Volume 2, Issue 2 April 2015 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Union Blue, Confederate Grey, and Nomex Yellow: Davidson River Fire Crew gets lesson in American History and Combat Engineering Assisting Osceola NF Rehabilitate Civil War Field Fortifications from the Battle of Olustee Christopher Lydick, District Archeologist/Historian, Osceola National Forest and Patrick Gocke, Forestry Technician/Grangeville Smokejumper, Nez Perce National Forest On February 6th and 7th of 2015, crew members and overhead from the Davidson River Fire Crew (a Type-2 Initial-Attack hand crew based out of the Schenck Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center, Pisgah, North Carolina) teamed up with Osceola National Forest District Archeologist Christopher Lydick to rehabilitate a portion of 151 year old earthen entrenchments originally constructed in February 1864 by Confederate forces under Gen. Joseph Finnegan to defend north-central Florida against Federal troops commanded by Gen. Truman Seymour. These activities culminated in the Battle of Olustee, February 20, 1864, on presentday Osceola National Forest. The Davidson River Fire Crew has annually detailed to the Osceola National Forest in Olustee, Florida for project work and prescribed fire operations since 2008. By early February, the crew had assisted local resources with over 14,000 acres of prescribed burning operations during the 2015 winter burning season. Due to wet weather, the crew was stooddown from burning and made available to participate in this interdisciplinary forest mission while waiting for burn windows to return. The execution of this (continued on page 3) Back row L-R: Davidson River Initial Attack Overhead Sam Lewis, Boise NF Crw8 Brian Theiler, Davidson River Initial Attack crew members Jordan Krajcirik, Brian Bohannon, and Edwin Baxter, and Grangeville Smokejumper Patrick Gocke. Front row L-R Davidson River Initial Attack crew members Victoria Becerra and David Little. Photo courtesy of Davidson River Initial Attack Crew. From the Desk of the National Office Tina J. Terrell, National Director, Job Corps National Office This year, Job Corps students will be involved in a number of natural resources projects on national forests that will provide opportunities for students to learn wilderness ethics, trail reconstruction, and historic preservation. The Forest Service worked with a number of organizations to develop an eight week curriculum where students will gain knowledge and insight into “pack it in, pack it out,” crosscut saw training, building trails for maintenance and stability, utilizing wood to maintain the look and context of a historic structure, and implementing preservation techniques to improve and enhance rock foundations. There are three (3) organizations that will be partnering with the Job Corps program to implement these training curriculums. The first partnership is with the Arthur Cahart National Wilderness Training Center in Missoula, Montana. The Trapper Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center established an 8-week wilderness curriculum in January 2015 where students will be engaged in on-the-hands wilder- ness training. Students who participate in this curriculum will also camp in a wilderness area for an extended period of time to fully grasp and understand wilderness preservation. The second partnership is with The Corps Network and the National Trust for Historic Preservation through a program called HOPE (Hands On Preservation Experience). Under this program, funds are provided to teach youth skills in saving and preserving America’s historic places to retain these structures for current and future genera- tions. There are a number of HOPE projects across the United States where Job Corps students are using their skills to preserve historical structures such as buildings, dams, and rock wall foundations. Centers that have participated in a historic preservation project over the years include Harpers Ferry Job Corps Center in West Virginia and Wolf Creek Job Corps Center in Oregon. (continued on page 2) Page 2 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier From the Desk of the National Office (continued from page 1) Tina J. Terrell, National Director, Job Corps National Office The third partnership is just getting started in Job Corps with assistance from The Corps Network and Trout Headwaters, Inc. Aquatic restoration is an area that is just bursting at the seams. Humans impact water, and thus people need to learn how to manage the very fabric that all living things need which is water. The eight-week program is called Waders in the Water and involves youth corps nationwide where young people receive training and certification for climate-ready aquatic restoration. Graduates of the Waders in the Water training program will be skilled in aquatic safety, knowledge about installation techniques, and ready to provide business and government reliable restoration on streams, rivers and wetlands across the United States. This industryrecognized credential will build important bridges to enable youth to enter conservation careers by learning how to improve the health, productivity, and climate-resiliency of our streams, rivers, and wetlands. The Job Corps National Office is interested in developing this training program on a center in the east and the west. Additional partnerships are being pursued this year that will expand the natural resources curriculum at all 27 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers. The time is now for the Job Corps program to regain momentum to develop and enhance the conservation mission that was the foundation of the Job Corps program in the 1960s. As the Forest The eight-week program is called Waders in the Water and involves youth corps nationwide where young people receive training and certification for climate-ready aquatic restoration. Graduates of the Waders in the Water training program will be skilled in aquatic safety, knowledge about installation techniques, and ready to provide business and government reliable restoration on streams, rivers and wetlands across the United States. —Tina Terrell National Director Service improves the management and operation of all Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers, we look to expand and develop jobs for students in conservation, preservation, and partnerships in the green industry. Job Corps students work on a “Water Runs Through It” project. Sand Hills Project Director Jim Van Winkle works with Box Elder Job Corps on Box Butte Creek. Pine Ridge Green Club painting Box Butte Creek, Box Butte County, Nebraska. Photo courtesy of Pine Ridge Job Corps. Pine Ridge Job Corps students Christ He, Eh Doh and Po Tha Jain at Box Butte Creek. Box Butte County, Nebraska. Photo courtesy of Pine Ridge Job Corps. Timber Lake Job Corps student works on a Clackamas River stream restoration project. Photo courtesy of Karl Perry. Angell urban forestry students at work.. Page 3 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Union Blue, Confederate Grey, and Nomex Yellow: Davidson River Fire Crew gets lesson in American History and Combat Engineering Assisting Osceola NF Rehabilitate Civil War Field Fortifications from the Battle of Olustee (continued from page 1) Christopher Lydick, District Archeologist/Historian, Osceola National Forest and Patrick Gocke, Forestry Technician, Nez Perce National Forest Following the Federal landing of 5,500 troops at Jacksonville the previous week, Confederate Gen. Finnegan decided to relocate his command from Lake City to Olustee to take advantage of this natural choke-point in order to protect the interior of Florida from Union advances. Over the course of a week, soldiers of the 28th Georgia Artillery Battalion under Maj. Augustus Bonaud and