Long Term Conservation Crew Member
Position: SCC Four Corners – Long Term Conservation Crew Member
Dates: May 30th – Mid-November 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: $3,247.50
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 technical 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 your service and ability to provide proof of vaccination before starting is required.
About the Position
As an AmeriCorps program participant with the Long-Term Conservation Crew, you will find yourself traversing remote mountain landscapes, exploring the wilderness, and learning how to function as a cohesive group implementing restoration projects. The expedition style atmosphere allows crews to gain a high level of understanding of crew dynamics, project logistics, and technical knowledge in conservation skills.
Each crew consists of 6 members and 2 leaders. Crews serve and camp for 8 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 serve effectively as a member of the crew; perform strenuous physical activity related to environmental conservation and restoration projects; serve 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 generally are 8-days on and 6 days off. There is a possibility you could serve for 5-days and have 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:
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 30
- You must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
- US citizen that has received (or on track to receive) a high school diploma or GED
- Complete and clear a National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check
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
- Serve 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 the day, both while traveling and serving 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 technical skills as appropriate to the project
- Live in a physically demanding, remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks
Substance Free
- In accordance with a drug free program, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and SCC activities, and while on organization property.
**After reading the entire position description at the link above, select “Apply” at the bottom to enter the application portal.**
Any questions can be sent to:
Lane Tomassini, Program Coordinator: ltomassini@conservationlegacy.org
Kristen Hencke, Program Coordinator: khencke@conservationlegacy.org