Opportunity summary
Term length
This is the duration of the opportunity. Some opportunities may be extended or renewed.
07/15/2024 - 07/15/2026
Application window
07/15/2024 - 07/15/2025
Location
Pine Knot, Kentucky
Hourly pay equivalent
Opportunities compensate members differently (eg: hourly, weekly, annually). Hourly rate estimates are shown for comparison.
$17.20
Project summary
This program offers the chance to experience many aspects of conservation in a wide variety of projects on public lands, and prepares the student for federal or private hiring. Projects include wildland firefighting, support, and fuels reduction, timber management from sale preparation to reforestation, invasives mitigation, watershed rehabilitation, resource (flora and fauna) surveys, fish and wildlife management, and developed and dispersed recreation, among others.
Opportunity description
Learn natural resource management, safety, incident command; perform wildland fire suppression, management, control and support; improve watersheds, learn soil and hydrology, and mitigate invasive species; identify and survey flora, fish and wildlife; learn silviculture and land measurement, identify, value and mark timber, conduct reforestation, and improve forest health; maintain trails and recreation; operate and maintain specialized tools and equipment. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. There are as many as 10 openings. Positions last between 6-12 months.
Benefits
- Living stipend
- Paid time off
- Free housing
- Healthcare
- Meals
- Uniforms
- Transportation from home
- Counseling
- Education and GED/high school diploma
- Drivers licensing, and trade certifications
- Each student can engage in paid work-based learning on National Forests (see pay equivalent), and earn a public land corps certificate for federal hiring preference
- Enrollment open year round
- Progress self paced up to two years
Requirements and qualifications
Requirements
Must meet income limitations and be between 16 and 24 years old or have a disability. The next step will take you to an eligibility screening. This trade includes significant outdoor activity and physical training, hiking with a pack, and requires strength to use tools. Those who are not able to meet physical requirements are nonetheless encouraged to apply as there are other trades which also are conservation focused. Please ask. There is no requirement for a high school diploma or GED.
Preferred qualifications
Forestry conservation and firefighting requires an interest in working outdoors, protecting the land and serving people. The CCCs offer many other trades that also support conservation and public lands, such as heavy equipment operation, welding, construction and maintenance, office administration, and culinary. Please apply if you are interested in any of these, or other trade training.
