AmeriCorps Assistant Crew Leader – Kentucky Fire & Recreation Crew

Title: AmeriCorps Assistant Crew Leader – Kentucky Fire & Recreation Crew 

Reports to: Crew Leader, Program Coordinator  

Duty Station: Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Golden Pond, KY 

(Ideally, members will live within one hour of duty station. Optional shared housing available during off time*) 

Locations: Crew will be based out of Kentucky. Service projects will take place in Kentucky. 

Season Dates: 01/06/2025 – 05/23/2025 

Status: This is a full-time, seasonal, exempt, 20-week- 675-hour AmeriCorps National Service position 

Stipend: $450/week AmeriCorps living allowance, plus $300/week additional benefit ($750/week total, pre-tax, disbursed bi-weekly)  

AmeriCorps Award: A $2,817.14 AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the program. 

Other Benefits: Wilderness First Aid, USFS chainsaw recognized certification, certifications related to wildland fire, Public Land Corps Hiring Authority Certificate (upon successful completion of hours), $200 fire boot stipend, food & transportation provided while in the field overnight, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment, and other developmental opportunities as available. 

Crew Structure: 1 Crew Leader, 1 Assistant Crew Leader, 4 Crew Members 

Southeast Conservation Corps:  
Engaging future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance our nation’s lands through community-based service. 

Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC), a program of Conservation Legacy, is a non-profit, AmeriCorps-affiliated organization. SECC selects young adults, ages 18-30, up to 35 for veterans, to complete conservation service projects on public lands throughout the Southeast. SECC provides members with impactful opportunities through a unique set of programs that engage people in meaningful education and service to their communities and natural landscapes. SECC serves a diverse population that is representative of the Southeast, including youth, graduates, veterans, and a cross-section of ethnicities and income levels. SECC is also an active member of the AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team (A-DRT), and as such, selected crews may be deployed on Disaster response projects for up to 30 days.  

SECC partners with various land management agencies in Tennessee and throughout the Southeast region, such as the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, State Parks, and conservation-based non-profits. Projects vary but include trail construction and maintenance, ecosystem restoration, habitat restoration, fire fuels reduction, fencing on public lands, invasive weed removal, herbicide applications, and many others. The projects are manual labor based and most projects require a hike into and out of the project site daily carrying tools and a day pack.    

Crews will serve in frontcountry and backcountry locations in all types of weather conditions. Schedules may vary, but generally are 9 days on and 5 days off for camping crews. Project days are 10-hour shifts with scheduled breaks throughout the day. Depending on project and location, other schedule variations may be implemented. While the staff at SECC strives to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change per project needs.     

SECC is an independent, non-residential program. Crew Members are responsible for finding and attaining their own housing when not in the field. On-hitch crews prepare all their own meals and participate as a group to complete all necessary chores. Community/camp chores will be completed every evening, with many evenings including group discussions, conservation and/or corps related topics. The Crew 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, hiking/work boots, etc. SECC will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear and transportation between duty station and project sites.    

Position Summary:  

Research shows that members of marginalized groups – including women, LGBTQIA+ identifying people, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) – tend to apply to jobs only if they meet every single requirement listed. Here at Southeast Conservation Corps, we want the best candidates for the job, and those candidates don’t always meet 100% of the requirements listed. If you are passionate about uniting, empowering, and celebrating diverse communities for all and breaking down barriers for equity, we encourage you to apply – especially if you’re a member of a structurally marginalized group. We look forward to your application. 

The AmeriCorps Assistant Crew Leader (ACL) is 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 term.  This position requires open dialog with the Staff Crew Leader; helping them to manage projects, project partners communications, overall logistics, and crew assignments.  Our program model fosters a supportive learning environment where participants can maximize their opportunities to grow and develop while gaining certifications to propel them into a career in environmental stewardship. It also creates an intentional space for groups that are under-represented to step into conservation and natural resource management.     

