Crew Member – Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP) – Adult, Camping – Spring 2020
TITLE: CREW MEMBER – CREW LEADER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (CLDP) – ADULT, CAMPING – SPRING 2020
REPORTS TO: Crew Leader, Field Program Coordinator
LOCATION: Crew will be based out of Chattanooga, TN, but camping and working in TN, SC, AL, GA
START/END DATE: February 16, 2020 – May 12, 2020 with potential to stay with SECC to serve as Assistant Crew Leader for a Summer Youth or Adult Crew, dependent on successful completion of CLDP and availability of Assistant Crew Leader positions.
STATUS: Seasonal, Full-time, Non-exempt
STIPEND: Living stipend of $350/week, paid biweekly, with a $1,612.43 AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the program.
BENEFITS: Food provided while in the field, uniforms, personal protective equipment. Training in Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace Ethics, vehicle driver and trailer backing. Other trainings could include: Forest Service Recognized MTDC Chainsaw and/or Crosscut Saw Certification, Herbicide Handling and Application.
CREW STRUCTURE: 1 Crew Leader, 1 Assistant Crew Leader, 6 Crew Members
SOUTHEAST CONSERVATION CORPS: E__MPOWERING YOUNG ADULTS TO CULTIVATE COMPASSION, RESPONSIBILITY, AND GRIT THROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICE, HARD WORK, AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP.
Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC), a program of Conservation Legacy, is a non-profit, AmeriCorps-affiliated organization. The SECC selects young adults, ages 18-30, to complete conservation work projects on public lands throughout the Southeast. SECC programs encourage environmental stewardship, foster community partnerships, and emphasize experiential learning. SECC serves a diverse population that is representative of the Southeast, including youth, graduates, veterans, and a cross-section of ethnicities and income levels. SECC is also an active member of the AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team (A-DRT), and as such, selected crews may be deployed on Disaster response projects for up to 30 days.
Crews work in frontcountry and backcountry locations in all types of weather conditions. Schedules may vary, but generally are 9 days on and 5 days off. Depending on project work and location, other schedule variations may be implemented. While the staff at SECC works to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and work locations are subject to change per project needs.
Crew Members are responsible for finding and attaining their own housing when not in the field. Crews prepare all their own meals and work together as a group to complete all necessary chores. Community/camp chores will be completed every evening, with many evenings including group discussions on conservation and/or corps related topics.
POSITION SUMMARY
The AmeriCorps (AC) Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP) is designed to be the first step towards leadership development, providing young adults the opportunity to develop outdoor conservation and leadership skills. Participants will be exposed to a variety of conservation projects, leadership experiences, and service opportunities on public lands and in local communities throughout the Southeast region of the United States.
Following a 6-day Crew Member Orientation, CLDP will consist of 12 weeks of technical project work and leadership training with experienced SECC Crew Leads and Staff. Training will cover both technical (trail construction and maintenance, invasive plant management, chainsaw, etc.) and fundamental skills (communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, mentorship, etc.).
Upon successful completion of CLDP, members are expected to stay with SECC as an Assistant Crew Leader (ACL) with Summer Youth or Adult Crews. Summer placement as an ACL is not guaranteed upon completion of CLDP but is dependent on availability of ACL positions AND on the member’s ability to demonstrate responsible leadership. Summer ACL positions will allow CLDP Members to exercise leadership skills under the close mentorship of an SECC Staff Crew Leader, a crucial step in continued leadership development.
SECC is an independent, non-residential program. The Crew Member must supply their own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/ work boots, etc. SECC will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear and transportation between SECC Office and project sites.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED SKILLS
PROFESSIONALISM: Members must be willing to follow and enforce all SECC and CL policies, maintain professional boundaries, communicate effectively with partners, members, peers and SECC staff, and appropriately represent Southeast Conservation Corps and AmeriCorps.
ADAPTABILITY: Projects have a degree of uncertainty and will include variable living conditions and last-minute changes. Members must be adaptive, patient and able to maintain a positive perspective throughout.
LEADERSHIP: Experience, or a strong desire to lead and mentor a diverse group of young individuals (ages range from 16 - 30 years old). Ability to manage and participate in day-to-day details of crew life at work. Ability to listen, willingness to receive feedback, and a desire to grow continually.
COMMUNITY BUILDING: Strong interest in helping others to grow as individuals while building cohesiveness in a group setting. Members must be willing to work hard, listen to and respect others' viewpoints, be tolerant of diversity, participate as a team, and be dedicated to the SECC mission.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: Members must have a genuine enjoyment and desire for caring for the land while living and working in the outdoors in a variety of conditions.
FITNESS: SECC projects are physically demanding! Projects involve hiking, backpacking, heavy lifting and repetitive motions while using a variety of hand tools. Projects will take place through different seasons, and in variable weather conditions. Members should be ready to confront these conditions while being able to help and encourage others that they are leading.
CONSERVATION: Experience or a strong desire to learn the technical skills needed to effectively maintain public lands and having a flexible definition of what 'conservation' means.
CREW MEMBER DEVELOPMENT: Experience or strong desire to learn and participate as an outdoor educator and/or mentor.
DRIVING: Members are responsible for driving 8 – 12 passenger vehicles while pulling a trailer. To drive for SECC, members/leaders must have had their license for 3 consecutive years, have a clean driving record (insurable) and a current driver's license.
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:
SAFETY AND JUDGMENT:
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS:
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.
THIS PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE TO ALL ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS, WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY, AGE, SEX, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR RELIGION.
TO APPLY:
James Gasaway
Field Program Coordinator
423-994-3151
Chattanooga, TN
jgasaway@conservationlegacy.org
Required Skills Required Experience