Confederate Engineers under the command of Lt. M. B. Grant constructed a series of breastworks and artillery emplacements to afford the Confederates maximum protection against their attackers. mission was in conjunction with preparations for the annual reenactment of the Battle of Olustee, which takes place each year on Presidents’ Day weekend. This event draws over 25,000 spectators, reenactors, and history buffs from around the nation to witness history come alive each year on the Osceola National Forest. Rehabilitation of these earthworks allowed the public to actively interpret the Confederates’ intended location for the Battle of Olustee to have taken place. The Olustee earthworks were originally constructed across an upland corridor of land between the south shore of Ocean Pond and the north margin of Olustee Creek. Following the Federal landing of 5,500 troops at Jacksonville the previous week, Confederate Gen. Finnegan decided to relocate his command from Lake City to Olustee to take advantage of this natural choke -point in order to protect the interior of Florida from Union advances. Over the course of a week, soldiers of the 28th Georgia Artillery Battalion under Maj. Augustus Bonaud and Confederate Engineers under the command of Lt. M. B. Grant constructed a series of breastworks and artillery emplacements to afford the Confederates maximum protection against their attackers. In his after-action report, Grant reported that, “the parapet to these works was 6 feet wide, composed of logs covered with earth, and having a relief of about 4 feet 6 inches. The left of the line as laid out rested upon Ocean Pond, a sheet of water some 4 miles long by 2 to 2+ miles wide, this furnishing a secure protection on the left.” These defenses also protected a military camp to the rear of the works known as Camp Beauregard. It was here that Finnegan concentrated his arriving forces, which numbered just over 5,000 by the morning of February 20, 1864. Although well-defended and fortified, the works didn’t see battle during the Battle of Olustee however. When Confederate and Union forces made initial contact on February 20, 1864, Finnegan was successful in drawing Truman Seymour to within less than 2 miles from his well-laid trap, but due to the confusion and complexity of the conflict that quickly developed, and the two commanding officers’ inability to read and respond to each other’s intentions and maneuvering; the Battle of Olustee ended up being fought on ground of neither officers’ choosing. Despite this Red vertical line shows the rehabilitated area of 151 old earthen entrenchments originally constructed in February 1864 Confederate forces under General Joseph Finnegan. Red and blue lines signify actual battlefield locations. Photo courtesy of Davidson River Initial Attach Crew. Davidson River Initial Attack crew member Victoria Becerra works on rehabilitating the 151 old earthen entrenchments. Photo courtesy of Davidson River Initial Attach Crew. fact however, Confederate forces were able to defeat the attacking Federals, forcing Seymour to withdraw his troops back towards Jacksonville. Per capita losses for the Federal force that day was amongst the highest of the entire Civil War with 1,861 Union casualties (~34%). Project work began with a lesson in Civil War history by Mr. Lydick. He explained the circumstances of the historic period, (continued on page 4) Page 4 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Union Blue, Confederate Grey, and Nomex Yellow: Davidson River Fire Crew gets lesson in American History and Combat Engineering Assisting Osceola NF Rehabilitate Civil War Field Fortifications from the Battle of Oluste e (continued from page 3) Christopher Lydick, District Archeologist/Historian, Osceola National Forest and Patrick Gocke, Forestry Technician, Nez Perce National Forest why the entrenchments were constructed, and the importance of its chosen location. The prescription for the rehabilitation was to open up the area around the site with chainsaws and weed eaters, thus clearing the remaining earthen features of encroaching vegetation. Young trees under 8” DBH were felled to prevent further degradation of the remaining features at the site. These trees were bucked into logs and utilized in the reconstruction of the fortifications based on historic afteraction reports filed by Confederate engineers following the Battle of Olustee. After clearing the field-of-fire in front of the earthworks, tree tops and larger brush were used to construct a line of field obstacles known as abatis, in order to slow the approach of attacking forces assailing the position. Also constructed was an outer advance work of logs and brush to provide advance fire against forward elements of attacking infantry and artillery. Mr. Lydick was on-site throughout the rehabilitation with historical documents, drawings, and records overseeing and advising as one of Gen. Finnegan's combat engineers would have done in February of 1864; also maintaining the historical accuracy of the rehabilitation. Getting the opportunity to exercise different skill-sets than those practiced in prescribed burning or fireline preparation, Davidson River Initial Attack crew member Brian Bohannon noted that, "building on the historic earthworks felt like I was a Confederate soldier preparing for a Union invasion!" District Archeologist Lydick summed-up the project by saying, “This operation was a success all-around! Not only were we were able to protect and preserve this site as a tangible reminder of the events that took place here, but it also provided a unique opportunity to partner with the fire program to demonstrate the importance not only of this resource, but all heritage resources as potential values-atrisk in the fire environment.” Together with the Florida Park Service, the Osceola National Forest manages the cultural and historic resources of Olustee Battlefield for the benefit of all Americans and for the memory of those brave soldiers that gave what Abraham Lincoln described as the last full measure of devotion for their respective countries. The interdisciplinary mission to rehabilitate a portion of these remaining features associated with the events of February 1864 represents an ideal example of partnership between the fire and heritage programs and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Forest Service. Davidson River IA Crew Mission Statement The Davidson River Initial Attack Crew strives to preserve the legacy of the U.S. Forest Service through professionalism, dedication and a strong work ethic. As a crew, we take pride in providing highly motivated, skilled and professional personnel for fire management operations while offering demanding and diverse training opportunities to ensure the traditions of this agency are carried on. Demonstrate a positive attitude towards life. Appreciate differences through tolerance and trust. Visualize teamwork through individual strengths and weaknesses. Identify our goals and work together to reach them. Display compassion within the crew, caring for each other as brothers and sisters. Show respect for ourselves, the crew and for others. Open your mind towards new ideas, opportunities, and learning. Never compromise our integrity. Respond and communicate to meet the needs of ourselves, crew, and the public. Inspire each other to always move forward and strive for greatness. Value the friendships and lifelong connections made on this crew. Exceed expectations, work hard, be persistent, and be willing to serve. Remember to take pride in who we are, and allow our work to speak for us. Write a Job Corps Success Story for the Courier! Alicia D. Bennett, Public Affairs Officer, Job Corps National Office Help tell the story of Forest Service Job Corps and create a lasting record