The Phoenix Field School is a 16-week education and conservation field-training program for youth ages 18-24 interested in pursing education and careers in conservation land management. The program is a partnership between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM, Phoenix District Office, American Conservation Experience (ACE), Arizona Call-a-Teen Youth Resources (ACYR), and Phoenix College (PC).

Field School is a unique field and academic program dedicated to providing youth the opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on conservation experience through a variety of field-based projects, trainings, and certifications with land management and conservation agencies throughout the state of Arizona. While building their job-skills and careers in conservation, crew members will earn college credit, obtain industry-recognized certifications, and make a substantial impact on the conservation and restoration of Arizona’s Public Lands. The Field School crew members work on diverse field projects including trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, wildlife and biological, recreation, invasive plant management, and other cultural and natural resource projects. In addition to the field work and trainings, participants in Field School may also earn up to 15 college credits through Phoenix College by taking classes in areas related to conservation and career development, all of which are eligible towards the Phoenix College Environmental and Natural Resource Stewardship Academic Certificate.

Field Trainings

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)

Academic Courses

Career and Work Experience

 Outdoor Adventure Skills

  Wildland Firefighting

    Field Biology: Southwest Ecology

The Phoenix Field School program is based-out of Phoenix, Arizona with field projects taking place on public lands throughout Arizona with the Bureau of Land Management, as well as with the National Park Service (NPS), US Fish and Wildlife Service(FWS), US Forest Service (USFS), and other conservation organizations and agencies. Each week, after one academic day at Phoenix College, the crew will begin field projects and may camp up to 4-days-a-week, dependent on that week’s project.

Throughout the 16 weeks, Field School crew members gain the necessary and vital skills and experience to become employable in natural resource careers, while making a substantial contribution to Arizona’s natural and cultural treasures.

Start your career today!

Field School Program Eligibility Requirements:

If you are between the ages of 18 and 24, able to pass a background check, have a high school diploma or GED, and are a resident of the City of Phoenix or Maricopa County, you are eligible to apply for this program! If you are interested, please contact Jessica Sutton at jessicap@acyraz.org