Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Wildfire Protection Team Leader

The Wildfire Team Leader position is often described as the hardest job you will ever love. It requires the ability to work well with people, the aptitude to learn and teach new skills and the willingness to put the needs of the group ahead of your own.

The Mt. Adams Center (MAC) employs a co-leader model with two leaders on every seven person team. Leaders are responsible for creating a strong and collaborative team that can complete projects in a safe and efficient manner. Leaders must be able to communicate well and be capable of creating respectful relationships with peers. Given that teams live and work together for the duration of the season, leaders must also be able to uphold the standards of the program at all times.

The Wildfire Team Leader position is an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth. The initial three months of the program is dedicated to training and preparation for the main project season (June - October). Leaders participate in trainings on Wilderness Advanced First Aid, defensive driving, outdoor living skills, team management and professional communication amongst others. They also spend 6 weeks in southern California learning logistics of trail maintenance and tool usage. Successful leaders enter the program with open mind and eagerness to learn.

The next 6 months of service include training members on your team, implementing projects and providing oversight. During this period, the team will operate independently.

Team Summary: The Wildfire Fuels Reduction Team is composed of 5 members and 2 Team Leaders. The team will be engaged in massive fuels reduction projects to help protect Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refugee (NWR) and other Columbia River area NWR's from wildfire. The team will operate out of the Mt. Adams Center in Trout Lake, and commute to the service site on a daily basis. Focus is primarily on removing small diameter trees and woody material with chain saws, pruners, chippers, and by hand.

Residential Summary: The team will be based out of the Mt. Adams Center. All team members assist with residential chores such as meal preparation, cleaning and recycling, both at the center and at camping sites.

General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):

1. Provide leadership and direction while serving alongside team members on projects.

2. Serve as a vital communication link between the Mt. Adams Center staff, project sponsors and field team members.

3. Coordinate and troubleshoot logistical and personal challenges with the support of Mt. Adams Center staff.

4. Organize project related paperwork, including time sheets, project reports and receipts.

5. Encourage and empower team members' personal and professional growth through their service and member development activities.

6. Communicate program policies and procedures to members as needed and assist with program evaluation and development.

7. Facilitate and participate in regular meetings and trainings with team members and Mt. Adams Center staff.

8. Promote a sense of community, collaboration and cohesion among team members.

9. Develop, participate in, and motivate a diverse, hardworking team.

10. Assist in the planning and coordination of Mt. Adams Center events and service days.

11. Analyze projects for safety considerations; train members in appropriate safety practices.

12. Complete and submit all necessary NWSA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.

13. Attend and complete all NWSA/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings and national service days.

15. Attend and complete all NWSA/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, training's, team meetings and national service days.

16. Complete and submit all necessary NWSA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.

17. Wear an NWSA uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Position Requirements:

1. Capable of handling physical nature of project (lifting up to 50 pounds, working on your feet 8+ hours a day outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and terrain).

2. Capable of safely driving a four wheel drive vehicle with trailer.

3. Able or willing to learn safe chain saw, pole saw, and chipper operation.

4. Able to constantly monitor team for safe equipment operation and personal protective gear at all times.

5. Desire to serve with people to promote environmental stewardship, education, and an ethic of service.

8. 21 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.

9. U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.

10. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.

11. Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.

12. Must successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through NWSA and/or Project Sponsor Agency.

13. Regular and reliable attendance.

14. Have not previously served two terms in an AmeriCorps*State or National program.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Valid driver's license, with a clean driving record.

2. Demonstrated leadership ability.

3. Evidence of successful experience with similar programs and/or job functions. This includes: working in a wooded setting, performing brush removal, small tree felling, bucking, pruning, piling, chipping, and safe equipment operation techniques.

4. Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse group of people.

5. Desire to gain outdoor recreation and leadership skills.

6. Highly motivated self starter.

Member Benefits Include:

1. A total taxable living allowance (before taxes) of $11,400. Please note: each month a program fee of $476.00 is deducted from this amount to cover food, training and Natural History Trip.

2. Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members/leaders receive an education award of $4,725.

3. Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).

4. Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents; vision and dental not included).

5. Child care allowance for those who qualify.

6. Wilderness Adavanced First Aid Certification.

7. Chainsaw Certification.

8. Pro-deals on outdoor gear.

Transportation Information: 1. Organizational vehicle is available for service activities. 2. Personal vehicle is recommended to get to service site.

Application Deadline: 12/1/2008

Service Dates: February 23, 2009 - November 23, 2009

How to apply: 1. Complete all of the application materials found on the "How To Apply" page at www.nwserviceacademy.org/apply.cfm  2. Send application materials and resume` to [email protected] OR you may mail them to: Stephanie Ludlow NWSA 2453 HWY 141 Trout Lake WA 98650 Questions? Please contact Stephanie at 509-395-3465 or [email protected]