of what Job Corps students accomplish each and every day. A good story will answer the questions of what happened, when did it take place, who was involved, why was it done, where did it take place and how did it happen. Describe the accomplishment, internal and external partners and why your story is significant. Submit high quality photographs in .jpeg format with your story. A good photo will convey the essence of what you want people to remember. As they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Provide captions for your photographs. A reader wants the answers to the following questions: Who is that?; What’s going on?, When and where was this?, How did this occur? Your audience wants to understand your picture. Please provide the following information for photo captions: Name of individuals (L to R); Activity/project captured in photo; Nam of photographer for photo credit; Physical location; Day/Month/Year photo was taken if available/ Please submit your story in APA Style and Franklin Gothic Book font size nine. Call Alicia D. Bennett at 303275-5934 or send an e-mail to: adbennett@fs.fed.us describing the story you would like to write and to discuss its placement. Page 5 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Trapper Creek Job Corps Wilderness Discovery Program Hitch Report Photo Essay Adam Washebek, Forestry Technician, Trapper Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center LOCATION: Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Central Zone, Moose Creek Ranger District GOAL: Open up 28 miles of trail and build a four stringer 35’ bridge above Trout Creek JOB CORPS INSTRUCTOR: Adam Washebek, Forestry Technician STUDENTS: David Ortega Kennieth Gieber Darren Foster Kevin Bossardt Chris Dickenson FOREST SERVICE PERSONNEL: Doug Olive, Trails Specialist Anna Bengston, Wilderness Ranger Before picture: root wad from a 40’ Ponderosa Pine on the trail. March 26, 2015. On Monday, March 23, 2015 Trapper Creek Forestry Technician Adam Washebek and students David Ortega, Kennieth Gieber, Darren Foster, Kevin Bossardt, and Chris Dickenson headed to the Fenn Historical Ranger Station. The next day, the Trapper Creek group started backing to Moose Creek Ranger Station (MCRS), a remote station located 25 miles up the Selway River from Race Creek Trailhead. Their goal was to open up 25 miles of trail so that stock is able to get into MCRS. The trip was anticipated to take three days to log out all the trees that had fallen across the trail and fix two locations where the trail had fallen off of the slope due to trees toppling over and root wads tearing out the trail. Adam and the students carried 1 pick mattock, two Pulaskis, one single bit axe, three wedges, two silky saws, one 6’ cross-cut saw, and a shovel. Doug Olive packed in all the rigging and climbing equipment needed for bridge construction, along with food for the latter portion of the trip on stock. Olive rode 25 miles into MCRS on Thursday, March 26th. On Wednesday, March 25th, Anna Bengston backpacked in solo and arrived the next day. The entire crew spent Friday, March 27th through Tuesday, March 31st on bridge construction. On April 1st, Washebek and the students took a horse and two mules loaded with the group’s heavy gear and headed out early to hike 25 miles for the day. On April 2nd, Washebek and the students headed back to Trapper Creek Job Corps. Trapper Creek Job Corps students head to Moose Creek Ranger Station on March 24, 2015. Moose Creek Ranger District scenery. March 24, 2015. Before picture: opening up 50’ Selway River Trail #4. March 25, 2015. After picture: opening up 50’ Selway River Trail #4. March 25, 2015. Bridge project had to be lined out before the project could begin. March 27, 2015. Chris Dickenson peeling logs for stringers. March 27, 2015. After Picture: root wad from a 40’ Ponderosa Pine on the trail. March 26, 2015. All photos in this series courtesy of Adam Washebek, Forestry Technician, Trapper Creek Job Corps Page 6 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Trapper Creek Job Corps Wilderness Discovery Program Hitch Report Photo Essay (continued from page 5) Adam Washebek, Forestry Technician, Trapper Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Kevin Bossardt and Kenneth Gieber deconstructing the old bridge. March 28, 2015. Adam Washebek sets a block in a tree. March 28, 2015. Kenneth Gieber, Kevin Bossardt, and Darren Foster learn how to use a hand drill to drill a pilot hole in order to pound rebar through the stringer and into the sill log. March 29, 2015. Doug Olive and Anna Bengston tended to the stock to pack 36 8’ 3x12” cedar boards used for decking on the bridge. March 30, 2015. David Ortega and Chris Dickenson fall a Douglas Fir to be used as a curb log. March 29, 2015. Rigging is used to pull the stringers across Trout Creek. March 29, 2015. Trails Specialist Doug Olive. March 30, 2015. Trapper Creek students use draw knives and axes to remove high spots on stringers. March 30, 2015. Page 7 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Trapper Creek Job Corps Wilderness Discovery Program Hitch Report Photo Essay (continued from page 6) Adam Washebek, Forestry Technician, Trapper Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Trapper Creek Job Corps students use draw knives and axes to remove high spots on stringers. March 30, 2015. Doug and Anna haul the rest of the necessary pieces of decking and get all the decking to the bridge site by 2 p.m. Adam and the students work on finishing the bridge. With everyone on-deck, the crew finished the approaches, nailed in all the decking, set up the curbs on 4” spacers and were able to spend a few moments admiring their work. March 31, 2015. The completed bridge. March 31, 2015. Photo opportunity before the trek back home. March 31, 2015. Photo opportunity before the trek back home. March 31, 2015. Crew of hikers at 5:55 AM, taken 30 minutes before it started to snow!! April 1, 2015. Page 8 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Hosts CERT Training Debbie Neighbors, Clerical Instructor, Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center ing includes disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations and light search and rescue operations. On February 11-13, 2015, first responders from the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, sponsored the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training at Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center for both students and staff. The CERT program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community. The CERT course is taught in the community by a trained team of first responders who have completed a CERT Trainthe-Trainer course conducted by their state training office for emergency management, or FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI). CERT train- Disaster simulation: The scenario was an earthquake with heavy damage to the dorms. The students had to find victims amongst the rubble. Several victims were found and treated using the mass casualty/triage system. Students had to show that they could perform lifting of heavy objects (rubble) off of victims safely using the techniques taught in the course such as cribbing. Photo courtesy of Ryan Lindsley. Disaster simulation: The scenario was an earthquake with heavy damage to the dorms. The students had to find victims amongst the rubble. Several victims were found and treated using the mass casualty/triage system. Students had to show that they could perform lifting of heavy objects (rubble) off of victims safely using the techniques taught in the course such as cribbing. Photo courtesy of Ryan Lindsley. Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center is located in Puxico, MO which had a population of 881 in the 2010 census. Puxico was first settled in 1883 and it was incorporated as a town in 1884. Mingo Job Corps Facts Students: 210 Staff: 63 Vocational Trades: Nurse Assistant Home Health Aide Office Administration Union Brick Masonry Union Carpentry Union Heavy Equipment Operations Union Painting Welding Using the training learned in the classroom and during handson disaster exercises, Mingo Job Corps students and staff will be able to assist others in the neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. Members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in our communities. Disaster simulation: The scenario was an earthquake with heavy damage to the dorms. The students had to find victims amongst the rubble. Several victims were found and treated using the mass casualty/triage system. Students had to show that they could perform lifting of heavy objects (rubble) off of victims safely using the techniques taught in the course such as cribbing. Photo courtesy of Ryan Lindsley. Disaster simulation: The scenario was an earthquake with heavy damage to the dorms. The students had to find victims amongst the rubble. Several victims were found and treated using the mass casualty/triage system. Students had to show that they could perform lifting of heavy objects (rubble) off of victims safely using the techniques taught in the course such as cribbing. Photo courtesy of Ryan Lindsley. Page 9 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Pine Ridge Job Corps Students Participate in Job Shadow Day Don Richards, Recreation Specialist, Pine Ridge Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Students from the Pine Ridge Job Corps Center job shadowed employees at various businesses in Chadron, Nebraska on February 2, 2015. The students learned how the businesses operated and were able to get some “hands on” experience. At the Solid Waste Agency of Northwest Nebraska (SWANN), students cut and welding plates on bottoms of dumpsters, Michael Reagan installed siding on a home and Nathanael Osborn got some plumbing experience working for Vallette Construction. Christian Gilbert and Aung Tun learned about radio station operations at KCSR-KBPY Radio and the students had the opportunity to be on the air and rec- orded some public service announcements. Toan Tran and Anthony Steward worked with both the Chadron Police Department Dispatch and Patrol Officers. They worked with dispatch in the morning and went on patrol in a police cruiser in the afternoon. Natashaya Pickens worked with young children at the Chadron Child Development Center; several maintenance students also helped clean rooms at the center. At Engravers, Da Reh learned how to design and print a shirt and engrave a pen. Nate Peterson worked with Eagle Chevrolet and learned about the car business and Desiree Levering learned about community service at the Chadron Chamber of Commerce. Health occupation students gained job experience at Chadron Community Hospital and Prairie Pines Care Center. Facilities maintenance students assisted with Keep Chadron Beautiful campaign. Pine Ridge Job Corps would like to thank local employers who helped sponsor the event: Chadron Chamber Commerce, Chadron State College Development Center, Eagle Chevrolet, Chadron State College Maintenance Department, Vallette Construction, Chadron Communications, KCSR and KBPY Communications, Engravers, Chadron Police Department, SWANN, Chadron Community Hospital, Prairie Pines, Keep Chadron Beautiful and Wal Mart. Chadron Police Department Officer Derek Bauer with (L-R) Pine Ridge students Toan Tran and Anthony Stewart . Photo courtesy of Pine Ridge Job Corps. (L-R) CSC Development employee Kevin Bogus and Pine Ridge student Natashaya Pickens. Photo courtesy of Pine Ridge Job Corps. (L-R) Pine Ridge student Da Reh and Trevor and Shelli Cope at Engravers. Photo courtesy of Pine Ridge Job Corps. Pine Ridge student Michael Reagan working at Vallette Construction. Photo courtesy of Pine Ridge Corps. (L-R) Pine Ridge students Christian Gilbert and Aung Tun with KCSR-KBPY Radio employee Jeff Wing. Photo courtesy of Pine Ridge Job Corps. Page 10 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Schenck Job Corps Student Wins $1,000 Educational Scholarship Cheri W. Jones, High School Diploma/High School Equivalent Coordinator, Schenck Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center that Isaiah’s academic excellence has been awarded. Isaiah’s diligence is a great example of a young person accomplishing a significant goal that not only impacts them, but provides a positive example to their peers and community. We are so proud of Isaiah!” In order to help Schenck Job Corps students further their education at the postsecondary level, Ashworth College established a scholarship opportunity for two of its students. The scholarship is valued at $1,000 and may be used towards an Undergraduate Certificate, Associate Degree or Career Diploma program through Ashworth College Online. This is the first year that Ashworth College has made the scholarship available to Schenck students. The Ashworth Scholarship Committee met to choose a deserving young man or woman based on a minimum 3.0 grade point average, an essay of 300 words or more entitled: “What the Job Corps and High School Experience Means to Me,” a recommendation from their vocational instructor, high school teacher, administrator, or counselor, and the student holding a silver or gold Color Card. At the February 2015 graduation, Schenck Principal Jimmy H. Copeland, III, presented Isaiah Edwards with a $1,000 scholarship from Ashworth College. Isaiah is a building maintenance student and had recently completed his high school course- “I promise not to let Ashworth down by choosing me.” —Isaiah Edwards Ashworth College Scholarship Recipient L-R Schenck Job Corps Academic Manager Jimmy Copeland, scholarship recipient Isaiah Edwards and Schenck Job Corps Center Director Tammy Wentland. Photo courtesy of Schenck Job Corps. work. After the presentation Edwards said, “I was taken by surprise by the announcement” and “I want to thank the Ashworth Scholarship Committee for choosing me and recognizing my efforts and hard work.” Edwards went on to say, “I am so pleased to have this opportunity to further my education” and concluded with, “I promise not to let Ashworth down by choosing me.” Later that afternoon, Isaiah’s mother said, “Regardless of the struggles that Isaiah has had in the past, I am proud of my son and what he has accomplished. I am so excited that he has won this scholarship. It will make such a difference in his life! Thank you Schenck Job Corps and Ashworth College.” Edwards will be the first generation in his family to attend college. Vocational Instructor Robert Roberts IV said, “I would like to congratulate Isaiah on receiving this well-deserved award. It has been my pleasure to watch Isaiah continue to grow and reach his goals.” Roberts went on to say, “Isaiah is hardworking and a leader in the career technical training portion of the Job Corps program. He consistently leads by example and takes ownership of assignments no matter the circumstances.” Roberts concluded by saying, “I’m proud to be a part of this young man’s journey. I believe he will become successful in all areas of life and I am thankful to Ashworth in assisting a young man who may not have the opportunity otherwise to attend college.” Principal Jimmy Copeland, III, said these things about Edwards and his award, “We are ecstatic Center Director Tammy Wentland was all smiles as she said, “As the Center Director I am extremely proud of Isaiah for being the first recipient of this scholarship here at Schenck. He has set the bar high for future Schenck students to strive to achieve. We appreciate Ashworth for their partnership with us and their support