• It means more than just showing up, it means setting an example of how to persevere with great enthusiasm through all kinds of conditions while practicing good judgement and safety. It means facilitating a learning experience for Crew Members, both formally and informally.  This position may require additional participation time outside of standard project and crew hours.
• This position will be coached and mentored by an SECC Staff Crew Leader. ACLs are responsible for maintaining SECC’s high standards for technical projects and hands-on member growth, managing projects and implementing feedback among crew members. The ACL Position is a key development opportunity designed to identify and overcome challenges in leadership through a hands-on leadership role in conjunction with close mentorship from the Staff Crew Leader. Qualified candidates will identify growth plans and assist the Staff Crew Leader in administrative functions.

Service Project:  

Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC), The Daniel Boone National Forest, and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area have partnered to host a Kentucky Fire & Recreation Crew. This crew will engage in various natural resource management projects through fuels management, prescribed fire, and developed recreation service projects. The Kentucky Fire & Recreation Crew provides an open and supportive space where members collaborate, learn from, and grow alongside one another as members gain leadership and technical skills, and engage in professional development opportunities through trainings and certifications related to fire and developed recreation management. As a crew, you will perform manual labor and complete conservation projects using various manual and power tools. You will be engaged in the program as a leader and will participate/ facilitate in environmental education and leadership development activities in addition to service projects. Risk management is of utmost importance, and all policies and procedures must be followed.  

The term of service will include a variety of tasks aimed at improving and maintaining recreation sites and supporting forest management activities. The primary responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

Developed Recreation:  

• Heavy Recreation Site Improvements
• Restoration/Stabilization
• Gravel Surfacing
• Painting and Repairs
• Data Collection
• Trail Building/Maintenance

Prescribed Fire Activities: 

• Chainsaw use
• Establishing prescribed fire containment lines
• Providing holding and ignition resources for multiple prescribed burn units
• Trail Building/Maintenance:

Members will earn the following training and certifications: 

*Members my not exceed 20% of their total term hours as trainings 

• ICS-100 (Intro to Incident Command System)
• IS-700 (Intro to the National Incident Management System)
• S-130 (Firefighter Training)
• S-190 (Into to Wildland Fire Behavior)
• L-180 (Human Factors in Wildland Fire Service)
• USFS chainsaw recognized certifications
• Red Card via successful completion of the Moderate Pack Test
• 2-mile hike in 30 minutes with 25 pounds
• Trail construction and Maintenance
• Wilderess First Aid certification

Hitch Schedule:    

This position will operate on a variable “hitch” schedule. For example, the schedule could be 9 days on – 5 days off, 4 days on – 3 days off, or 5 days on – 2 days off. The schedule will shift based on project and partner needs and will include group camping while on hitch. Generally, it will follow 9 days on and 5 days off for camping crews. Project days follow a 10-hour shift with scheduled time for breaks. Applicants should be prepared to camp during hitches for the duration of the season, with lodging provided on a case-by-case basis if necessary.  

While the staff at SECC and partners strive to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change per project needs.      

Optional Housing during Off-Hitch* 

SECC is an independent, non-residential program. Crew Members are responsible for finding and attaining their own housing when not in the field.  

Land Between he Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) has offered shared housing options for SECC crew members during their off-hitch time. This housing is optional and available at no cost from February 2025 – May 2025. Housing will be a shared 3 bedroom/1 bathroom trailer with utilities and washer & dryer included. Internet not included.  

• Members are required to follow the set housing regulations required by LBL to utilize this housing.

Prohibited Activities:  

While charging time to the AmeriCorps program, accumulating service or training hours, or otherwise performing activities supported by the AmeriCorps program or the Corporation, staff and members may not engage in activities listed in CFR §2520.65. 

Serve Kentucky: 

SECC’s 2025 Kentucky Fire & Recreation Crew is an AmeriCorps program administered by Serve Kentucky and funded by AmeriCorps, the federal agency.   

Position Reporting: Members are required to complete the following: 

• Midterm and Final Eval: Crew Leaders evaluate members’ term of service. This is completed at the midway point of service and upon completion of service.
• Exit Survey: Conservation Legacy will require an exit survey for each member to provide an overview of their entire term of service.
• AmeriCorps Exit Survey: Completed by the member at the end of service per AmeriCorps compliance.

