Queer Restoration Crew Lead
We are seeking an AmeriCorps Crew Leader for the Queer Restoration Crew (LGBTQ+ Inclusion Crew) based in Las Vegas, NV. Gain valuable field experience while completing habitat improvement, restoration, and recreation projects with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, and many other federal and state agencies. Learn firsthand from federal employees and specialists about natural resource and conservation careers. Projects may include trail construction and maintenance, hazardous fuels reduction, and habitat restoration.
Single-identity or affinity crews are designed to open access to careers in environmental conservation for individuals systematically excluded from opportunities in this field. The goal of this program is to give participants career focused training in an inclusive space to learn and develop alongside peers, leadership, and staff with whom they have shared experience.
The ideal candidate will enjoy working outdoors in challenging conditions, have prior experience camping, and share the belief that everyone should feel safe and included in the conservation community. They will also share the mission to be a part of an affirming crew culture with members of diverse identities, experiences, and backgrounds. LGBTQ+ individuals of all identities are encouraged to apply.
Essential Duties:
- Exemplify strong work ethic, professionalism, and sound judgment
- Lead young adults on a variety of challenging conservation projects
- Understand and abide by all NCC policies and procedures; ensure all safety protocols followed
- Maintain a positive and professional attitude at all times; be able to boost crew morale
- Effectively communicate with NCC staff, partnering agencies, peers, and crew members
- Coordinate project logistics with agency partners, Crew Coordinator, and peers
- Work alongside members to complete project goals
- Provide clear and consistent feedback to crew members
- Teach, instruct and support members in trail building, and other project/NCC specific tasks
- Engage members in an active crew life
- Facilitate weekly crew meetings and debriefs
- Transport crew and equipment safely in NCC trucks
- Manage and maintain crew gear, tools and other various NCC/agency equipment
- Complete weekly reporting of accomplishments
- Uphold NCC and AmeriCorps standards of work production and quality
- Support and manage crew meal planning
Contract Timeline:*subject to change and depend on service term length desired*
Start date: October 2022 - January 2023
End date: December 2022 - March 2023
Location:Las Vegas, NV
Compensation and Benefits:This is an AmeriCorps position; candidates will receive a living allowance dependent on their length of service. The living allowance is a fixed amount, not an hourly wage or a salary. The allowance is paid to members in biweekly installments throughout their term of service. Upon completion of AmeriCorps service members shall receive an additional education award also dependent on the length of service that can be used for paying off student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college.
•Living Allowance: approximately $1040 every two weeks before taxes
•Per Diem:$15/day spent in the field. This is in addition to your Living Allowance and on average is $120.00 biweekly. Crews typically combine per diem funds and shop/prepare meals as a team.
•TOTAL COMPENSATION BIWEEKLY: $1160 (pre-tax)
Segal Education Award:
After successfully completing an AmeriCorps term of service members are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. For this term of service the education award amount will vary depending on the length of service term. Education award amounts for this position range from $1,374.60 - $3,247.50. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.
Student Loan Forbearance:
If you are currently paying on any federal student loans you have the option to put those loans into forbearance during your time as an AmeriCorps volunteer, that will allow you to cease payments while serving.
Interest Accrual Repayment:
As AmeriCorps alum, you are eligible to have the National Service Trust pay all or a portion of the interest that accumulated on your qualified student loan(s) during your term of service. These payments are made in addition to the Education Award, and are not deducted from your Education Award balance. To be eligible to have accrued interest paid: The loan must have been placed in forbearance for the service period, and you must have successfully completed a term of service and received an Education Award.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility:
AmeriCorps Volunteers qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Insurance:
Limited Health, Dental and Vision Insurance will be completely paid for at no cost to you by the Great Basin Institute.
- Job Qualifications:Maintaining a positive and professional attitude at all times while providing service
- Showing respect when interacting with other members, leaders, staff, project sponsors and community members
- Participating in in-field education sessions, presentations and crew meetings
- Participate in Service Day events outside of regular work schedule
Leadership Qualifications:
- Clean driving record (must qualify to drive GBI Vehicles)
- Current driver’s license
- A willingness and desire to lead
- Experience working within a Conservation or Youth Corps
- Previous experience camping/backpacking in remote locations.
- Previous experience constructing recreational trails
- Previous experience felling trees using chainsaw and/or crosscut
- Previous experience with restoration type work (ex. plantings, invasive species removal)
- Strong critical thinking skills and creativity
- Possessing the confidence and ability to make decisions quickly and under pressure
- Receptive to feedback from superiors, peers, and subordinates.
- Ability to establish and maintain a positive workplace culture and camp life experience.
Physical Qualifications:
- Ability to work for 10.5 hours a day and to contribute to post-work day tasks and chores
- Ability to hike up to 10 miles a day with heavy backpacks
- Ability to carry 25 pounds continuously and 50 pounds occasionally
- Ability to camp up to seven consecutive nights in primitive locations without access to running water and restrooms, all while in an all possible weather conditions. Assisting in food preparation, planning, and clean up
- Ability to effectively operate machinery and tools while following production and quality standards set by the Nevada Conservation Corps
- Follow strict safety protocol and maintain personal safety of self and others
AmeriCorps Qualifications:
- Ability to commit to an entire term of service with AmeriCorps
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Be a U.S Citizen or Legal Resident Alien
- All position offers are conditional upon successful completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Any criminal convictions must be disclosed during the interview process
- Be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (Limit of four unique terms in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards)
- Possess High school diploma or GED (or provide proof of intent to complete before using education award)