TITLE: Assistant Youth Crew Leader (ACL) 

LOCATION: 4 options: Raleigh, Princeville, Old Fort, or Uwharrie National Forest (Near Charlotte)

START DATE: June 2022

END DATE: August 2022 (extension possible)

BENEFITS: $500/wk + AmeriCorps Segal Education Award

STATUS: This is a full-time, seasonal (300 hour, 450 hour) AmeriCorps National Service position. 

QUESTIONS? CONTACT: jmeyer@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 15-30) 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.

SCHEDULE AND CREW LIFE: 

All Youth Conservation Crews (YCC) will consist of 6-8 crew members (age 15-18) and 2 crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. The Crew Leaders will lead two different sessions of crews, each session will be either three or four weeks, depending on project location. All crews start with a stretch circle and safety meeting and each workday will include two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour break for lunch. 

Prior to the start of the YCC programs, there will be a week-long training based out of Durham, NC- at Camp Slocum. The leaders will receive training on group dynamics, discipline, conflict management, program policies and rules, working with partners, Leave No Trace, mandatory reporting, and others.

ACL POSITION OPPORTUNITIES

All positions will start with a training week prior to the start date indicated below

RALEIGH: This crew will partner with the City of Raleigh and work out of Dix Park in Raleigh. There will be two, four-week long sessions, the first June 13th- July 8th and the second is July 11th- August 5th. The crew will work Monday- Friday, 7:30am-4pm, and be off Saturday and Sunday. The ACL will be responsible for getting to and from the work site, bringing their own lunch and snacks, and providing their own housing.

PRINCEVILLE: This program will partner with the Conservation Trust of North Carolina and work out of Princeville, NC. There will be two, three-week long sessions, the first is June 13th-July 1st and the second is July 11th- July 29th. The crew works Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4pm, and be off Saturday and Sunday. There is a week break between the two sessions, during this week the ACL will be off and not receive pay. Housing options are available if necessary, however the ACL will have to provide their own transportation and food.

OLD FORT: This program will partner with the Forest Service and the G5 Collective and work out of Old Fort, NC. There will be two, three-week long sessions, the first is June 13th-July 1st and the second is July 11th- July 29th. The crew works Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4pm, and is off Saturday and Sunday. There is a week break between the two sessions, during this week the ACL will be off and not receive pay. Housing options are available if necessary, however the ACL will have to provide their own transportation and food.

UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST: This program will partner with the US Forest Service, located in the Uwharrie National Forest. There are two three-week sessions, the first is June 13th-July 1st and the second is July 11th- July 29th. This is a residential camping program; the ACL will camp with the crew at a group camp site in the Uwharrie National Forest, accompanied by the Staff Crew Leader. Both crew leaders are required to be with the crew at all times, including weekends. There is a week-long break between the sessions where the ACL will be free to leave the group site. Food will be provided for the entirety of the program and the leaders can have their personal vehicles with them, however they will not be able to use them during the sessions.

PROJECT WORK

The crews can work with the US Forest Service, State Parks, City Parks and Recreation, and other land managers. The crews will 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, and much more.

ASSISTANT CREW LEADER (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 session.  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, and protective gear.

ACLs are asked to work hard, stay positive, and be flexible with changing schedules, weather conditions, and project needs. They also need to be prepared to work with youth and the specific challenges that come with the age range. This is a seasonal position; ACLs are asked to fully commit to the experience, expectations, and timeline. 

BENEFITS

• $500/week living stipend, paid bi-weekly
• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of service term (award amount varies based on length of commitment and can be used for paying off federal student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college)
• ACLs may be eligible for student loan forbearance 
• Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist
• Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary safety equipment is provided
• On-the-job training provided!
• Additional subject-specific certifications may be offered (possibilities include Wilderness First Aid and CPR, First Aid and CPR, Leave No Trace, etc)
• Assistance may be available for getting ACLs the outdoor gear needed to participate 
• Depending upon the academic institution and program, ACL positions may fulfill internship requirements 
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv,etc)
• Exposure to natural resource career paths and opportunities

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

To qualify, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30, 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.

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.
• Effectively perceive, understand and follow directions to manage hazards.
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions   
• 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  

• Learn and practice ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques 
• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living/travel and work skills as appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed so as to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries. 
• Live in a physically demanding, possibly remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks. Conditions of this environment may vary significantly and may include severe and/or trying weather. The remoteness is such that it may require at a minimum one hour, but perhaps in excess of 12 hours, to reach the nearest advanced medical care.

 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

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR RESUME WITH YOUR APPLICATION. 

Required Skills Required Experience

+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB: | | | | E = Essential Element                        NE = Nonessential Element | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20%  Interviews patients and family members, utilizing proper | | interviewing principles and methods. Conducts individual or group | | conferences for patients/families.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20%  Evaluates data and plans care management strategies on behalf of | | patients. Follows medical recommendations and provides service planned | | to restore patients to optimal social and health adjustment.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 10%  Participates with other members of the interdisciplinary team on | | resolving problems which relate to the patient's disability.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 10%  Advises on social problems and coordinates patient discharge from | | the facility. Utilizes community agencies and resources.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 8%  Participates in conferences on behalf of patients.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 1%  Performs the duties of Patient Advocate.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 1%  Provides social work services to outpatients as required.  (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 5%  Participates in educational programs.  (NE) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 5%  Attends committee meetings (i.e., UR, CVA Unit, SCI Program)  (NE) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+