Expectations of an SECC Corpsmember:   

• Expect to spend long days in a frontcountry or backcountry location. Project days will include hiking and strenuous labor in remote settings in all weather conditions.
• SECC is a non-residential program, meaning crew members are responsible for attaining and paying for their own housing when not in the field.
• Crews prepare all their own meals while in-field and as a group complete all necessary chores. Community/camp chores will be completed every evening, with many evenings including group discussions on conservation and/or corps related topics.
• Crew 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, hiking/work boots, etc. SECC will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between SECC office and project sites.
• While participating in a term of National Service, SECC crews engage in a variety of team dynamics, emphasizing respect for fellow members, partners, the public, and the land they encounter.
• SECC expects members to represent the program in a professional manner.
• Crew life will include our corps values of challenge, stewardship, dedication, community, integrity, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
• Members are expected to be timely, hardworking, flexible, and complete all functions of tasks assigned.

General Qualifications:   

• Be between the ages of 18 and 30 (exception for Veterans up to age 35)
• Able to pass the arduous level pack test. (https://bit.ly/3QKjKF3)
• Have US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Pass background checks: all offers of positions are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and Federal and/or State criminal background check
• Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (individuals are eligible if they have not already completed 2 full years of AmeriCorps service, or 4 AmeriCorps service terms, whichever comes first – please contact us if you are unsure of your eligibility)
• Exhibits the ability to effectively collaborate on diverse teams or with a variety of populations, including those underrepresented at our organization and those of BIPOC communities.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and being a part of a fast-paced team driven by innovation and entrepreneurial approaches.
• Experience with BIPOC communities
• General comfort with and prior experience in outdoor environments.
• Strong interest in a future career in natural resources, environmental science, parks and recreation, or conservation.

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission
• Physically fit and able to perform long days in adverse conditions
• Leadership experience with youth or young adults
• Excellent organizational & communication skills
• Must be able to demonstrate strong project management skills
• Strong time-management skills and ability to collaborate independently as well as with others
• Ability to effectively and efficiently manage all aspects of crew life and production within a hitch schedule
• Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to thrive in a fluid, changing environment
• Willingness to learn and be a part of a dynamic community of peer leaders
• Must be adaptive, patient and able to maintain a positive perspective throughout
• Experience with backpacking, wilderness living and travel, and LNT principles
• Must be 21+, OR have a clean driving record for 3+years (insurable by SECC) and a current driver’s license
• Willingness to deploy on a Disaster Response

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Background with experiential and/or environmental education
• Experience with SECC, other conservation corps or youth corps
• Wildland Fire experience (Hot shot, hand crew, engine crew, etc.)
• Faller B Chainsaw certification (Or ready to evaluate as one)
• Current and relevant certification in Wilderness Medicine (WFA, WAFA, WFR) with CPR/AED
• Facilitation and team-building experience with diverse groups of people
• Eagerness to take part in various conservation-based projects
• Technical trail construction and maintenance experience
• Strong conflict resolution skills
• Experience with Disaster Response
• Relevant Bachelor’s Degree

Compensation:      

AmeriCorps members will receive an AmeriCorps living stipend of $450/week, plus $300/week additional benefit ($750/week, pre-tax), dispersed biweekly. Upon successful completion of the term of service AmeriCorps members will earn an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award to be used for student loans, qualifying programs/classes, or tuition for traditional Title IV accredited colleges.      

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 position. 

Participation and Expedition Behavior 

• Frequently required to walk, hike, sit and talk or listen
• Required to use hands to operate objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to focus
• Required to drive an SECC vehicle
• Must be able to speak, understand, read and write English
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• Ability to pass Conservation Legacy’s criminal history checks
• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident and provide primary documentation to support this

Required Skills:  

Leadership & Mentorship: 

• Manage, supervise, and assist leading the day-to-day details of project tasks
• Implement skills training on project sites and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics
• Promote individual corps member development and a healthy, supportive community
• Must be willing to follow and enforce all SECC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent Southeast Conservation Corps. This includes creating a substance free environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program

Project Management & Implementation: 

• Assist in training and motivating a crew of 4 young adults to complete conservation projects efficiently on public lands
• Delegate project tasks & investment among co-leader and crew