Title : SJNF Pagosa Ranger District, Wilderness Crosscut Lead

Dates : March 27, 2023 – August 25, 2023 (option to extend to November)

Status : Seasonal, Full time, Non-Exempt

Location : Based out of Durango, CO

Salary : $690 - $800 weekly, Depending on experience

Benefits: Health Benefit Eligible, Sick time and Discretionary time, Food provided while in the field, uniforms, protective equipment, access to Mental Health Consultant and Employee Assistance Program.

Training: U.S. Forest Service recognized OHLEC Chainsaw and Crosscut training, Technical Trails Training, QPR Suicide Prevention Training, Mandatory Reporter Training, Trauma Informed Approach Training.

Housing: SCC-Durango is piloting a Host-Housing program based on need and will be securing a camping location for leaders and CLDPs during the spring season. Options will be reviewed in the interview process.

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 primarily 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).

The Southwest Conservation Corps is partnering with the San Juan National Forest, Pagosa Ranger District to run a 4-person, wilderness, crosscut crew. You will be trained and certified in all aspects of crosscut saw work, backcountry travel and will be integrated with the USFS, Pagosa Ranger District. Crosscut saw crews are focused primarily in designated wilderness areas where mechanized chainsaw use is prohibited. Over the past few years there has been a concerted effort to clear large swaths of downed trees and avalanche debris from remote trails in these areas of the forest. Crosscut Crews cover a lot of miles and have the opportunity to explore many incredible areas! Your crew will work primarily a 4 days on, 3 days off schedule, learn how the USFS operates, become proficient with the Crosscut saw, and get to backpack through the rugged San Juan Mountains for a Summer.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Mentorship:

• Manage, supervise, and lead the day-to-day details of project work
• Integrate values pertaining to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) within the corps
• Implement skills training on worksite and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics
• Promote individual corps member development and a healthy community
• Must be willing to follow and enforce all SCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent SCC. This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program

**Project Management, Safety & Implementation: **

• Train, motivate and supervise a small crew to efficiently clear wilderness trails, while working long hours and managing high quality of work and crew morale
• Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems
• Communicate effectively & coordinate logistics with the Pagosa Ranger District & SCC staff

Administration:

• Complete professional documentation of time sheets, daily and weekly field reports, corps member evaluations, restorative justice forms, incident response forms, and project related deliverables
• Manage food budget and credit card for purchases

Minimum Qualifications:

• Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission
• Wilderness First Responder by the start of the program
• Ability to effectively manage all aspects of crew life and production within a 40-50-hour work week
• Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment
• Must be adaptive, patient, and able to maintain a positive perspective throughout
• Able to work long days in adverse conditions
• Must be able to speak, understand and write English
• High School diploma or GED certificate
• Must be 21, have a clean driving record (insurable by SCC) and a current driver’s license
• Exhibits the ability to effectively work on diverse teams or with a variety of populations, including those underrepresented at our organization and those of BIPOC communities

Preferred Qualifications or a Strong Desire to Grow in the Following:

• Experience with Crosscut Saw work and/or backcountry travel
• Experience with experiential and/or environmental education
• Facilitation and team-building experience with diverse groups of people
• Time-management skills and ability to work independently as well as with others
• Strong conflict resolution skills
• Leadership experience
• Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference and promote leadership in others

To Apply:

Upload resume, cover letter and complete the Crew Leader application: www.sccorps.org/join/crew-leaders/

Any questions can be addressed to Kristen Hencke, khencke@cosnervationlegacy.org

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Required Skills

Required Experience

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

BLS Certification preferred or within 6 months of employment - American Heart Association (Healthcare Provider) or American Red Cross (Healthcare Provider).