for our students.” Schenck Job Corps is the first Forest Service Job Corps Center to receive such an award from Ashworth College to be used to help students further their education. Edwards has chosen to study creative writing with his scholarship money and has already placed an order for his books. He wants to be able to write exciting, award winning, children’s books. Be on the look-out for his first book to be published soon! Thank you Ashworth for helping to make a young man’s dreams come true! L-R Foreground. Schenck Job Corps Academic Manager Jimmy Copeland and scholarship recipient Isaiah Edwards. Schenck Job Corps Center Director Tammy Wentland is seated. Photo courtesy of Schenck Job Corps. Page 11 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Weber Basin Job Corps 2014 Fire Program Projects and Achievements Brandon J. Everett, Job Corps Fire Area Fire Management Officer, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Two additional miles of final tread was completed on the physical fitness trail system around the Weber Basin Job Corps Center, which included the construction of two of four bridges and one interpretive sign slated for the project. (L-R) Weber Basin student Jaimme Noonchester and Initial Attack leader Ryan McFarland lay decking on the north loop bridge at the Weber Basin Job Corps Center in October 2014. Photo courtesy of Ryan McFarland. Weber Basin Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center supported the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest through an average fire season in the Northern Utah Dispatch Area in 2014. During the first of the season the crew helped complete a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) fuels reduction project in Big Cottonwood Canyon, which lead to an expansion of the project and which was completed in October 2014. A total of 25 acres of shaded fuel breaks (L-R) Initial Attack Module leader Ryan McFarland and Weber Basin student Jaimme Noonchester lop and scatter piles on the Muller Park Trail on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in August 2014. Photo courtesy of Paul Corrigan. were cut and piled or chipped to clear material. The Engine and Initial Attack (IA) Module were again assigned to maintain fuel breaks around the Rocky Mountain Research Station regional bug laboratory and Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) in Ogden. The crew was also requested to lop and scatter decadent piles and brush on the Mueller Park trail, a premier Mountain Biking loop in the WUI on the Salt Lake Ranger District that measures 13 miles long and gains 1,500 feet of elevation. The trail was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Centers in the 1960s. The IA Module and Engine completed multiple days of stacking sticks and burning piles on the forest. Due to high fuel moistures and lack of broadcast burn windows this work was critical to meeting year-end forest fuels targets. A combined total of 1,510 student work based learning hours were recorded on national forest account projects. During the 2015 season we anticipate completion of the trail system and stationing ten fitness stations along the route; this will be an enhancement for Center life. Local Helitack crews also use the trail system and it may be used to station resources in the Northern Utah Area during preposition and staging. Two days of weed pulling filled numerous bags of noxious weeds from the Ogden Valley and the Wasatch Front above Ogden, a project that Weber Basin has supported the Ogden Ranger District over the last five seasons. The IA Module and Engine completed multiple days of stacking sticks and burning piles on the forest. Due to high fuel moistures and lack of broadcast burn windows this work was critical to meeting year-end forest fuels targets. A combined total of 1,510 student work based learning hours were recorded on national forest account projects. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and the Weber Basin Job Corp signed a Public Lands Corp (PLC) working agreement in May 2014 to provide continued participation and recognition of PLC projects on national forest lands. During the 2014 season ten students completed the required hours needed for noncompetitive status in PLC program. Weber Basin Job Corps Facts Students: 224 Staff: 64 Vocational Trades: Culinary Arts Facilities Maintenance Office Administration Union Bricklaying Union Carpentry Union Electrical Welding Weber Basin Job Corps students with Engine 631 perform ignition and holding operations on the Mill Hollow prescribed burn on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in September 2014. Photo courtesy of Brandon Everett. Page 12 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Collbran Job Corps Wildland Fire Program 2014 Fire Season Report David Pearce, Job Corps Fire Area Fire Management Officer, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests Collbran Job Corps fire training includes: Collbran Job Corps firefighters attend a briefing while on the Thompson River Fire Complex on the Lolo National Forest in August 2014. Photo courtesy of Collbran Job Corps. The Collbran Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Fire Program is a partnership between the Center and the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests. The objectives of the fire program are to educate, train, and provide hands on experience in wildland fire management activities for the students. In 2014, 46 students completed the Work Capacity Test and Guard School, earning their certification as a Wildland Firefighter Type 2 with the U.S. For- Collbran Job Corps Gunnison River Crew constructing indirect line on the 2014 Johnson Bar Fire in Idaho. Photo courtesy of Collbran Job Corps. est Service. Students gained experience in prescribed fire, hazardous fuels reduction and wildfire suppression, while working in California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana. The first phase of training for the students consisted of preparing for the Work Capacity Test at the arduous level. Students were provided with fire packs filled with the required 45 pounds and were seen walking around Center with these blue packs for months preparing for the Pack Test. Students who successfully completed the Pack Test were able to attend Guard School. Upon completion of Guard School, students earned certificates in S-130, S-190, I-100, L180 and IS-700 and became certified as a Wildland Firefighter Type 2. The Pack Test and Guard School were offered in April and October 2014 to provide opportunities to as many of the students as possible. Physical fitness is a high priority and students participate in regular fitness training. Emphasis is placed on cardiovascular endurance through running and hik- Map and Compass GPS Navigation Radio use Medical emergencies SKED practice Tool sharpening/repair Cache and supply inventory IRPG use USFS hiring process USA Jobs ing. Push-ups, sit-ups, and pullups are utilized to build muscular strength. Group physical fitness training is not only helpful to the individual but allows time to work together as a group and build the trust and teamwork that is required for a successful crew. In addition to the formal training during Guard School, weekly training sessions were provided to further enhance and expand upon the skills they had acquired. Topics included Six Minutes for Safety, National Fire Situation Report, and Regional/ Local fire conditions. In May, 2015, students were selected to attend S-212 Wildfire Chainsaws. This four day course provided classroom teaching and hands on cutting time. This class provided students with another certificate and experience working with and around chainsaws. With Guard School complete and students physically fit, everyone was ready to respond to