IN OUR EFFORT TO KEEP OUR PARTICIPANTS, EMPLOYEES, PARTNERS, AND THE PUBLIC SAFE, CONSERVATION LEGACY FOLLOWS A MANDATORY VACCINATION POLICY, REQUIRING ALL PARTICIPANTS AND EMPLOYEES TO BE VACCINATED FOR COVID-19. PROVIDING PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF SERVICE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, OR NEED TO REQUEST AN EXEMPTION, PLEASE REVIEW OUR POLICY, HERE: COVID-19 RESOURCES | CONSERVATION LEGACY OR CONTACT COVID@CONSERVATIONLEGACY.ORG.
START DATE: 8/1/2022
END DATE: 11/16/2022
STATUS: 450-hour AmeriCorps Service Terms.
STIPEND: $475/week
LOCATION: Las Cruces, NM
BENEFITS: S-212 Chainsaw Certification; Certifications: S-130 & S-190, Firefighter Training and Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior. IS100b, Intro to Incident Command System. IS700, National Incident Management System (NIMS); AmeriCorps Education Award; Paid training; Food budget while on camping hitch; Employee Assistance Program
SUMMARY
CONSERVATION CORPS NEW MEXICO (CCNM):
Conservation Corps New Mexico, a program of Conservation Legacy, aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. CCNM crews are based in Las Cruces, NM and all project work will take place on public lands in New Mexico and western Texas.
VETERANS FIRE CORPS CREWS:
The crew is multi-faceted and demanding, but with opportunity for enormous rewards. Successful candidates will demonstrate high standards, compassion, excellent judgment, effective communication skills, initiative, and the desire to devote themselves (at least seasonally) to working alongside other military veterans, AGES 21-35 YEARS OLD, in an environmental setting. The crew will work together and maintain a flexible, positive, and professional attitude. The program engages participants in a cohort environment in which a team of recent-era military veterans work together to train and complete natural resource management projects, specifically related to fire fuels management and fuels reduction using chainsaws. This crew assists recent-era veterans transition from military to civilian careers.
ASSISTANT CREW LEADER RESPONSIBILITIES
Assistant Crew Leaders (ACL) are responsible for facilitating a positive crew member experience by setting an example of enthusiasm throughout work and camp life. The ACL works in tandem with the Crew Leader to communicate directions, project specifications, and constructive feedback throughout the term of service. The ACL will expand their role, learn leadership strategies, assume management duties including filling-in for the Crew Leader in project relations or completing paperwork when needed.
TRAINING
Generally, the term begins with a leadership training which focuses on developing outdoor leadership skills, goal setting, technical and field skills training and developing an understanding of CCNM procedures. We tend to approach this training with a train-the-trainer technique. Following leadership training, most terms will begin with an orientation with Crew Leaders and Crew Members that includes training on First Aid (typically Wilderness First Aid), Leave No Trace, Outdoor Living, Crew Culture and Diversity, and goal setting. Informal hands-on training will continue throughout the term with on- the- ground skills training.
Depending on the project needs, crews may receive specialized training in herbicide handling, crosscut saw, chainsaw, dry stone masonry or rigging.
SCHEDULE:
Generally, crews work an 8-day, 10-hours/day ‘hitch’ schedule, while camping in front and backcountry settings. Typically, members will have 6 days off in the town of the home base office. Drive time to and from the work site from the home base office is typically included in the hitch schedule. Applicants should expect the project schedule and type of work to vary.
Workdays will start with a Job Hazard Analysis safety meeting followed by a 15-minute warm-up exercise and a 15-minute stretch. Days will include two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch.
QUALIFICATIONS:
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
EXPECTATIONS
CCNM is a drug-free organization; alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited. CCNM is an independent, non-residential program. Participants must supply his/her/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. A suggested gear-list will be provided prior to starting the term of service. CCNM will provide the tools, personal protective gear, budget for crew meals and transportation to projects. Additionally, CCNM has pro-deals and some gear available to borrow.
PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND MENTAL SAFETY:
Proper safety procedures must be observed in all tasks, including the repair and use of hand and power tools used on projects.
PARTICIPATION AND EXPEDITION BEHAVIOR:
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS:
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.
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 provide some accommodations, excepting that which 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.
Required Skills Required Experience