SECC – Pinhoti Crew Member – Veterans Fire Corps 2024 -USFS

Overview

The Southeast Conservation Corps’ Veterans Fire Corps (VFC) program provides training and on-the-job experience for post-9/11 era veterans, ages 18-35, interested in entering careers and gaining experience in wildland firefighting and natural resource management.

The program engages participants in a cohort environment in which a crew of Veterans and non-veterans work together to train and complete projects related primarily to “fuels management, ” including prescribed burning and wildland firefighting. Members should expect work to vary depending on region and season. In addition to fire, projects may include a variety of interdisciplinary work pertaining to natural resource management as needed.

Comfort with ambiguity and working on a fast-paced team is a must with this position as schedules and work change often. When working locally, the schedule is typically 4 days on, followed by 3 days off. Hitches require members to camp 4-7 days at a time, followed by a pre-determined number of days off. When on AD status, the crew will work on the fireline for 14-21 days, plus travel on each end.

The home base for this crew is the Villanow Work Center within the Conasauga Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, located in Georgia. Crew members and leaders must live no more than a one-hour drive (or less) from this reporting site (12411 East Hwy 136, Lafayette, GA 30728). It is paramount that members understand they will be roving throughout the Southeastern United States and beyond for the duration of the program.

Note: When camping on a project location is required, members will camp, travel, work, and eat as a crew. No drug or alcohol consumption is allowed during work-related travel at any time.

At a minimum, members will earn:

L-180: Human Factors in Wildland Fire
S-130: Firefighter Training
S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
S-131: Firefighter Type 1
S-290: Intermediate Fire Behavior
S-211: Portable Pumps and Water Use
S-219: Firing Operations
S-260: Interagency Incident Business Management
S-270: Basic Air Operations
Work Capacity Test (Pack Test) Provided
3 miles in 45 minutes with 45 pounds
S-212: Wildland Fire Chainsaws
ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
IS-700: National Incident Management System
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority Certificate (upon successful completion of hours)
Members must pass the Arduous Work Capacity (PACK) Test within the season’s first two weeks to participate in this program.

Wildland firefighting demands a high fitness level in challenging environmental conditions, including steep terrain, extreme temperatures, altitude, and smoke. Crews are generally comprised of individuals 21-35 years of age with minimal financial and/or personal commitments.

This program will provide practical, hands-on training and certifications related to natural resource management and wildland firefighting.

Tagged as: Crew

Qualifications:

Be a military Veteran able to provide a DD214 or NGB-22 upon interview.
Be between the ages of 18 and 35.
Able to pass the USFS arduous level pack test (3-mille hike with 45-pound pack within 45 minutes)
Holds a high school diploma or GED.
US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status 
Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment.
SECC expects members to represent the program professionally. Crew life will include our corps values of challenge, stew

Required Skills:

Must be between ages 18 and 30 or up to 35 if a military veteran.
Members must pass the Arduous Work Capacity (PACK) Test within the first two weeks of the season to participate in this program (3-mile hike with a 45-pound pack within 45 minutes).
Wildland firefighting demands a high fitness level to work in challenging environmental conditions, including steep terrain, extreme temperatures, altitude, and smoke.
Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident and provide primary documentation to support this.