Title: AmeriCorps Crew Leader for the Pathways for Young Women in Conservation Crew
Location: Based out of Roanoke, VA
Start Date: June 2024
End Date: August 2024
Starting Salary : $650.00/Week, Paid Bi-Weekly
Status: This is a full-time, seasonal 300-hour AmeriCorps National Service position.
Questions? Contact lcroissant@conservationlegacy.org
Appalachian Conservation Corps:
Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As a corps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations. Our programs focus on service, place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.
Position Summary:
The AmeriCorps Crew Leader (ACL) is responsible for facilitating a positive crew member experience. The ACL is a full partner in the crew’s leadership, helping to communicate directions, projects specifications and constructive criticism throughout the term. This position requires open dialog with the staff crew leader; helping them to manage projects, project partners communications, overall logistics, and crew assignments.
It means more than just showing up and doing the work, it means setting an example of how to work hard with great enthusiasm through all kinds of conditions while practicing good judgement and safety. It means facilitating learning experience for crew members, both formally and informally. This position may require additional participation time outside of standard project and crew hours.
Responsibilities:
Project Management & Implementation
* Train and motivate a crew of six to eight youth (ages 16-18) to complete conservation projects efficiently on public lands.
* Delegate project work & investment among ACL and crew.
* Manage on-the-ground quality and quantity of project work.
* Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems.
* Communicate effectively & coordinate logistics with project partners, staff crew leader, members, and ACC staff.
Safety & Risk Management __
* Monitor, manage, and promote the crew’s physical and emotional safety on and off the work site.
* Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety.
* Transport crew and equipment safely in ACC’s vans or large vehicles with trailers.
_ Administration_
* Manage crew medical history forms and incident documentation in conjunction with the staff crew leader.
Project Work:
Projects take place across the Appalachian Region, including work with the US Forest Service, the National Park Service, and other land managers. During their time in the field, ACLs camp overnight and work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects. These hands-on projects include visitor access improvements, trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species treatments, historic restoration, disaster relief, and much more. Most projects require hiking out to remote work sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack.
Schedule:
This program has two, four-week programs. Session One is from June 12th to July 7th, 2023, Mondays-Fridays. Session Two is from July 10th to August 4th, 2023, Mondays-Fridays. Participants will work 8-hour days and return to their homes during the night. No camping overnight is required.
A typical day will begin with participants arriving at a central location in Roanoke no later than 7:30am (participants may be dropped off by a friend/family member or drive themselves and leave their car in the office lot). The crew will then travel together to the day’s work site for an 8-hour workday. The crew will break for lunch and snacks. Participants will arrive back at the office to be picked up by 4:30pm. Participants will have Saturdays and Sundays off.
Once ACLs are selected and prior to their start date, they are required to complete an online enrollment process that includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, enrolling with AmeriCorps, and beginning their background check process. For those with limited access to online platforms, accommodations may be available and can be discussed during the interview process.
Crew Life:
ACLs with ACC serve on a crew with 4-6 youth crew members and are supervised by a staff crew leader, with whom they work to project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. Food is provided while in the field.
ACC supports a culture of feedback and growth. ACLs will set goals at the beginning of the season and review their performance through both self-evaluation and a review with their crew leader in the middle and at the end of their season. Evaluations will cover topic areas including Corps culture, leadership, service & experiential learning, risk management, professionalism, and technical skills. ACLs will also be asked to evaluate the program and their experience at the end of their term.
Expectations:
ACC is an independent, non-residential program. Participants are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation when not in the field. Some equipment is available to borrow throughout the season, but ACLs are asked to supply as much of their own personal outdoor gear as possible. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program. ACC will provide tools, protective gear, and transportation between ACC Offices and project sites.
ACLs are asked to work hard, stay positive, and be flexible with changing schedules, weather conditions, and project needs. This is a seasonal position; ACLs are asked to fully commit to the experience, expectations, and timeline.
Benefits :
General Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications :
Preferred Qualifications:
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 and Outdoor Skills
Substance Free
Equal Employment Opportunity
This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages.
Required Skills
Required Experience