Conservation Crew Leader – Fall 2024

Appalachian Conservation Corps:   

Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As a corps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations. Our programs focus on service, place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve. 

Position Summary: 

The AmeriCorps 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.    

It means more than just showing up and doing the work, it means setting 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.  

Responsibilities:

Project Management & Implementation   

• Train and motivate a crew of six to eight young adults to complete conservation projects efficiently on public lands.   
• Delegate project work & investment among ACL and crew.   
• Manage on-the-ground quality and quantity of project work.   
• Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems.   
• Communicate effectively & coordinate logistics with project partners, staff crew leader, members, and ACC staff.   

Safety & Risk Management   

• Monitor, manage, and promote the crew’s physical and emotional safety on and off the work site.   
• Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety.   
• Transport crew and equipment safely in ACC’s vans or large vehicles with trailers.   

 Administration    

• Manage crew medical history forms and incident documentation in conjunction with the staff crew leader 

Project Work:  

Projects take place across the Appalachian Region, including work with the US Forest Service, the National Park Service, and other land managers. During their time in the field, ACLs camp overnight and 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, historic restoration, disaster relief, and much more. Most projects require hiking out to remote work sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack. 

Schedule: 

Typically, ACLs will meet at the ACC Office in Harrisonburg, VA, travel in a crew vehicle to their project site and remain in the field for 9 days at a time, followed by 5 days off. While in the field, ACLs work 8-10 hours a day. The day starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting and includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour break for lunch. 

Once ACLs are selected and prior to their start date, they 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. 

Crew Life: 

ACLs with ACC serve on a crew with 4 crew members and are supervised by a staff crew leader, with whom they work to project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete all necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc.). We are able to accommodate most dietary restrictions. Camp chores will be completed every evening, with many evenings including group discussions on conservation topics. 

ACC supports a culture of feedback and growth. ACLs will set goals at the beginning of the season and review their performance through both self-evaluation and a review with their crew leader in the middle and at the end of their season. Evaluations will cover topic areas including Corps culture, leadership, service & experiential learning, risk management, professionalism, and technical skills. ACLs will also be asked to evaluate the program and their experience at the end of their term. 

Expectations: 

ACC is an independent, non-residential program. Participants are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation when not in the field. 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, ACC will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between ACC offices and project sites. 

ACLs are asked to work hard, stay positive, and be flexible with changing schedules, weather conditions, and project needs. This is a seasonal position; ACLs are asked to fully commit to the experience, expectations, and timeline. 

Benefits: 

• $450/week living stipend, $200/week housing 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) 
• AmeriCorps members 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, USFS Chainsaw Certification, etc.) 
• Depending upon the academic institution and program, ACL positions may fulfill internship requirements 
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths and opportunities 

General Qualifications: 

• Be between the ages of 18 and 30 (exception for veterans up to age 35)  
• 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) 

Minimum Qualifications:   

• Strong project management skills.   
• Physically fit and able to work long days in adverse conditions.   
• Experience with backpacking, wilderness living and travel, LNT principles.   
• Current Wilderness First Aid Certification with CPR/AED.   
• Clean driving record (insurable by ACC) and a current driver’s license.   
• Willingness to deploy on a Disaster Response.   

Preferred Qualifications:   

• Experience with ACC 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 Response.   
• US Forest Service chainsaw certification.   
• Wilderness First Responder Certification with CPR/AED.