FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR CREWS, STAFF AND COMMUNITIES, PROJECTS MAY BE POSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19.  THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BELOW IS AN OUTLINE OF HOW OUR PROGRAM HAS TYPICALLY BEEN OPERATING, HOWEVER IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. AS THIS SITUATION DEVELOPS, AND DECISIONS ARE MADE, WE WILL PROVIDE UPDATES. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTINUE WITH THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND WE WILL KEEP CONSISTENT AND DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH ALL APPLICANTS. 

POSITION DATES: September 14, 2020  to  December 18, 2020

STATUS:                 450-Hour National Service Term, Military Veterans only

LOCATION:             Tucson, AZ

COMPENSATION: $400 weekly living stipend

BENEFITS: Employee Assistance Program, food budget while on project, Segal Education Award and fire boot reimbursement upon successful completion of term. 

The education award may be used to pay educational expenses at eligible post-secondary institutions, including many technical schools and G.I. Bill approved programs, or to repay qualified students loans. 

ARIZONA CONSERVATION CORPS VETERANS FIRE CREW program provides training and on-the-job experience for veterans interested in entering careers and gaining experience in natural resource management.  This AmeriCorps program is designed for veterans who separated from the military (including but not limited to OIF, OEF, ONO, OCO, and GWoT veterans) who are interested in pursuing educational and professional development in resource management, wildland firefighting and other outdoor related fields.

The program engages participants in a cohort environment in which a team of recent era veterans works together to train and complete natural resource management projects, specifically related to fire fuels management and fuels reduction. Project work and schedules will vary depending on region and season. The program engages participants in a cohort environment in which a team of recent era veterans works together to train and complete natural resource management projects, specifically related to fire fuels management and fuels reduction. Project work and schedules will vary depending on region and season. Typically, projects require members to camp and live on project locations ("on hitch") for up 10 days at a time, followed by 6 days off.  Alternatively, a schedule could be 5 days on hitch, followed by 2 days off. The 8-hour workday starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting, and may incorporate one hour of physical training. The day includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour break for lunch. 

Crews are generally comprised of individuals 21-35 years of age who have minimal financial and/or personal commitments.  

TRAINING

Trainings will focus on gaining conservation and forestry skills, specifically the use of hand tools and the operation of chainsaws. Additionally, the program aims to provide background knowledge and introductory training in Wildland firefighting. The program assists veterans in their transition to civilian careers by providing contact with potential future employers and trainings in applying for federal land management jobs

 *NOW OFFERING ORIENTATION ONLINE AND REMOTELY. A CLEAN AND SOCIALLY DISTANT SPACE AT THE OFFICE WITH A COMPUTER IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• To successfully perform essential functions the Crew Member_ _is required to sit, stand, walk, speak and hear. Will be required to run, climb, hike, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl on a frequent basis. Will need to be able to carry heavy loads with backpack and to use hand tools in a variety of weather conditions.
• Must be able to operate office equipment, telephone, computer, reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to drive a vehicle frequently/infrequently during work shift.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• • 21 -35  with some leadership experience
    • All applicants must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and have proof of military separation, such as a DD214
    • Have US citizenship, or Legal Permanent Residency status
    • Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a changing work environment including willingness to work a varying schedule. This position could also be deployed for national disaster relief, outside of the region, for multiple weeks at a time.
    • Excellent communication and teaching/mentoring skills, as well as, strong conflict resolution and team building skills.
    • Ability perform administrative duties, such as managing crew budget and documents and utilizing Microsoft programs.
    • Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently and in collaboration with a small group.
    • Valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
    • Have US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status. 
    • Have a high school diploma or GED
    • Pass Criminal History checks: all offers of positions are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and Federal criminal history check

EXPECTATIONS:  

AZCC is a drug-free organization; alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited. AZCC is an independent, non-residential program. The crew member must supply his/her own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, fire rated work boots (AZCC will provide  reimbursement, with receipts), etc. AZCC will provide the tools, protective gear and transportation to projects. 

PARTICIPANT ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS  

Essential eligibility requirements for the program must be met. If you are unable to meet certain requirements, we may be able to assist you with some modification unless it alters the fundamental nature of the program, compromises the health and safety of participants or staff, or places an undue financial or administrative burden on the organization. These requirements are written the same for all positions and therefore may not apply directly to your position.  

PARTICIPATION AND EXPEDITION BEHAVIOR  

• Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences  
• Contribute to a safe learning environment; no harassment of others for any reason.  
• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training and national service.  Members must commit to participating in all crew/team activities, including service days in local communities where applicable.  
• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues and organization staff.  
• Have the cognitive ability to learn necessary skills and apply them to effectively carry out the service work requirements  
• Appropriately represent the Program and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners at all times.

SAFETY AND JUDGMENT  

• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. You must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds.  
• Effectively perceive, understand and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during exposure to the hazard.  
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions  
• Perceive and comprehend significant and apparent hazards, including those hazards previously identified by others.  
• Respond appropriately to stress or crises.  
• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others.

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS  

• Learn and practice ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques

OUTDOOR SKILLS AND FITNESS (where appropriate)  

• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living/travel and work skills as appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed so as to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries.  
• Live in a physically demanding, possibly remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks. Conditions of this environment may vary significantly and may include severe and/or trying weather. The remoteness is such that it may require at a minimum one hour, but perhaps in excess of 12 hours, to reach the nearest advanced medical care.

SUBSTANCE FREE  

In accordance to a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property

Required Skills Required Experience

• 2 - 4 years of previous outside sales experience is required.
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in a business related field or equivalent work experience.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License and have maintained a motor vehicle record within acceptable limits as prescribed by Rust-Oleum.
• Prior sales experience within the given geographic territory preferred.
• Prior experience in a sales service role with demonstrated success in customer retention.
• Availability to work and travel within assigned territory 30-40% of time. Periodic evening and weekend hours required for trade organization meetings and customer events.
• Previous coatings experience strongly desired, industrial coatings a plus.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.