Job Description
Title: Dolores River Restoration Strike Team Crew Member
Dates of Employment : Position starts May 1st, 2023 (with a potential to start sooner) and ends on November 17, 2023
Status: Seasonal, Full-time
Location: Based out of Durango, CO.
Salary: $580/week ($520 stipend, $60 housing)
Benefits:
AmeriCorps Education Award
1 week of scheduled paid time off mid-season
Uniforms, Personal Protective Equipment and Food while in field
Colorado pesticide technician licensure
U.S. Forest Service recognized Chainsaw training.
Deadline: open until filled - 1 position still available
Age Restrictions: 18-30
Program Summary:
The 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 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).
Position Summary:
This Strike Team will work with the Montrose County invasive weed management program and as part of the Dolores River Restoration Partnership (DRRP). The DRRP is a public-private collaborative of conservation corps, non-profits, BLM managers, private landowners, and other community members surrounding the Dolores River watershed. The DRRP is in year 11 of an ambitious effort to treat invasive plant species along 175 miles of the Dolores River corridor. The primary responsibilities of this crew are to treat noxious weeds, maintain and participate in revegetation activities such as seeding and planting, collect vegetation monitoring and survey data, and perform general restoration activities as needed. This crew is designed to be flexible to meet the evolving needs of Montrose county and the DRRP. Flexibility and adaptability are essential for this Strike Team leader position.
This position is an AmeriCorps crew member on a 3-person crew (1 leader, 2 members). While working (i.e. on-hitch), the crew will camp together, prepare all meals together, and work together as a group to complete all projects and chores. Hitch schedules may vary between 4 days on, 3 days off or 5 days on, 2 days off, or 8 days on, 6 days. SCC does not provide accommodations off-hitch and crew members will be responsible for their own accommodations during that time.
Minimum Qualifications
To qualify, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30, have a clean driving record (insurable by SCC), have had a driver’s license for at least 3 years, a current driver’s license, and be a US citizen that has received (or on track to receive) a high school diploma or GED. First Aid/CPR required. 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 physically capable of standing and walking (at a minimum 6 miles/day on rough, uneven terrain), bending, crouching and stooping for long periods of time, and lifting/carrying items that weigh up to 40 pounds, in upwards of 100+ degree (F) heat.
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidates for this position have knowledge of native and invasive plants in the southwest, and some experience with herbicide use, treatment of invasive plants, and vegetation monitoring/field data collection. Experience working independently and with a team in the outdoors, including navigating to sites with a team, is also preferred. A relevant Bachelors degree as well as GPS and GIS experience are a plus.
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:
Participant and Expedition Behavior
Safety and Judgement
Environmental Ethics & Outdoor Skills
Substance Free
To apply:
Upload resume, cover letter and complete the Crew Member application
Any questions can be addressed to:
Nate Peters, Watershed Programs Manager: npeters@conservationlegacy.org
Required Skills
Required Experience
Minimum Education
High School diploma or GED equivalent.