2024 Climate Corps Crew Member

About the Utah Conservation Corps 

The Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) is an AmeriCorps program dedicated to developing the conservation leaders of tomorrow. We’re a non-residential AmeriCorps program composed of AmeriCorps members, staff, and partners dedicated to service to our community, the environment, and regions requiring disaster response efforts. Additionally, as an organization, we seek to provide a more welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and experience levels to ensure a healthy, vibrant, innovative, and sustainable corps. The UCC is committed to an inclusive culture of community and service and to recognizing and addressing our shortcomings. Our vision is to create sustainable communities and conserve the natural heritage of Utah and the Intermountain West. 

Position Overview 

• Field Office Locations: Roving – working between Logan, Cedar City, and Moab offices
• Term of Service Dates (tentative): March 1 – November 23
• Schedule: Full-time commitment, hours & schedules vary from week to week with extended travel up to 10 days. Majority of time is spent on projects in the field.
• Application: Complete the following application (see more details below) https://usu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_er4BQnALOcH2TCC

Climate Corps Crew Members (CCCMs) work and live in the outdoors as part of a field crew in service to public lands and the communities that surround them. Climate Corps crews are assigned to a variety of fire fuels reduction projects throughout Utah to mitigate wildfire risks, protect buildings and infrastructure. Members are primarily responsible for being a supporting member of their crew, upholding and abiding by UCC policies & procedures, and conducting themselves in a safe and productive manner. All CCCMs are trained in safe and proper tool use, project techniques, and outdoor living. Training topics may include advanced chainsaw and hand tool use, and project techniques. This position involves frequent travel, camping, irregular hours, and a varying weekly schedule. 

Projects & Schedule 

Field projects may be backcountry (hiking into the project site, camping away from a vehicle) or front country (such as driving to the project site daily, camping at the vehicle, or non-camping lodging). Projects may be urban (located in a city or town) or rural (located in national parks, forests, etc. with limited access to facilities and resources). Weather is variable, and work and campsites can range from 2,000-13,000 feet in elevation. 

Projects may include (but are not limited to): 

• Fire fuels reduction activities including chainsaw operation and maintenance
• Invasive species management, including herbicide application
• Habitat restoration
• Land inventory and mapping
• Community service

Crews generally work a 9-day or 4-day, 10-hour/day (some days may be up to 12 hours) ‘hitch’ schedule, while camping in front and backcountry settings. Typically, crews will have 3-5 days off between hitches. Days will include two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch (the 30-minute lunch break does not count toward term of service hours). Crews should expect schedules and project work to vary. 

This position is an AmeriCorps term of service that requires a full-time commitment (about 45 hours per week). 

Qualifications  

• Ability to live outdoors and work on a variety of fire fuels reduction projects, which may include 12-hour days using chainsaws, hand tools, applying herbicide, moving through uneven terrain, etc. in a variety of environmental conditions. UCC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to serve with our programs.
• Minimum 4-6 months in conservation, land management, or disaster response
• Current Chainsaw qualifications and a minimum of 6 months experience, with the ability to be evaluated as a B faller through the USFS National Chainsaw program
• Current First Aid and CPR (Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder preferred)
• Current Utah Non-commercial Pesticide Applicator License or ability to pass the State exam
• Knowledge of safe herbicide handling, mixing, and application
• Familiarity with fire fuels reduction techniques and processes
• Demonstrated outdoor/camping skills (guiding, conservation work, front country/backcountry skills – volunteer/informal/formal)
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs. repeatedly and use hand tools
• Maturity & professionalism in an environment with irregular and changing schedules
• Alignment with UCC’s mission and values of safety, service, community, inclusivity, positivity, and engagement
• Commitment to personal and professional growth
• At least 18 years of age
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
• Eligible to enroll in an AmeriCorps term of service
• Must undergo and pass a criminal history check
• Have a high school diploma or GED or work towards obtaining one while in the program

Note: Members must supply their own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, work boots, etc. CCCMs are eligible for a uniform reimbursement of up to $150 (for a 1700-hr term). A recommended gear-list will be provided prior to starting the term of service. UCC will provide project tools, personal protective gear, crew kitchen kit (stove, fuel, cooking and serving supplies) and transportation to and from projects. CCCMs are eligible for pro-deals.   

Why Join Us? 

Through this experience, you will find a new level of hard work and determination by working long hours, oftentimes in challenging conditions. You’ll learn what it really means to be part of a team. You will create friendships and connections that will last a lifetime. In the end, you will gain the confidence and knowledge that you can and will conquer the hardest obstacles life throws at you.    

Professional Development 

UCC is a career exploration program for those wishing to advance their conservation and climate change adaptation and mitigation skills. All CCCMs will be trained in safe and proper tool use and maintenance, project techniques and management, backcountry, and outdoor living. Training topics and certifications may include intermediate-level chainsaw and hand tool use, and project techniques. Members will also have the opportunity to network with project partners, thereby developing possible future employment opportunities.   

Compensation & Benefits 

• AmeriCorps living allowance $1,666.67 distributed in equal payments throughout the term of service; total of $30,000 distributed (note: this is taxable income)
  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, $6,895.00 (available upon successful completion of term)
• Learn more about how you can use your Education Award https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award
• Health Insurance benefit of up to $100.00 a month on new plans through the Marketplace on Healthcare.gov
• Professional Development Training Fund: $500.00 available for use during term of service for approved conservation skills and leadership trainings
• Forbearance on qualifying student loans while in service
• Conservation leadership experience
• Chainsaw training refresher course with the option to evaluate through UCC National USFS Chainsaw Program as a B faller
• Member Assistance Program (a mental wellness and life coaching program)
• $150 reimbursement uniform reimbursement (boots/pants) for a 1700hr term