WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN AMERICORPS CO-MENTOR AT AZCC? 

It means spending 10 hours a day outside in all weather conditions, working your hardest on a variety of projects focused on environmental conservation and habitat restoration.  All while being part of a large movement of volunteers working in AmeriCorps programs nationwide and developing professional skills to be applied in future jobs within the field of natural resource management. 

YCC Mentors will co-mentor a crew of young adults aged 17 and 18 working on local projects within select communities within Northern Arizona.  The Youth Conservation Corps program is considered a day program and Mentors and YCC Corpsmembers will go home at night.  

Mentors are expected to go above and beyond what is expected of a Corpsmember, they should be leading by example with hard work and enthusiasm. A passion for being outdoors and working with a team is required! 

Members must be able to actively participate and lead environmental education activities and practice appropriate safety procedures in all tasks assigned. This includes safe use of and maintenance of hand and power tools as necessary.  

Previously “Corps” experience or experience with youth is highly recommended. 

Mostly importantly, participants must be willing to be an active member of a team, or crew, of up to eight individuals from different areas and backgrounds who are all interested in and committed to actively improving the natural world around them through a variety of projects all over Arizona.  

ROVING CREW PROJECT WORK 

YCC crews operate in local communities, serving youth and public land from the same area.  This year the crews will be operating in Flagstaff, Holbrook and Cottonwood, AZ working with the United States Forest Service, National Park Service and Arizona State Parks.  

Projects will vary but could include things like trail construction and maintenance, ecosystem restoration, habitat restoration, fire fuels reduction, barbed wire fence construction, invasive weed removal, herbicide applications and many others.  All projects require a willingness to work hard, be safe and have fun.  

TRAINING 

Corpsmembers receive a variety of formal and informal trainings during their term of service.  The first week of the term is committed to formal training and orientation that consists of Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, Outdoor Living, Crew Culture and goal setting. 

YCC Mentors will also receive leadership training and youth specific training in order to prepare them for the 7 week YCC program.  

Informal training will continue throughout the term with on the ground skills training to include things like tool sharpening, plant identification and an overview of public land management agencies.  Much of this training will also be facilitated by YCC mentors in order to train their Corpsmembers.  

EXPECTATIONS: 

AZCC is a drug-free organization; alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited. AZCC is an independent, non-residential program. The Corpsmember must supply his/her own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/ work boots, personal cook set, personal food etc. AZCC will provide the tools, protective gear and transportation to projects. Housing is not provided.  

SCHEDULE: 

YCC crews work either Monday through Friday, for 8 hours a day, starting at 7AM and concluding at 3:30PM. Or Monday through Thursday working 10 hours a day, starting at 7AM and concluding at 5:30PM. The day starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting and includes two fifteen minutes breaks and a half an hour break for lunch.  

COMPENSATION: 

Corpsmembers are paid an AmeriCorps living stipend which averages out at $360 per week before taxes. Upon completion of the term the Corpsmember will receive an education award of $1,252 FOR A 300 hour service term to be used for paying off student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college. 

TIMELINE: 

May 13th-July 26th 2019 

REQUIRED SKILLS 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

To qualify, you must be between the ages of 18 and 25, and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED. All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award.  

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. These requirements are written the same for all positions and therefore may not apply directly to your particular position. 

PARTICIPATION AND EXPEDITION BEHAVIOR: 

• Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences. 

• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training and national service. Members must commit to participating in all crew/team activities, including service days in local communities where applicable. 

• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues and organization staff. 

• Have the cognitive ability to learn necessary skills and apply them to effectively carry out the service work requirements 

• Appropriately represent the Program and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners at all times. 

• Contribute to a safe learning environment; no harassment of others for any reason.

SAFETY AND JUDGMENT: 

• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. You must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds. 

• Effectively perceive, understand and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during exposure to the hazard. 

• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions 

• Perceive and comprehend significant and apparent hazards, including those hazards previously identified by others. 

• Respond appropriately to stress or crises. 

• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others.

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS: 

• Learn and practice ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques 
• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living/travel and work skills as appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed so as to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries. 
• Live in a physically demanding, possibly remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks. Conditions of this environment may vary significantly and may include severe and/or trying weather. The remoteness is such that it may require at a minimum one hour, but perhaps in excess of 12 hours, to reach the nearest advanced medical care. 
• Outdoor Skills and Fitness (where appropriate)

SUBSTANCE FREE: 

• In accordance to a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.

Required Skills Required Experience