a fire. With a slow start to the fire season, patience was tested but rewarded for those who continued with their training. In partnership with the GMUG, the top students in the fire program were available to join the Forest’s Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) crew, Gunnison River. The Gunnison River Crew is comprised of staff from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and Job Corps. The first assignment for Gunnison River was in July and took the crew to Oregon for fourteen days. After returning home for a short period, the crew was activated again to Montana and later reassigned to Idaho. The third and final trip was to California in September for another 14 day assignment. (continued on page 13) Collbran Job Corps fire crew member working on the Lower Tri State prescribed fire on the GMUG National Forest. Photo courtesy of Collbran Job Corps. Page 13 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Collbran Job Corps Wildland Fire Program 2014 Fire Season Report (continued from page 12) David Pearce, Job Corps Fire Area Fire Management Officer, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests In May 2015, students were able to use the training they had received in class on prescribed fire projects on the national forest. For some students this was their first experience working in a forest, camping and eating Meals-Ready-to-Eat. From hiking ridges at 9000’ elevation while burning with a drip torch to holding a fireline and eating smoke for hours, students got a taste of what the job is like. A module from the Center was able to participate in prescribed fire projects on the Gunnison Ranger District, Ouray Ranger District, and Grand Valley Ranger District during the spring burning season. Students worked in a variety of fuel types including grass, shrub, timber and slash. They got to see the preparation that goes into a project prior to burning and the follow up that occurs after the burning. The module was able to work with fire managers on the GMUG to treat approximately 1,200 acres in 2014. Students were able to assist the Ouray Ranger District with a fuels reduction project this summer at the Telluride Ski Resort. The project consisted of removing trees along the boundary with Forest Service and private lands to reduce the threat of wildfire spreading to private land and homes. Students also worked on the removal and cleanup of a hazardous tree at the Forest Service office in Collbran. Collbran students have participated in a number of training opportunities and invested countless hours in their selfdevelopment for potential careers with the Forest Service. Members of the fire crew have worked together this summer to protect the public and natural resources from fire. They have worked thousands of hours in extreme terrain and temperatures, and have had zero accidents or injuries! Collbran Job Corps Facts Students: 190 Staff: 63 Vocational Trades: Computer Networking/Cisco Culinary Arts Facilities Maintenance Office Administration Union Carpentry Union Cement Masonry Union Floor Covering Union Painting Welding In the first full year of the fire program partnership with the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests and Collbran Job Corps, a solid foundation has been built. Recruitment efforts are ongoing to bring on new students and staff for the 2015 fire season while building on the success of 2014. The fire program has a dedicated facility that holds the fire cache, training room and office space. Strengthening current partnerships and building new ones with other agencies will be a priority in 2015, as this will provide new opportunities for the students. There will be an increase in course curriculum that is offered here to provide additional training for returning crewmembers. The future is bright for the 2015 Collbran Job Corps Center fire season. Gunnison River Crew warming up after a rain shower on the 2014 Thompson River Fire in Montana. Photo courtesy of Collbran Job Corps. Collbran Job Corps students taking a 2014 Pack Test. Photo courtesy of Collbran Job Corps. While assigned to multiple incidents throughout the fire season, students gained experience in: Direct and indirect hand line construction Portable pump set up and hose lay use Aviation use and bucket work Patrolling the fireline Mop up Tree felling and snag mitigation Collbran Job Corps Fire Team on the 2014 Johnson Bar Fire in Idaho. Photo Courtesy of Collbran Job Corps. Page 14 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Yolanda Valenzuela Alicia D. Bennett, Public Affairs Officer, Job Corps National Office response was, “Thank you Yolanda for always being able to set us on the straight and narrow. Good luck to you in your new adventure. We will miss working with you.” After graduating from the Collbran Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center, Valenzuela took a posiJCNO Budget Analyst (and Collbran Job Corps graduate) tion with the Job Corps Yolanda Valenzuela. Photo courtesy of Alicia D. Bennett program in 1991 because she wanted to give back Happiness for her; sadness for to the program that had given so the Job Corps Civilian Consermuch to her. She took a brief vation Centers—those were the departure from Job Corps befeelings that spread throughout tween 1994 through 1999 bethe Forest Service Job Corps fore she landed back at the program when Budget Analyst Bureau of Reclamation Job (and Collbran Job Corps graduCorps program in August 1999 ate) Yolanda Valenzuela anas a budget analyst. nounced she was leaving to accept a promotion to a GS-12 Budget Analyst for the Department of Energy, Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). “Sniff-Sniff-Sniff . . . BoohooBoohoo . . . Waa-Waa-Woe is me!” is one of the more unique reactions when a Center staff member learned of Yolanda’s departure. A more standard “I found my way back to Job Corps because I truly believe in the program and I wanted to be a part of it in any way that I could,” remarked Valenzuela. “The students are the reason that we are here. I think every Job Corps employee should have the opportunity to attend a graduation and hear a gradua- tion speech. I remember every speech I have heard and it reminds me that the work that we do affects lives of the students as well as their families.” Yolanda grew up in Denver, Colorado and family circumstances led her to enroll in Collbran Job Corps. “I quickly made friends and bonded with others that were in my same situation or similar situation,” states Valenzuela. “Collbran staff was patient and very caring. I truly believe that staff that work at the Centers are there because they care dearly about the students. I was eager to learn and quickly get a job, so I completed the program in eight months.” Valenzuela says that she can’t imagine what her life would have been like if she had not enrolled in the Job Corps program. “I have been with the government nearly 24 years now. I am sure that would not have happened if I had not graduated from the Collbran Job Corps Center,” states Valenzuela. “I am grateful for my life’s experiences; they have taken me to the place I am today and that is a good place.” When she is not solving agency budgetary issues, Valenzuela works as a holistic health profession. She is a Reiki practitioner and she will have her certifications in auricular therapy, iridology, aromatherapy, and master herbalist by the end of the year. “I am a volunteer with Estara Integrative Programs,” says Valenzuela. “We provide holistic, Mesoamerican, Indigenous, and Chinese Medicine healing therapies for low-income individuals and the elderly.” While working for WAPA, Valenzuela will continue attending classes at Metropolitan State University of Denver for her degree in Integrative Health Care and the Institute of Bioenergetics