Julian Roth attended Job Corps with the intention of only completing his Computer Technician training in the Information Technology program. Little did he know, Harpers Ferry Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center would provide him an opportunity to join the fire program.
The fire program was a work-based learning experience where Julian was introduced to the Forest Service, learned all about wildland fires, participated in physical training, and was flown to other areas to fight fires.
Julian, originally from Maryland, was working for Beretta USA for about a year and a half after high school. During this time, his grandmother who he was living with told him about Job Corps. Julian was hoping to pursue a career with growth opportunity and more financial compensation. After additional research and discussions with his grandmother, Julian decided Job Corps would provide him with benefits and a career he was passionate about.
Julian enrolled in Job Corps in February 2019 to train in IT. Julian made several friends and became a leader to his fellow peers on center. He was selected to be the Student Government Association (SGA) vice president and eventually SGA president.
One day, Julian’s friend told him about the Forestry Conservation and Firefighting program available at Harpers Ferry. This enticed Julian because it wasn’t a traditional training area offered at the center and would allow him to experience more than the suburbs and city he was familiar with growing up. Julian quickly decided to join the fire program. Throughout his time at Job Corps, Julian was sent to Francis, Mont., multiple times for his on-the-job training, as well as up and down the East Coast doing prescribed burnings.
“Stay focused and do what you need to do. Always go ahead and volunteer for different things. You will be asked to do more around your center. You will be one of the first people to go on-the-job train because you’re staying focused and doing what you need to do.”
In 2018, Julian was one of six students across the country selected to be part of the first Job Corps dispatch academy for wildland fire for the Forest Service. He was flown that summer to different dispatch centers in Washington, Colorado, and Tennessee to support them with their fires. Various wildland fire dispatchers mentored Julian and helped him with his resume for the government to review. Clay Fowler, the head of the Job Corps dispatch academy in Colorado, helped Julian talk to other centers and provided connections for him.
“Everywhere that I went, I appreciated everyone because they gave me some life experience and work experience that I really wasn’t going to find if I stayed in Maryland. I am glad that I was able to have all the experiences with everyone that I met.”
Julian graduated in February 2019 with his Computer Technician training and the fire program experience. Clay Fowler and Justin Abbey, the head of Job Corps dispatch in Montana, asked Julian to come back to help teach and mentor students at the dispatch academy. Julian provided firsthand knowledge about his experience and taught the students the importance of staying focused.
Julian is now an Initial Attack Dispatcher for the United States Forest Service. He works at the Tennessee NHRC Coordination Center in Cleveland, Tenn. He uses his experience from the fire program daily, but he also uses his computer technician skills with various programs and security measures at the center. Julian is constantly visiting other centers to see how they are running and learning how he can help make things run smoother at his center. He is inspired by the leaders at these centers who stay cool, calm, and collected. In the future, Julian wants to be a center manager at his own dispatch center, always keeping the job exciting and the morale high.
“Once you leave [Job Corps], you will have all the skills that you need, and you can continue to push forward on your career and grow throughout the years.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: February 2019 Employer: Initial Attack Dispatcher – United States Forest Service; works at the Tennessee NHRC Coordination Center in Cleveland, Tennessee Hometown: Maryland Notes:
Contact Information: julian.roth@usda.gov; 202-256-3789
Source: Center Submission
Story Type: Vetted Story