Overview
Title: Crew Leader II – Veterans Fire Crew
Locations: New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, WV
Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Veterans Fire Program
Dates: September 7th to December 17th, 2026
Wages: $1,125/week
Benefits: Health benefits available after a probationary period
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 to fuels management, which may include prescribed burning and wildland firefighting. The crew should also be prepared to assist on a variety of projects including trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and habitat management.
The Crew Leader position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives while completing conservation projects on public and private lands. Leaders will be mentors, educators, and facilitators for young adults, working to promote the health and resiliency of our land, air, and water.
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. 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.
Lodging is provided for the duration of this position. This lodging may vary throughout the season and could be a house or a campsite. Crews are required to use the provided lodging during work periods (hitches). During hitch, the crew will live, prepare meals, and work together as a group to complete all projects and chores. Lodging will remain available for participants who would like to stay on site during their days off, however this is not required.
Qualifications:
• Military veteran
• Able to pass USFS arduous level pack test
• Understanding of and experience with management of conservation crews
• Leadership experience with young adults.
• Able to work long days in adverse conditions.
• Able to speak, understand and write English.
• High school diploma or GED certificate.
• Provide information to establish eligibility and complete a criminal history check.
• Must be over the age of 21 or have possessed a driver’s license for 3+ years
About Appalachian Conservation Corps
Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As a corps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations. Our programs focus on service, place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.
