Forestry Conservation Student Jacobs Crk CCC

The Forestry Conservation Student position at American Climate Corps in Bristol, TN, offers individuals aged 16 to 24 hands-on experience in conservation projects, including wildland firefighting and resource management. This full-time role lasts from July 2024 to July 2026, providing a living stipend, free housing, and various benefits. Applicants must engage in outdoor activities and can earn a public land corps certificate for federal hiring preference.
About the position

The Forestry Conservation Student position at the Jacobs Creek Civilian Conservation Center, under 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 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 until July 15, 2025. Participants will be involved in a wide range of projects, including wildland firefighting, timber management, invasive species mitigation, watershed rehabilitation, and resource surveys. The role emphasizes learning and applying skills in safety, incident command, and wildland fire suppression. Students will also gain knowledge in soil and hydrology, silviculture, and land measurement, as well as participate in reforestation efforts and forest health improvement. Additionally, the position includes maintaining trails and recreation areas, and operating specialized tools and equipment. This program not only provides practical experience but also offers a living stipend, free housing, healthcare, meals, and transportation from home. Students can engage in paid work-based learning on National Forests and earn a public land corps certificate, which grants federal hiring preference. The program is self-paced, allowing students to progress over a period of up to two years, with as many as 10 openings available.

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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• Paid work-based learning opportunities
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• Public land corps certificate for federal hiring preference