LTBMU Prescribed Burn Crew Member

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE • South Lake Tahoe, CA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The LTBMU Prescribed Burn Crew is dedicated to hazardous fuel reduction in the Lake Tahoe basin. The program involves using chainsaws for thinning of timber, woodlands, or shrubs; utilizing prescribed fire to reduce fuels, piling and chipping of slash, monitoring pre-and post-fire effects, and fire suppression. The crew will be skilled in the use of a variety of hand tools and chainsaws. Projects require the use of safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, hardhats, and other provided fire-specific PPE. Crew members will be expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow workers, or property with which entrusted. Common hazards of field work include exposure to smoke, fire, wind, extreme weather, and unpredictable terrain. Prescribed Burn Crews are not expected to operate prescribed fire operations independently. They will be used as a resource, and be under the direction of a qualified Forest Service prescribed Fire Burn Boss.

Requirements

• Physical ability to work long days, in adverse conditions, on labor intensive projects;
• Effective communication skills;
• Must have the physical ability to hike multiple miles, in steep terrain, with weighted packs and tools;
• Contribution to a learning environment, and understanding that not all members have equal capacities in knowledge, experience, or physical ability
• Ability to adapt to changing project and schedule expectations;
• Ability to function within a team, to cooperate with members and adjoining resources;
• Adherence to the commands of the crew lead, and understanding that orders and corrective actions are to promote the safety and effectiveness of the team;
• Ability to assess and inform management of unsafe practices, or unsafe changes in weather and fire behavior.
• Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship, or U.S. national or legal resident alien status, (2) at least 18 years of age (3) High School Diploma or GED certificate (4) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime, or equivalent of two full-time terms of service), and (5) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks.
• MEMBERS MUST PASS WORK CAPACITY TEST AT THE ARDUOUS LEVEL & MAINTAIN RED CARD CURRENCY.
• Work Capacity test is a 3 mile hike with 45 pounds on flat terrain. This is a requirement to be able to remain in the program.

Responsibilities

• Prepping sites for prescribed burns, including but not limited to chipping and piling slash, clearing escape route, constructing hand lines and holding lines, preparing tools for use, and removing obstacles to the burn pile i.e. snow or nearby vegetation.
• Ignition operations i.e. igniting burn piles under direct supervision of LTBMU staff
• Read and abide by a burn plan
• Monitoring burn piles for the duration of the burn, such as ensuring the fire has remained within designated boundaries, changing wind direction, and safety concerns
• Holding and mop up functions during prescribed fire operations
• Construction and utilization of firefighting hose lays, fire nozzles, and water sources
• Adhering to safety plans, burn prescriptions, and emergency procedures
• Adhere to all AmeriCorps, NCC, and agency sponsor policies while on project sites or at camp locations;
• Utilize chainsaws, handsaws, and loppers to perform hazardous fuels reduction & habitat restoration;
• Maintaining a positive and professional attitude at all times while providing service;
• Communicating effectively with crew members, crew leaders, NCC staff and agency project staff;
• Engage in cooperative efforts; work jointly and or alongside other crews from various agencies
• Complying with both production and quality work standards established by NCC administration, crew supervisors and project partners;
• Contributing to basic duties at the campsite including cooking, cleaning and organizing crew equipment;
• Show respect when interacting with other members, leaders, staff, project sponsors and community members;
• Participating in in-field education sessions.
• Engage in supplementary professional development and training opportunities as necessary and available, such as enhancing field leadership competencies
• Ensure all safety protocols followed;
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude at all times;
• Assist with the maintenance, repair, and organization of tools and equipment in the NCC shop and while in the field;
• Upkeep a baseline physical condition through required physical training programs;
• Uphold NCC and AmeriCorps standards of work production and quality.
• Must ensure to remain within the company-allotted time off limits throughout the season.

Benefits

• Members will be provided a living allowance in an amount determined by the number of hours served and the level of responsibility required for the position.
• Members are also eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of their service term and required hours.
• Health insurance and child care are available for eligible members, and opportunities for professional development are available.
• Qualified student loans may be placed in deferment or forbearance for the duration of the term.
• Upon successful completion of the term, all or a portion of the interest accrued on qualified loans in forbearance may be paid by the National Service Trust in addition to the education award.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees