support for education. Students can earn a public land corps certificate, enhancing federal employment opportunities.
About the position

The Student LBJ Civilian Conservation Center, operated by the USDA Forest Service, offers a unique opportunity for individuals aged 16 to 24 to engage in various conservation projects on public lands. This program is designed to prepare students for future employment in federal or private sectors by providing hands-on experience in natural resource management. Participants will learn about essential topics such as soils, hydrology, forestry, silviculture, and wildlife management, while also gaining practical skills in wildland firefighting, timber management, and invasive species mitigation. The program emphasizes the importance of improving forest health, maintaining recreational trails, and conducting resource surveys, all of which contribute to the overall health of our natural environments. Throughout the program, students will have the chance to operate and maintain specialized tools and equipment, ensuring they are well-prepared for the physical demands of conservation work. The program runs from September 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027, with applications accepted year-round. Students can progress at their own pace, with a maximum duration of two years to complete their training. This opportunity not only provides valuable work experience but also includes a living stipend, paid time off, free housing, healthcare, meals, uniforms, and transportation from home. Additionally, students can earn a public land corps certificate, which offers federal hiring preference upon completion of the program.

Responsibilities
• Learn about natural resource management and safety.
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• Participate in wildland firefighting and support activities.
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• Engage in timber management from sale preparation to reforestation.
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• Mitigate invasive species and improve watersheds.
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• Conduct resource surveys for flora and fauna.
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• Manage fish and wildlife resources.
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• Maintain trails and recreational areas.
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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.
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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 learn about various trades related to conservation, such as forestry, firefighting, and heavy equipment operation.

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
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• Education and GED/high school diploma support
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• Drivers licensing and trade certifications
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• Paid work-based learning opportunities on National Forests
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• Public land corps certificate for federal hiring preference