The Community Wildfire Protection Corps (CWPC) creates fire resilient communities and reduces fire risk in high priority areas while providing workforce development and career building opportunities to young adults.
CWPC crews work throughout Oregon serving at-risk communities in the protection against wildfire through meaningful land management work, such as fuels reduction and invasive species removal. The crews focus most intensely on clearing the first 100 feet around important infrastructure and homes to create a buffer of “defensible space” from flammable material.
This work is done in coordination with local area fire departments and Oregon Department of Forestry and the Office of State Fire Marshall.
Join the Community wildfire protection corps
Northwest Youth Corps’ Community Wildfire Protection Corps crews integrate team-based work projects, education, and professional trainings into a program that encourages personal growth and the development of resource management skills.
- Member Ages 19-26
-
12 week
Duration
- Members earn up to $10,900*
job skills focus
Position Overview
Community Wildfire Protection Corps (CWPC) provides young adults the opportunity to learn, grow, and experience success. CWPC crew members learn how to protect communities from wildfires by conducting fuels reduction, enhancing natural habitats, and removing invasive species while developing many valuable work and outdoor skills.
The CWPC integrates team-based work projects, education, and on-site vocational training into an experience that prioritizes personal growth, and the development of conservation and outdoor industry work skills. Participants will develop technical skills working on a variety of conservation projects while developing the soft skills needed to be successful in any work setting.
A critical element of the program is the educational curriculum that accompanies the experience. The curriculum is based around preparing the next generation of stewardship leaders to work in the outdoor industry. Lessons range from group dynamics and environmental policy to stewardship and resource management.
This is an AmeriCorps position. AmeriCorps members complete paid terms of national community service to address our nation’s most pressing issues.
2026 Dates:
Eastern Oregon Crew: Feb. 23-May 15, 2026
Community Crew (Long-form): Nov 3rd, 2025-May 1st, 2026 (Excluding holidays)
Apply Here for 2026
Eastern Oregon CWPC Crew:
Feb. 23-May 15, 2026
Serve in communities across Eastern Oregon while working in a Camping-based 10-day on/4-day off format— Meeting point in Pendleton, OR.
APPLY AND LEARN MORE HERE
Location: All crews’ projects will take place in Oregon. Some crews will require local housing, some will require camping during the workweek, and some will be camping the entire session. CWPC camping will be front country, not backcountry.
Members Receive:
Members receive a total living stipend of $9,000 and a $1,956.35 AmeriCorps Education Award. Compensation includes meals and camping accommodations during workdays.
Leaders Receive:
Assistant Crew Leaders receive a total living stipend of $10,720 and a $1,956.35 AmeriCorps Education Award based on the successful completion of the service term.
Crew Leaders receive $180 per work day, and $100 per day during Leader Training (10 days).
Compensation includes meals and camping accommodations during workdays.
