Conservation Corps New Mexico, the US Forest Service (USFS), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) invites you to join the Veterans Fire Corps for an on the job training experience in forestry, conservation, and wildland fire fuels management. Our program offices are seeking physically capable military veterans between the ages of 21 and 37 who are willing to operate out of Las Cruces NM, for a five to six month term of service. The program is designed to provide recent era veterans with the technical skill and physical ability for service in federal wildland firefighting careers.
Service Activities
Over the course of the term commitment, members will live, work and learn on public lands in the US southwest. Throughout the program, members will live in a small crew, and work to complete critical fuels reduction projects in association with federal project partners such as the USFS and the BLM.
Community Need Addressed
- Training and preparing veterans for entry into wildland firefighting, or land management careers
- Fire fuels reduction
- Preparing area for prescribed burns
- Invasive Species Removal
Position Outcomes
General:
- Healthier Ecosystems
- Decreased risk /severity of wildfires
Personal:
-Wildland Fire certifications
- Experience working in the outdoors
- Physical fitness
- Networking
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Food provided during projects.
As a part of the veterans fire corps crews receive a wide variety of trainings and certifications in the field of wildland fire.
Education Benefits
Credential or Certification
-Conservation Leadership Development
-Wildland Fire Chainsaw Faller Type 3 (Faller A)
-S130 – Introduction to Wildland Fire Fighting/Fire Fighter Type II
-S190 – Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, L180 – Fire Line Leadership
-I100 – Introduction to the Incident Command System, NIMS 100/700
-Wilderness First Aid/CPR
-Leave No Trace principles
-Fire Fighter Fitness
-Federal Resume Writing and USA jobs application consultation
-Red Cards are NOT guaranteed in any VFC program; although we strive to achieve Red Card qualification for all members. All certifications are transferable to all national, state, municipal and private fire agencies.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Lead group discussion
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Set goals