Medicine for her board certification as a Doctoral of Natural Medicine. “ “I will miss my friends and the program greatly,” stated Valenzuela. Although true, collectively, the Forest Service Job Corps program will miss her more. Civic Duty Has Its Day—Job Corps Students Serve as Mock Jurors Rachel Nelson, Social Studies Instructor, Grand Mesa High School, Collbran Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center This is the fourth year Collbran Job Corps students have participated as Mock Jurors in the Western Colorado Mock Trial Competition. This year 12 Collbran students listened to the evidence and determined the verdict. While it did not influence the actual Mock trials teach students the importance of their civic duty to attend jury duty. results, the teams truly appreciate the realistic atmosphere the jury creates. Because of this experience, students learned the importance of their civic duty to attend jury duty. Students worked with lawyers and judges from around Western Colorado and received certificates from the Colorado Bar Association and Kids Voting Mesa County for their participation. The students were highlighted for their roles in being good citizens by Kids Voting Mesa County on March 12th, 2015, at the Kids Voting Annual Banquet. Back row L-R: Students Jerry Duvall, Geeya Bunting, Isaiah Michael Barash, Jessica Cook, Seth Brinkhaus. Middle row L-R: Students Mariah Daupine, Victoria Mayo, April Peterson, Liz PortilloSanchez, Alexis Chavez. Front row L-R: Student Gage Smith, Grand Mesa High School Social Studies Teacher Rachel Schowalter, and student Brittain Hardin. Photo courtesy of Collbran Job Corps. Page 15 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Schenck Job Corps Celebrates the Mathematical Symbol π Donna McCulloch, Numeracy and Volunteer Coordinator, Schenck Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center The education students at Schenk Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center mixed it up as they enjoyed activities related to the mathematical symbol π (and the pie we eat). Schenk Numeracy/Volunteer Coordinator Donna McCulloch believes in bringing fun to learn- Schenck Job Corps Facts Students: 181 Staff: 60 Vocational Trades: Advanced Fire Management Advanced Forestry Automotive Technician Culinary Arts Facilities Maintenance Union Carpentry Union Painting Welding ing. On Pi Day, or March 14 (3.14…) students learn about ‘all things round’ and celebrate through friendly competition and recitation of the digits of Pi. Everyone ends the day’s activities by eating pie. The winner, who recited the most digits, earned the opportunity to throw a pie in a teacher’s face. Watching the young people laugh, compete and enjoy a few minutes of just playing, is priceless. sessing the correct size of round cake pans in culinary arts. This skill also can be used in facilities maintenance when selecting PVC or galvanized piping. Activities of this nature also allow students gain experience in conflict resolution, teambuild- “Teaching and working with Job Corps students is most rewarding when I can ‘teach outside the box,’ relating math concepts to job situations.” McCulloch finds that teaching and working with her Job Corps students is most rewarding when she can “teach outside the box,” relating math concepts to job situations. This activity provides an innovative way of understanding applied academics. π is a measurement concept that requires critical thinking when relating how to determine the distance around a circle through the use of the circle’s diameter. ing, and self-advocacy–all of which support our social skills program. Schenk Job Corp Civilian Conservation Center has ranked in the top 10 Job Corps Centers in numeracy rankings for the past two years. —Donna McCulloch Numeracy and Volunteer Coordinator, Schenck Job Corps The symbol Pi. Photo Courtesy of Schenck Job Corps. Students use this skill when determining such things as a pipe-fitting in welding and as- L-R Patrick Jones, Donna McCulloch. Photo courtesy of Schenck Job Corps. L-R (Facing Camera) Malik Randall, Kendell Kirkwood, Billy Dixon, Ivan Zayas-Font, Chris Cates, Elijahwan Haynes-Jones, Phillip Cuthbertson, Cheri Jones, Sho’ntel Woodberry, Thomas Miller, Patrick Jones, Isaac Abbott, Kenneth Oscar. (Back to Camera) Ajari Flint-Wright, Delante’ Teel, Tashala Gilliam, Kayleb Roy, Taylor White, Marky Vongphakdy, Nick Garcia, Ashley Doherty, Steven Suber, Donjeia Alston-Jones, Alexandra Villalba, Lyric West. Photo courtesy of Schenck Job Corps. Page 16 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Schenck Job Corps Celebrates the Mathematical Symbol π (continued from page 15) Donna McCulloch, Numeracy and Volunteer Coordinator, Schenck Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center L-R Christopher Reeves, Kayleb Roy, Thomas Miller. Photo courtesy of Schenck Job Corps. L-R Derek Davis, Malik Randell, Natasha Hayes, Turea Turner, Sanchez Allen, Billy Dixon, Ivan ZayasFont, Kayleb Roy. Photo courtesy of Schenck Job Corps. L-R Patrick Jones, Nick Garcia, Kendell Kirkwood, Steven Suber, Donjea Alsto-Jones, Donna McCulloch (Behind the pie). Photo courtesy of Schenck Job Corps. L-R Derek Davis, Brandon Magwood, Shanell Johnson. Photo courtesy of Schenck Job Corps. Short Takes from the World of Civilian Conservation Centers THE 2014 JOB CORPS STUDENT VOLUNTEER NUMBERS ARE IN! 1,388 student volunteers 355,000 hours Interesting Factoid: Job Corps students contributed the highest hours per person of four programs—Job Corps, Volunteers, YCC, and Partners. Top 3 Job Corps Student Volunteer Activities Fire prevention, 162,040 Facilities construction, 80,870 Campground caretaking, 32,180 This translates into $8.01M in value generated. Page 17 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Trapper Creek Students Complete a Season of Work-Based Learning With the Wisdom Fire Crew Justin Abbey, Job Corps Fire Area Fire Management Officer, Bitterroot National Forest During the 2014 fire season, two students successfully completed a full season of workbased learning (WBL) as members of the Wisdom Ranger District Fire Crew (BeaverheadDeerlodge National Forest). Nineteen year olds Viridiana Gonzalez, from California, and Jessica Leblanc, from Colorado, seized the opportunity to volunteer with the district and determine if they were suited for a career in fire. The two students were interviewed and selected in February, but then required to maintain excellent behavior by Cen- Trapper Creek Job Corps Facts Students: 217 Staff: 67 Vocational Trades: Facility Maintenance Welding Culinary Arts Electrical Forestry Conservation and Firefighting Office Administration Union Carpentry Union Cement Masonry Union Painting ter conduct standards. Both Viridiana and Jessica fully integrated with the fire crew— living in government housing, and working side-by-side other district personnel. Trapper Creek Job Corps logistically supported the two students with meals and transportation while the Wisdom Ranger District provided supervision and training. Jessica and Viridiana were paid as casual hires "The experience showed me how hard this job really is, but strengthened how bad I really wanted it. It gave me a better understanding of what I'd learned in training at center. I'll do it for the next 40 years if I can." —Viridiana Gonzalez when assigned to an incident on a pcode or severity assignment; otherwise, they were actively volunteering their time to gain on-the-job experience--resulting in more boots on the ground with minimal expense to the federal government. Trapper Creek student Viridiana Gonzalez on her work-based learning assignment as a member of the Wisdom Ranger District fire crew. Photo courtesy of Justin Abbey. Both students contributed approximately 800 volunteer hours of work for