AmeriCorps T.R.E.C. Half Term Position
Project T.R.E.C. (Trail Restoration Enhancement Corps) is a "project area" within the Florida Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Program. They function as a traveling team based in Gainesville. Members are prescheduled for various trail restoration/awareness projects in Florida State Parks. Members must work 5-8 days, full time, depending on the project, and must have a positive attitude. These members are also required to participate in the AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team aspect of the program, for the state of Florida (may deploy for 30 days at a time).
Requirements
• Must be able to complete an FBI/FDLE background check (free of charge) before the start date
• Must be able to attend orientation Week in March
• Must commit to full 900 hours of service over 6 months for half term member position
• Must be 17 years of age with a parent’s note stating you can serve in the program
• Must have obtained at least a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to tolerate extreme and adverse conditions of Florida
• Understand that this is not employment, but a term of national service in an AmeriCorps program
• Must be able to function and work with a team of people daily, for long periods of time
• Must have conflict-resolution skills
• Positive attitude
Training/Benefits Available
(Some may not apply depending on the project area)
• Interpretation
• Leadership
• Professional Development
• Conflict Resolution
• Disaster Response
• CPR/First Aid/AED
• Effective Communication
• Resume/Cover Letter Workshop (Life After AmeriCorps)
• Trail tools training
• Hatchet and Machete training/use
• Herbicide Application Training
• Use of large equipment
• Hauling trailers
• Park/District Specific
o S-130/S-190 (Wildfire Training)
o ATV/UTV Certification
o DEP Boater safety
o Scuba certification
o Tractor Training
o S-212 (Wildland Fire Chainsaw Training)
Monetary Benefits
• Loan deferment
• Childcare Assistance through AmeriCorps
• Full Term Members receive a $6,895.00 Education award at the completion of service
• Half Term Members receive a $3,447.50 Education award at the completion of service
• Monthly Living Stipend: $1,550.00 for both half-term and full-term members
• Free health insurance
• Access to Employee Assistance Program
• Free access to Florida State Parks
What you can expect from your service
• Natural Resource Skills
• Plant identification
• Chainsaw training and use
• Hauling trailers
o Training and use of large equipment
o Tool maintenance (chainsaws, trail tools, herbicide application tools, hatchets, machetes, hand saws, vehicles, ATV, UTV)
o Safe use of herbicide application
o Participate in prescribed fire
o Create/maintain/improve public trails
• Professional development
• Introduction to federal and state policy and guidelines
• Experience entering data and retrieving reports for progress tracking
• Organize and/or participate in strike teams and service projects
• Network and build relationships with natural resource professionals
• Community Outreach
• Flyer and graphic design and development
• Opportunity to recruit volunteers and lead volunteer projects
• Table at community events
• Participate in disaster response recovery efforts