Phoenix District Office BLM Field School

The Conservation Resource Management Field Certification Program—or Phoenix Field School, as it is commonly known—is a 16-week field program that provides the opportunity for students ages 18-24 in Phoenix to gain hands-on work experience in natural resources fields. The BLM is one of the primary organizers and sponsors of the program.

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Investment Act and robust partnerships with the Phoenix and Maricopa County Workforce Investment Boards. The program has a 98 percent graduation rate, making this one of the most successful youth programs in Arizona. Student participants gain valuable experience working for the BLM and other land management agencies, while also earning college credit and a paycheck. Participants receive credentials through a variety of field-based conservation projects, trainings, and certifications, as well as weekly classroom sessions. In addition to the practical application, coursework is geared towards helping the students develop strong leadership skills and fostering the continuation of education and environmental stewardship.

Field Training

• ACE Trails and Restoration/GPS Training, Conservation Field Skills
• Wildland Firefighting Training (S-110; S-130; I-100; L-180)
• Wilderness First Aid Certification
• ATV Rider Course
• Leave No Trace Trainer Certification
• Chainsaw Training/Certification (USFS S-212)

College Credit

Successful participants earn 16 college credits towards an associate degree at Phoenix College; these credits can also be transferred towards bachelor degrees at both Arizona State University (ASU) and Northern Arizona University (NAU).

Schedule

The Field School is based in Phoenix. Each week during the 16-week program, students have a day of classroom instruction followed by up to four days completing projects and camping in the field. Participants may work on public lands throughout Arizona and neighboring states, including lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and others.

More Information

For more information about the program, contact Lawrence Harper, youth program coordinator at the Phoenix District Office at 623-580-5535 or email lharper@blm.gov. 

To apply for the program, contact Jessica Howell, youth workforce job developer, at 602-212-6112 or email jhowell@vosymca.org.