
NATIVE STEWARDS FELLOWSHIP
Our 140-hour workforce development program brings together Traditional knowledge with wildfire resilience, vocational skills, and ecocultural land stewardship,
preparing individuals for careers stewarding their Traditional lands.
The 2025 cohort applications are open. Application deadline is April 1st!
Ecological Literacy
Field time, observation, and learning experientially with nature’s rhythms
California’s plant communities and associated wildlife
Carbon and water cycles
Cultural Knowledge
Respect for the land
Traditional uses of plants and their cultural importance
Native names of places, plants, and animals
Cultural burning practices
Tending to culturally significant species
Vocational Skills
First Aid, and CPR
Chainsaw safety and certification
Wildland fire and fuels management
Cultural resource monitoring
Tree planting and seed collection
A diversity of restoration skills
Career development
ABOUT THE NATIVE STEWARDS FELLOWSHIP
Timing: April 21, 2025 - May 16, 2025, Four weeks from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. Monday - Thursday. Graduation on the final Friday.
Location: Upper Lake, CA
Fellowship Description:
TERA’s fellowship training program brings together traditional knowledge with wildfire resilience and ecocultural land stewardship, 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.
US citizen or permanent resident
Participation in TERA orientation
Able to complete First Aid and CPR requirements
Stipend + Benefits:
Stipend for qualified individuals.
*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.
“I've been working for the Conservation Corps since July 7th 2024. Currently, I've been in Southern California fighting the Mountain Fire. I am very grateful for the knowledge and experience I gained from TERA. I love wildland fire fighting and prefer it over structural fire fighting. Anyways, thank you and maybe in the future I'd like to come back and work for TERA.”
—Star Brightman, Manchester Point Arena Band of Pomo Indians, Native Stewards Fellow Alum 2024
