Title: AZCC 2026 Fall Veterans Fire Corps Crew Leader
Reports to: Dusty Miller, Program Director
Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Camping Program
Dates: 08/24/2026 to 12/11/2026
Wages: $1,025-$1,125/week, depending on prior experience and certifications. During the initial training weeks, the pay will be $1,025/week.
Benefits: Health benefits eligible. Employee Assistance Program provided. Food provided while in the field. Uniforms and personal protective equipment also provided.
Training: The term begins with an intensive leadership training focused on practicing outdoor leadership skills, goal setting, technical and field skills, and understanding AZCC procedures/policies. Leads will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities. Following leadership training, Corpsmembers will join leaders for orientation. This week-long orientation will include trainings such as Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, outdoor living, crew culture, and goal setting.
VFC members will be required to complete a USFS Arduous Pack Test, and will also receive S-130 & S-190 Firefighter Training, S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, Wilderness First Aid, S-212 Chainsaw Training. Crew Leaders and members will be required to complete IS100b Intro to Incident Command System, IS700 National Incident Management System, and L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service prior to the beginning of their season.
Depending on project needs, crews may receive instruction in herbicide, crosscut saw, or other specialized equipment use. Informal training will continue throughout the term in areas such as tool maintenance, plant identification, and overview of public land management agencies.
AZCC is an independent, non-residential program – we do not provide housing. It is advised that all members supply their own outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. because rental supplies are limited and given out on a first-come first-served basis. A suggested gear list will be provided before starting the term of service. AZCC will provide the tools, personal protective gear, crew meal budget, and project transportation. Additionally, AZCC has Pro Deals opportunities to receive discounts on some outdoor gear brands.
Application closes July 3rd, 2026 but early applications are highly encouraged.
Overview of Veterans Fire Corps:
The Veterans Fire Corps is a multi-faceted and demanding crew, but with an opportunity for enormous rewards. Successful candidates will demonstrate high standards, compassion, excellent judgement, effective communication skills, initiative, and the desire to devote themselves (at least seasonally) to working alongside other military veterans, ages 18-35, in an environmental setting. The crew will work together and maintain a flexible, positive, and professional attitude. The program engages participants in a cohort environment in which a team of recent-era military veterans work together to train and complete natural resource management projects, specifically related to fire fuels management and fuels reduction using chainsaws. This crew assists recent-era veterans in their transition from military to civilian careers. Participants must be a military veteran, provide a copy of a valid DD-214, or relevant discharge paperwork, and be able to pass a USFS Pack Test at the “arduous” level (3 mile walk with 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less).
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.
The standard schedule generally consists of a two-week hitch cycle with 8 days in the field as a crew and 6 days off, with some exceptions for irregular program needs. Crew Leaders are required to come in for an additional day each hitch cycle to complete administrative duties and check-ins with program staff, typically the day after returning from the project (Wednesday, the Ninth Day). While out on hitch, crews camp, prepare all meals, complete project work, and do chores together as a team. Because of the nature of this work schedule, time off will not be permitted during hitches, and program participants are expected to plan accordingly.
The Crew Leader position requires patience, a consistently positive mental attitude, mentorship, technical aptitude, focus on efficiency, and a high level of competence in the outdoors. There is also a significant administrative component to this position, as the Leader is responsible for approving timesheets, managing crew budget and receipts, and submitting timely Post-Hitch Accomplishments, just to name a few. Finally, crew leaders must exhibit the ability to effectively work on teams with people from a variety of populations and communities.
Mentor assistant crew leader (or Crew Leader in Development Program CLDP): provide valuable feedback, give opportunities for growth, delegate responsibilities, and encourage technical and leadership skill development.
Promote individual corps member development and a safe, healthy, cohesive, other-centered and team-oriented community.
Follow and enforce all policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent the program. This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program.
Project Management & Implementation
Train, motivate and supervise a crew of young adults to efficiently complete tasks and objectives outlined in conservation projects, while working long hours and managing high quality of work and crew morale.
Monitor, manage, and promote the holistic health of the crew, including physical and emotional (intimidation free community environment) safety.
Thorough documentation of crew hours, accomplishments, disciplinary actions taken, and incident response according to Conservation Legacy policy and procedure
Instruct crew in how to create a safe, hygienic, and tidy camp environment while mitigating crew caused impacts to campsites, practicing minimum impact camping techniques.
Preferred Qualifications or a Strong Desire to Grow in the Following:
Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
Any questions can be addressed to:
Program Director (Tucson)
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
