Internship - Prescribed Fire Crew Member - Moody Forest Preserve

Position Summary

The Prescribed Fire Crew Member participates as a member of a burn team conducting prescribed fire operations, including burn unit preparation, ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned. This is a 22-week position with anticipated dates from early January to early June. The Prescribed Fire Crew Member will attend a wildland fire training academy the first week of service (some online training pre-coursework required) and must achieve physical fitness standard by successfully passing a "pack test". The position will be focused on the use of prescribed fire as an ecological management tool to support the restoration of longleaf pine ecosystems in the Altamaha River corridor for rare fire-adapted species such as red-cockaded woodpecker, gopher tortoise, indigo snakes, and carnivorous plants. The Prescribed Fire Crew Member will work on high-priority preserves owned by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Georgia and assist with burning on other partner lands (GA DNR, TOS, FWS, USFS) throughout the state. When weather is not suitable for burning, other tasks may include assisting with ecological and rare species monitoring, assisting with tree and grass planting projects, timber marking, boundary marking, fence removal, equipment and building maintenance, and general stewardship work.

Schedule

January 6, 2025 - June 6, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Burn unit fire break preparation;
Prescribed fire application

Marginal Duties

Vehicle and equipment maintenance;
Ecological and rare species monitoring;
Longleaf pine and herbaceous groundcover restoration projects;
Trail maintenance;
Boundary marking;

Required Qualifications

Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member. This includes: being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States, being at least 18 years or older; having a high school diploma or equivalent; and being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks. Must be willing to work alongside others with diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with wildfire or prescribed fire operations;
Experience using of hand tools (council rake, hoe, axe) and 2-stroke powered equipment (chainsaw, weed-eater, leaf blower);
Experience operating tractors and common farm implements (hay rake, bush hog);
Experience with trail maintenance work;
Familiarity with longleaf pine ecosystem in the Southeastern US

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing is provided at no cost. Housing is a shared single-room cabin(s) with four bunk beds on-site at The Nature Conservancy's Moody Forest Preserve near Baxley, Georgia. At times, there may be other burn crews or researchers staying there at the same time. We ask that burn crew members bring their own sheets, pillows, blankets, etc. for the beds for their own comfort, though these items are available on site. The cabins are equipped with electricity, heat/air-conditioning, and ceiling fans;

The Moody Forest Preserve office complex is about 100' away from cabin(s) and has a conference meeting room, screened-in back porch, indoor common area including kitchen and dining area, 3 refrigerators, 3 bathrooms (shower stall, sink, toilet), washer and dryer, and office computer. The kitchen has all cooking equipment and dishware needed. Propane grills are also available on the back porch. Burn crew members are asked to provide their own toiletry items such as soap, shampoo, etc. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas.

Compensation

$500/week living stipend
$275 one-time boot stipend
$1,000 one-time travel allowance
Eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award (must complete minimum hour requirement 450 hrs – $ 1,956.35)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required
• This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.