TITLE: AmeriCorps Field Crew Leader (ACL)
LOCATION: Based out of Camp Slocum near Durham, NC
START DATE: 5/31/2021
END DATE: 9/22/2021
STATUS: This is a full-time, seasonal (300 hour, 450 hour, 675 hour, 900 hour, etc) AmeriCorps National Service position.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT: CCNCrecruiting@conservationlegacy.org
CONSERVATION CORPS NORTH CAROLINA:
The mission of Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) is to empower young adults through meaningful outdoor work that benefits North Carolina’s land and water and creates healthy communities.
CCNC is a program of Conservation Legacy that partners with public land managers in North Carolina to engage motivated young adults (ages 16-27) to complete challenging and impactful conservation service projects throughout the region. Projects may include trail construction & maintenance, habitat improvement, hazard fuel reduction, and ecological restoration. Crews may also complete technical and/or specialized projects depending on project partner needs, including disaster relief if the opportunity arises
PROJECT WORK:
Projects take place across North Carolina, including work with the US Forest Service, the National Park Service, State Parks, and other land managers. During their time in the field, CCNC field crews 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 AND CREW LIFE:
CCNC field crews consist of 3-5 crew members and 2 crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. Field Crews will meet at Camp Slocum (located north of Durham, NC), travel in a crew vehicle to their project site and remain in the field for 9-10 days at a time, followed by 4-5 days off. While in the field, crews work 8-10 hours a day. The day starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting and includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour break for lunch.
Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete all necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc). We are able to accommodate most dietary restrictions. Camp chores will be completed every evening, with many evenings including group discussions on conservation topics.
ACL RESPONSIBILITIES:
ACLs are primarily 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- ACLs set 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.
Once selected and prior to their start date, ACLs 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.
EXPECTATIONS:
CCNC is an independent, non-residential program. ACLs are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation when not in the field unless otherwise specified. Some equipment is available to borrow throughout the season, but ACls are asked to supply as much of their own personal outdoor gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc) as possible. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program. In addition to providing food while in the field, CCNC will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between Camp Slocum 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:
To qualify, you must be between the ages of 18 and 29, 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be able to demonstrate strong project management skills.
Physically fit and able to work long days in adverse conditions.
Experience with backpacking, wilderness living and travel, LNT principles.
High School diploma or GED certificate.
Must have a clean driving record (insurable by CCNC) and a current driver’s license.
Willingness to deploy and a Disaster Response.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with CCNC or another Conservation Corps.
Technical trail building and maintenance experience.
Background with experiential and/ or environmental education.
Facilitation and team-building experience with diverse groups of people.
Strong conflict resolution skills.
Experience with Disaster Responses.
Forest Service chainsaw certifications.
Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder Certification with CPR/AED.
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.
Contribute to a safe learning environment; no harassment of others for any reason.
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.
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:
SUBSTANCE FREE:
Required Skills Required Experience