Native Stewards Fellowship – Offered Again in 2024

Timing: April 29 – May 23, 2024. 8 am – 4 pm Monday – Thursday. Graduation on May 23rd.

Location: Lake County, CA

Application Opens: March 1, 2024

Fellowship Description:

TERA’s fellowship training program brings together traditional knowledge with restoration ecology, preparing individuals for meaningful careers that help heal our community and relationship with the land.

Leadership and vocational training prepares participants for ongoing careers with livable wages and upward mobility in the fields of restoration ecology, wildland firefighting and prescribed fire, forestry and fuel load reduction. Skills include learning to fell and limb trees, chainsaw safety, First Aid, and CPR.

Fellows will be expected to participate fully in all 21 days of the training as well as complete some coursework before the start date.

Special or Preferred skills:

The ideal candidate will be:

• Comfortable outdoors, working in all weather conditions and in remote areas.
• Physically able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Good at working as part of a team.
• Willing and eager to learn about land stewardship and culture.

Native American Preference Applies: Preference given to qualified Native American’s pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Act, public Law 93-638.

TERA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Given TERA’s mission and vision we encourage those who culturally identify as Native American to apply; however we do not discriminate without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, marital status, familial status, family responsibility, pregnancy or other pregnancy-related conditions, childbirth, disability, military/veteran status, citizenship status, religion or political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal or state law, local ordinance or Executive Orders.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ages 18 and up
• Available to attend full training for 32 hours per week for 4 weeks. April 29 – May 23.
• US citizen or permanent resident
• Participation in TERA orientation
• Able to complete First Aid and CPR requirements

Stipend + Benefits:

• Stipend for qualified individuals
• Lunch is included on training days.
• Possibility for Hiring – after conclusion of the Fellowship training, there are crew positions available for part-time employment to receive on-the-job training as Trainees. The Trainees will work 4 days / week for 5 months to continue to develop their skills.Note: Completion of the fellowship is not a guarantee of employment.

*The fellowship is a 1099 position and not an employment offer. Fellows are required to pay all self-employment taxes (Social Security & Medicare) as well as income tax. Fellows will not receive any type of employment benefits (health care, retirement) from the client. For more information please refer to www.irs.gov or talk with a tax professional.