Service Position Summary
Position Title AmeriCorps Maintenance and Fire Management
The Maintenance & Fire Management member will assist with facility maintenance, vegetation management, wildfire prevention, and habitat restoration projects across the O'ahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This position will support refuge staff with maintaining fire breaks, mowing and brush management, invasive vegetation removal, fence and infrastructure maintenance, and habitat management activities that protect native ecosystems and reduce wildfire risk. The position will provide hands-on experience in conservation land management, wildland fire preparedness, equipment operation, and refuge operations. This position is field-intensive and requires serving outdoors in rugged conditions, often in remote areas under hot, humid, wet, dusty, and physically demanding environments.
This position is part of SCA’s National Direct Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI). OYSI is a partnership between SCA, AmeriCorps, and The Corps Network which engages youth ages 18–24 who are disconnected from school or work in hands-on conservation service that protect and restore public lands, waters, and recreation resources nationwide. The program provides job-skills training, support, and career pathways in environmental stewardship and infrastructure fields, while prioritizing placements for participants who meet opportunity-youth eligibility criteria
Member Impact
Members will make a meaningful, hands-on contribution in implementing critical projects in resource management to reduce wildfire risk and protect native ecosystems. They will contribute to maintaining a variety of infrastructures, fire breaks, and contribute to fire-related habitat restoration projects across the refuge. In addition, the individual will help the refuge keep its programs open and accessible to visitors.
Schedule
September 7, 2026 – August 6, 2027
Hours
40 hours/week
Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Some nights and weekends may be required during training and for special activities.
A minimum 30-minute lunch break is required each service day. Lunch periods do not count toward the required minimum service hours.
Service Location
James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, Kahuku, HI
Immediate Supervisor/Title
Kelly Goodale, Wildlife Biologist
AmeriCorps Service Term Minimum Hours Requirement
1700 hours
Essential Functions
·Operate and maintain equipment including mowers, skid steer, weed eaters, chainsaws, blowers, pumps, hand tools, and utility vehicles.
·Conduct mowing and vegetation management along roads, trails, fence lines, and fire breaks to reduce wildfire fuels.
·Assist with creation, maintenance, and improvement of wildfire fuel breaks and defensible space around refuge infrastructure.
·Support habitat management projects including invasive plant removal, native habitat restoration, erosion control, and debris removal.
·Perform general maintenance duties including fence repair, sign installation, painting, facility upkeep, and trail maintenance.
·Assist with wildfire preparedness activities and emergency response operations as needed.
·Conduct manual labor in steep, uneven, muddy, or heavily vegetated terrain while carrying tools and equipment.
·Safely use herbicides and follow refuge safety protocols and equipment procedures.
·Work effectively both independently and as part of a field crew.
The position functions will comply with all AmeriCorps Prohibited Activity restrictions specified in the SCA AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement and SCA Corps Member Handbook.
Marginal Functions
·Assist with loading, hauling, and transporting equipment and supplies.
·Maintain accurate records of completed work, equipment use, and maintenance activities.
Required Qualifications
·Interest in conservation, natural resource management, wildland fire, maintenance, and/or outdoor field work.
·Ability to perform strenuous outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
·Strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn.
·Experience with hand tools, power tools, small engines, or tractor operation is desirable. Valid driver’s license.
AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
· Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
· Being at least 18 years or older;
· Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;
· Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check after acceptance of position, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.
Preferred Qualifications
·Experience operating landscaping, agriculture, or maintenance equipment preferred.
·Ability to hike long distances over rough terrain carrying equipment and supplies.
Commitment Required
The program’s term of service is a 48-week (1920 hours) commitment that will last September 7, 2026 – August 6, 2027.
Members will serve 40 hours per week.
Living Accommodations
Housing may be available at the bunkhouse at James Campbell NWR, Kahuku, HI.
Personal Vehicle Requirement
Not required; Recommended for days off
Compensation
Training and Additional Benefits
Service Conditions
Service schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.; Service settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying cultures and perspectives.; Natural environments and culturally significant locations that require respect to the land and indigenous peoples.; Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events; Decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.; Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.; Cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.; Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.; Exposure and potential contact to bear habitat and wildlife.
Equal Opportunity Statement
This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
