Wildland Fire Camp Recycling Crew Member
TITLE: Incident Response Camp Solid Waste Management and Recycling
PROGRAM AGENCY: Perennial Zero Waste :: Human Eco Consulting
ROLE: Wildland Fire Camp Recycling Crew Members
WEBSITE: www.perennialzero.com
ABOUT:
Perennial Zero Waste works with the U.S Forest Service to recycle at wildfire incident response camps along the west coast. This job involves working within a team of energetic and motivated individuals to implement and monitor recycling operations for firefighters and incident command at wildland fire camps.
We achieve this by collecting, sorting, and hauling recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and non-perishable food. We also focus on educating and training firefighters and support staff. The goal of the recycling program is to achieve a minimum 30% diversion from the landfill.
Past employees have found this job to be a good fit when seeking a seasonal, on-call position that allows them the flexibility to take on other part time positions or travel, while having the option to work on fires. This position is also a tangible way to make a difference in the face of the ever-overwhelming climate crisis. We are all responsible for being a part of the solution!
NOTE: When called to deploy, you must be able to respond to the Perennial Zero team lead with availability within 2-3 hours and arrive at the scene of the incident within 36 hours. This is an on-call/seasonal job only, no set hours or guaranteed work. You do not have to say yes to a fire call and it won't be held against you if you decline, but the more availability and experience you have will increase your involvement.
DETAILS:
Start date: July 1 or August 1*– TBD. Peak fire season tends to be August-late September. *July 1 or August 1 is also not a guaranteed start date as it depends on when fires start and when we are called to deploy by the Forest Service - July 1 is the first day that we could possibly be deployed.
Location: Filling roles in various West Coast regions (WA, OR, CA, WY, ID, CO, MT).
Compensation: $275 per day at camp. Camps can last anywhere from 5 to 60 days, with most trending towards 8-14 consecutive days. After 14 consecutive days, you are required to take a 48-hour break.
Meals: Three catered meals per day are provided once on site.
Hours: On average 12-hour days with mid-day break/flex time.
Lodging: Our team camps in the same area as the firefighters and other camp staff. There are porta-potties, shower trailers, and running water available. Must provide your own tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.
Applications due: Rolling applications now accepted through September.
Additional benefits: Pro-deals on outdoor gear from Mountain Hardware, Outdoor Research, Therm-a-rest, Darn Tough, Black Diamond and more after your first fire.
JOB DUTIES:
Collect, empty, and sort bags of waste/recyclables from in camp and the fire line. This is the majority (80%) of the work.
Distribute recycling bags and train firefighters on proper sorting.
Research local recyclers and hauling options for transportation of recyclables.
Engage a variety of facility and fire camp personnel on proper waste sorting and handling.
Record and report daily recycling data for diversion data analysis.
GENERAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Team player who works well with others and has a desire for everyone to win.
Clear and professional communication with team and supervisors.
Understand waste streams and waste management processes (can be learned).
Dedicated to accomplishing daily tasks to the best of your ability.
Work with diligence and professionalism.
Understand your needs and those of your teammates.
Flexible schedule and attitude, able to deal with unexpected situations.
Customer service minded.
Able to be physically active for long periods of time (standing/walking for most of the day).
Self-motivated in daily tasks and takes initiative within different aspects of the job.
REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to lift 40+ lbs.
Must be in good health and able to withstand long hours outdoors in unpredictable temperatures (some days it can be really hot, some days it can snow or rain).
Must have your own health insurance.
Have your own transportation to the site with a valid driver's license and insurance or be willing to carpool. Depending on camp location, alternate travel arrangements can be made.
Must have a current tetanus shot and be fully vaccinated (and boosted) against Covid-19.
Must have camping equipment (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag) to sleep on site.
If this job sounds like a good fit for you, we would love to learn more about you! Please submit the following in PDF format:
Resume
Answer the following question: What does Zero Waste mean to you?
Availability
Please submit your application via email to info@perennialzero.com with the subject: Fire Camp Recycling Crew Member 2024_Last Name
Job Type: Temporary
Application Question(s):
In lieu of a cover letter, please answer the following question in detail (1-3 paragraphs):
What does zero waste mean to you?
Work Location: In person