the district between May and September, 2014, and they now have a full season of fire experience on their resumes as they begin to look for temporary positions for the 2015 fire season. "I achieved my goal to learn as much as possible. It was like I found my calling. Everything I'd been training for was put into action, and came to life." —Jessica Leblanc Trapper Creek student Jessica Leblanc on her work-based learning assignment as a member of the Wisdom Ranger District fire crew. Photo courtesy of Justin Abbey. Page 18 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier Short Takes from the World of Civilian Conservation Centers Frenchburg Job Corps Education Manager Darrell Cross takes students to the fifth annual Hazard Community & Technical College Super Sunday recruitment event Sunday at Hazard Consolidated Baptist Church. The statewide initiative targets African-American and Latino students and their families with information and resources to support college admissions and enrollment. See the video at: Boxelder Job Corps students Anthony Brewer, Rashelle Kills Pretty Enemy, Alyssa Stacy, Say Wah Pah, Jacob Zulaug, Hector Sanchez, Bobby Sanchez, Mosse Dawet, Carrie Shaw, Gopi Gahajmer, Dillion Mentz, Matt Shakalton, Lance Batty, Jonathan Harris, James Simonson, Paul Frankus, Harold Red Owl, James Big Crow Richard McKinney, and Steven Burning Breast volunteered 172 hours to the non-profit Home Builders Association conference in Rapid City South Dakotaon March 27, 2015. Students filled over 5,000 bags with materials for handouts at the trade show. Photo courtesy of Jerry Hood. http://www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/ headlines/Frenchburg Job Corps Students attend HCTC Super-Sunday-recruitmentevent-297185181.html Idaho Court of Appeals Judge (and Wolf Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Graduate) to Be Honored at Job Corps 50th Anniversary Celebration Great Onyx Job Corps students get one-on-one help. Read more: Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2516954 http://www.bgdailynews.com/features/job-corps-givesstudents-one-on-one-help/article_33d74010-e88a5c59-b13b-090fa6bcf94a.html Schenck Job Corps Graduate to Be Honored at Job Corps 50th Anniversary Celebration Read more: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150408 006387/en/Californian-Honored-Job-Corps-50thAnniversary-Celebration#.VTRusE0cS00 Mingo Job Corps student leaders were recognized at the quarterly leadership awards banquet at Dexter Bar B. Que. The guest speaker was former Job Corps Social Service Manager Steve Fowler. Fowler spoke to the student leaders about what makes an effective leader and the responsibilities that go along with it. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Dawe. Page 19 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier What Can Civilian Conservations Centers Do For Your National Forests or Grasslands? Sample Work Forest Service Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers National Forest Systems Recreation Trail construction, trail maintenance Recreation Site improvements: painting (signs, picnic tables), facilities maintenance, construction, brush removal, mowing, trailhead maintenance) Installation of picnic tables, fire rings Kiosk construction and installation Forestry Pre-commercial thinning, tree planting, timber marking Stream maintenance -gabion installations Nursery work -tree lifting and packing, seedling planting The Forest Service is facing critical shortages of workers. Job Corps is an ideal source from which to recruit and improve the diversity of its permanent workforce. The partnership between the Forest and JCCCCs can benefit both parties through development of work-based learning (WBL) opportunities that provide on-the -job training for students and help the Forest Service meet mission critical project goals. Looking to add professional, trained, youthful, diverse staff to your project or office? Forest Service Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center students or Mobile Corps can be a valuable addition to your next project. Mobile Corps projects are larger scale, multi-student and/or multi-center projects. These projects have ranged from painting/maintenance at Grey Towers Historical site, building smaller buildings and campsite projects, to the construction of ranger stations and staff housing. A formal application process must be completed for project consideration. Job Corps students are eligible for federal employment. As students they can be hired using the Pathways Program. They may also qualify for the Public Lands Corps Act (PLC). Students are able to compete through the traditional federal hiring but using these two authorities might expedite JCCCC student hiring. Contact Cyndi Szymanski at 303-275-5074 or e-mail at :ceszymanski@fs.fed.us for additional information. Cone Collection Wildlife/Fisheries/Hydrology/Soils Install Inserts for Red Cockcaded Woodpecker Boundary marking of Red Cockcaded Woodpecker area Snag/Grouse drumming log creation Mid-story removal Gabion installations Infestation surveys Engineering Blackwell Job Corps students work in the Center’s Peoples Garden. Photo courtesy of Blackwell Job Corps. Carpentry, painting Heavy equipment repair and maintenance, auto maintenance Electrical, plumbing, welding Brick and concrete masonry Fashion stone foundations for forest portal signs Lyndon B. Johnson Job Corps welding students pose behind the Center’s entry sign. Photo courtesy of Lyndon B. Johnson Job Corps. Stream inventory Boundary/landline location, marking, inspection and maintenance Road Maintenance - sawing and chipping for site clearance on FS roads Greening of Job Corps Centers, Research Stations, and District Offices Cass Job Corps heavy equipment student. Photo courtesy of Cass Job Corps. Administrative Front desk operator /services Data input, clerical, computer installation (Job Corps IT Team), record keeping State and Private Forestry Fire suppression, rehab, mop-up, catering Prescribed fire Research Data collection Inventory The hard work of fighting fire appears to agree with the Flatwoods Job Corps Lonesome Pine Crew. Photo courtesy of Flatwoods Job Corps. Angell Job Corps urban forestry student. Photo courtesy of Angell Job Corps. Page 20 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center Courier 1964 — 2014 Conserving America’s Natural Resources for 50 Years Job Corps is the nation’s largest residential, educational, and career technical training program that prepares economically disadvantaged youth, ranging in age from 16 to 24, for productive employment. USDA Forest Service operates 28 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers (JCCCCs) with a capacity to house, educate, and train over 5,200 enrollees. Students attend academic and vocational classes and learn critical life skills in preparation for longterm employment, careers in natural resources, continued education or military service. The JCCCCs provide a unique opportunity for at-risk youth to take control of and steer their lives in a positive direction and contribute to the conservation of the nation’s public natural resources. JCCCCs are associated with national forests or grasslands and are operated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service in partnership with the Department of Labor (DOL). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users). Alicia D. Bennett Public Affairs Officer/Editor USDA Forest Service Job Corps 740 Simms Street Golden, CO 80401 Phone: 303-275-5934 Fax: 303-275-5940 E-mail: adbennett@fs.fed.us Ron Cubit Program Specialist/Assistant Editor To subscribe to the Courier, send your e-mail address to: adbennett@fs.fed.us We’re On the Web: http://fsweb.jc.wo.fs.fed.us/
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