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Vets Hired

Wilderness Fuels Module Crew Member

Vets Hired, California, Missouri, United States, 65018

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Job Summary Wilderness Fuels Module Crew Members support fuels management and forest restoration work in designated wilderness areas. This role involves working as part of a field-based crew to prepare landscapes for future prescribed or managed fire activities through non-mechanized fuels reduction methods. Crew members perform physically demanding outdoor work, contribute to safe and effective implementation of silvicultural prescriptions, and help mentor youth crews while operating in rugged backcountry environments.

Key Responsibilities

Work as part of a team to safely buck, limb, and manage live and dead trees using non-mechanized tools such as crosscut saws and axes

Construct fireline and perform fuels reduction activities in undeveloped wilderness areas

Fall low‑complexity, small‑diameter trees using non‑mechanized equipment

Rearrange fuels through piling or lopping and scattering to support future prescribed fire operations

Assist with mentoring youth crew members during designated portions of the season

Identify tree species, defects, and environmental hazards while executing fuels prescriptions

Flag hazard trees and report unnecessary risks for future mechanized removal

Collaborate with project partners to implement silvicultural and fuels management prescriptions

Follow safety protocols and contribute to a positive, team‑oriented field environment

Qualifications Required Qualifications

Minimum of two years of combined field experience in forestry, natural resource management, or related fields (e.g., biological research, land conservation, wildland fire, or survey work)

Training and/or experience in bucking trees using mechanized and/or non‑mechanized methods, with the ability to provide relevant certifications

Experience with and interest in using non‑mechanized tools (crosscut saws, axes) for fuels reduction

Experience maintaining non‑mechanized tools

Ability to perform strenuous physical labor in rugged terrain and variable weather conditions

Proficiency in backcountry travel and comfort working in remote settings

Ability to live in a campsite environment for extended work periods

Strong teamwork skills and ability to work effectively with diverse groups

Reliable, punctual, and able to support a strong work ethic within the crew

Interest in or familiarity with wilderness land management principles

Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and ability to operate a 4WD vehicle

Ability to meet health and safety requirements for field‑based work

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced training and/or experience in tree falling using mechanized or non‑mechanized equipment

Experience with crosscut saw use and maintenance

Ability and willingness to train others in safe tool use and maintenance

Familiarity with mixed conifer forests and tree species identification or willingness to learn

Experience using compasses, topographic maps, and handheld GPS units or tablets

Current wilderness medical certification (e.g., WFA, WFR, WEMT)

Training in Leave No Trace or other backcountry ethics

Certification in S‑212 (Federal Wildland Chainsaws)

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Full‑time, field‑based position with work performed primarily outdoors

Requires hiking 4–8 miles per day over rough terrain while carrying tools, water, and field packs

Exposure to variable weather conditions, including heat, cold, and changing seasonal conditions

Physically demanding work involving repetitive motion, cutting, and fuels rearrangement

Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required

Extended periods working and living in remote wilderness settings

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