Job Information
Appalachian Conservation Corps Veteran Fire Crew Member in Beckley, West Virginia
Position Title:Veteran Fire Crew Member
Location:Based out of New River Gorge National Park
Compensation:$900 per week ($600 living stipend + $300 additional benefit)
Terms of Service
Start Date:September 7th, 2026
End Date:December 17th, 2026
AmeriCorps Education Award:$1,956.35upon successful completion of service term
Purpose
Appalachian Conservation Corpsworks to connectyoung peopleto critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio,Maryland, DC,and Pennsylvania.As an AmeriCorps program,we partner with public land managers toidentify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development.
Appalachian Conservation Corps is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations envisioning a world with healthy lands, air, and water, thriving people, and resilient communities. We aim to engage future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance our public lands through community-basedservice.We welcome national applicants but also emphasize the engagement of local individuals whorepresent the communities in which they serve.
Project Description
The Veterans Fire Corps (VFC) program provides training, certifications, and on-the-job experience for veterans aged 18-35 who are interested in entering careers and gaining experience in wildland firefighting and natural resource management. The program engages veterans in a cohort environment to train and complete projects related primarily tofuelsmanagement, whichmayinclude prescribed burning and wildland firefighting. The crew should also be prepared toassiston a variety of projects including trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and habitat management.
This crew will typically be stationed at New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia but can also be deployed to other National Park Service sites within the Northeast region.
Crews consist ofsixcrew members and two crew leaders who provide projectexpertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. While prior experiencewithoutdoor work can be helpful, it is not a necessity for this position. We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew.
Schedule and Crew Life
The schedule for this crew is heavily dependent on weather, partner schedules, and varying workload at any given time in the season. We ask members to be flexible and open to changing needs throughout the season. The typical hitch schedule is Monday through Thursday each week. While in the field, crew members work outdoors in all types of weather conditions for 10 hours a day.
Appalachian Conservation Corps is an independent, non-residential program. Crewsare responsible for their own food and transportation when they are not in the field. While participants are asked to supply as much of their personal equipment as possible, loaner gear will be available if needed. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program.
Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc.). Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known ahead of time. We also provide group camping equipment, tools, protective gear, uniform shirts, and transportation between Appalachian Conservation Corps offices/lodging sitesand project sites.
Members maybe requiredtoparticipatein service projects or events as part of their service terms. Prior to their start date,selected participantsare required tocomplete an enrollment process that includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, orientation on AmeriCorps prohibited activities, and beginning their background check process.
Appalachian Conservation Corps supports a culture of feedback and growth. Participants will set goals at the beginning of the season and review their pe formance in the middle and at the end of their season. Participants will also be asked to evaluate the program and their experience. Overall performance will be measured by assignment completion, hours served, and other criteria set at the start of the service term.
Benefits
$900 per week ($600 living stipend + $300 additional benefit) $1,956.35 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service term. On-the-job training and certification opportunities including Wildland Fire Red Card, S212 Chainsaw Certification, and Wilderness First Aid. AmeriCorps members may be eligible for student loan forbearance. Member Assistance Program 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist. Professional development opportunities(mentorship, networking, resume support, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths.
Qualifications
Be a military veteran able to provide a DD-214 or NGB-22. Able to pass the USFS arduous level pack test (3-mile hike with 45-pound pack within 45 minutes). Be between the ages of18 and 35. Have US citizenship or legal permanent residency status. Have a high school diploma or GED. Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check. No previousexperience isrequired, but general comfort andpreviousexposure to working outdoors and/or campingarehelpful.
Our Commitment
Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools, and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also berequiredfor some positions. If you needassistanceand/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
Any questions can be addressed to:
Sarah Akers
sakers@conservationlegacy.org
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.