Payette National Forest – Youth Conservation Corps Crew Lead AmeriCorps Member

Idaho Conservation Corps – AmeriCorps 680 Hour

Individual Placement

U.S. Forest Service

Payette National Forest

Position Title: Youth Conservation Corps Crew Lead AmeriCorps Member

Grant Program: OYSI 22EDBDC0020010 / EAP 21EDBDC0010041

Position Summary:

Payette National Forest is recruiting two 680-Hour Youth Conservation Corps Crew Lead AmeriCorps Members beginning June through August 2024. The member operates as instructor and leader in conservation work projects for a crew of 15–18-year-olds in the accomplishment of conservation work projects and instruct them in job related tasks including the safe and efficient use of appropriate tools and equipment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• 50% of the incumbent’s time will entail work projects (including conservation and environmental related activities such as tree planting, thinning, trail maintenance, brushing, campground cleanup, and similar maintenance projects).
• 10% will entail providing advice and counsel to enrollees in work related problems and routine personal problems and resolving complaints and refers disciplinary problems to next level supervisor.
• 10% will entail ensuring that crews are properly equipped for conservation work duties. Submits requests for supplies and equipment.
• 15% will include planning, coordinating, and scheduling daily activities of enrollees. Making lesson plans for programmed work projects. Maintaining records and making required reports.
• 15% will also entail being responsible for compliance with and enforcement of safe work practices. Actively supports the unit(s) safety and health programs and assures enrollees comply with all safety rules and regulations.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively and work constructively with a crew of young, inexperienced workers (ranging in age from 15-18 years of age). This includes the ability to introduce new tasks to be performed as well as applying motivational techniques to keep the crew working and completing projects.
• Skill in expressing written and verbal thoughts to document and report technical aspects of crew’s progress and accomplishments.
• Practical knowledge of resource conservation and environmental programs on forest lands sufficient to instruct crew members in the basic goals and objectives of the related work projects.
• Skill in using hand tools such as shovels, brush axes, wheelbarrows, etc.
• Ability to work outdoors and inclement weather.
• Current driver’s license

Desired Qualifications:

• Positive mental attitude.
• Knowledge and/or experience in conservation education
• Knowledge and/or experience in working with youth.
• Willingness to learn new things.
• Radio communication skills
• Willingness to work 10-hour days.
• Comfortable living and working in the Wilderness for up to 10 days at a time.

Duty Location:

Duties are performed within Payette National Forest.

Terms of Employment:

One AmeriCorps member will complete a term of service (length dependent on commitment of hours), starting June through August 2024. The member must complete a minimum of 680 service hours by the end of their term. The member will receive a 30-minute lunch each day and this lunch break does not count towards AmeriCorps member service hours. Training will not exceed 20% of total member service hours.

Program Benefits:

$8,500 living allowance dispersed on a monthly basis and upon successful completion of program requirements, education award amount of $2,626.27. This position also includes a gear funding stipend of $194.12. Government housing or a housing fund may be provided.

The living allowance and education award are taxable. Members are responsible for providing their own food. Service eligibility is contingent upon the results of a criminal and driving background check.

These positions are sponsored by The Corps Network’s OYSI and EAP program.