Summer Queer Conservation Crew Member
Position: SCC four Corners QUEER Conservation Crew Member
Dates: May 30th – August 12th, 2022
Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Camping Program
Location: Durango, CO
Stipend: $400/week
Ages: 18 – 30
Health Benefits: Not Health Benefit Eligible
Other Benefits: Wilderness First Aid Certificate, food provided while in the field, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment.
AmeriCorps Education Award: $1,374.60
Southwest Conservation Corps:
The Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy, that is built on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that operated from 1933 – 1942. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects on public lands. While serving with SCC, members receive training on job skills, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Programs are developed using a step ladder approach to provide a progression of skill development based on a member’s needs. Members receive a weekly living allowance, training, and an AmeriCorps Education Award (for qualifying individuals).
For the health and safety of our crews, staff and communities, projects may be postponed or adjusted due to COVID-19. The information provided in this Position Description is an outline of how our program has typically been operating, however it is subject to change. As this situation develops, and decisions are made, we will provide updates. We encourage you to continue with the application process and we will keep consistent and direct communication with all applicants.
Full vaccination against COVID-19 by the first day of employment and ability to provide proof of vaccination before starting is required.
About the Position
Our affinity crews create an inclusive space for groups that have been under-represented to gain hands-on experience, technical skills training, and professional development. These crews foster a safer, more comfortable learning environment where participants are able to maximize their opportunities to grow and develop. The LGBTQIA2S+ Affinity Crew seeks to create a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive space for all regardless of gender or sexual identity. We value respect of names, pronouns, orientation, gender, and philosophies, confidentiality, boundaries (both physical and auditory), and maintaining a safe space for all.
As an AmeriCorps program participant with this Conservation Crew, you will find yourself traversing remote mountain landscapes, exploring the wilderness, and learning how to function as a cohesive group. The expedition style allows crews to obtain proficiency in crew dynamics, project logistics, and technical knowledge.
Each crew consists of 6 members and 2 leaders. Crews work and camp for 8-10 days at a time in either front-country (access to your crew vehicle and trailer), or backcountry (hiking all your supplies in with backpacks) locations, in all types of weather conditions. You will work effectively as a member of the crew; perform strenuous physical work related to environmental conservation and restoration projects; work outdoors in all types of weather and successfully adapt to various climates; actively participate in environmental education activities; practice appropriate safety procedures in all tasks assigned; use, maintain and repair hand and power tools as necessary. Projects include trail construction & maintenance, habitat improvement, hazardous fuels reduction, re-vegetation and local environmental service projects. Crews may also complete technical and/or specialized projects depending on project partner needs, including disaster relief if the opportunity arises.
Schedules are typically 8-days on and 6 days off. There is a possibility you could work 5 days on and 2 days off, or up to 15 days on at a time (with adequate days off in the field), or a variation of schedules requiring all AmeriCorps crew members to show flexibility. SCC does not provide housing on your off days. All crews will go through a 5-day (unpaid) volunteer orientation (May 30th – June 3rd, 2022). This will include a Wilderness First Aid training. Food and space to camp is provided for this training.
Required Skills & Experience
Qualifications:
- To qualify you must identify as a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ Community
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 30
- A US citizen that has received (or is on track to receive) a high school diploma or GED
- Complete and clear National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background checks
Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements
Essential eligibility requirements for the program must be met. If you are unable to meet certain requirements, we may be able to assist you with some modification unless it alters the fundamental nature of the program, compromises the health and safety of participants or staff, or places an undue financial or administrative burden on the organization.
Participant and Expedition Behavior
- Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions
- Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program
- Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of any kind
- Appropriately represent SCC and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners at all times
Risk Management and Judgement
- Effectively follow direction by others, so that you will be able to successfully manage hazards
- Ask clarifying question when you do not understand a task
- Maintain focus during a workday, both while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.
- Participants must be able to maintain proper dosage of prescription medications without assistance.
Environmental Ethics & Outdoor Skills
- Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living and work skills as appropriate to the project.
- Live in a physically demanding, remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks
**After reading the entire position description at the link above, select “Apply” at the bottom to enter the application portal and upload a resume and list of professional references. **
Any questions can be sent to:
Lane Tomassini, Program Coordinator: ltomassini@conservationlegacy.org
Kristen Hencke, Program Coordinator: khencke@conservationlegacy.org