Conservation Crew Leader – Spring 2024

Location: Based out of Catoctin Mountain Park, MD

Start Date: March 4th, 2024

End Date: May 16th, 2024

Status: This is a full-time, seasonal 300-hour AmeriCorps National Service position. 

Compensation: $400/week living stipend, $200/week housing stipend, AmeriCorps Education Award on completion

Questions? Contact sakers@conservationlegacy.org 

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 conservation strike team member position is an entry-level role. Members are supported on a variety of levels, by their crew leaders, program staff, project partners, and Conservation Legacy staff. While prior experience with the outdoors or outdoor work can be helpful, it is not a necessity for this position. We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew. 

Project Work: 

During their time in the field, crew members 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: 

This strike team will be remote, so they will not come to the ACC office in Harrisonburg. They will work in Catoctin Mountain Park in Maryland from Monday to Thursday and be off Friday to Sunday. Lodging/camping will be provided for this crew for the entire season, including days off. 

The day starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting and includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour break for lunch. Prior to their start date, selected crew members must begin their background check process and complete an online enrollment process which includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, and enrolling with AmeriCorps. For those with limited access to online platforms, accommodations may be available and can be discussed during the interview process. 

Crew Life: 

Conservation crew members with ACC serve on a crew with 4 crew members and 2 crew leader who provide 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.). Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known ahead of time. Many evenings include group discussions on conservation topics. 

ACC supports a culture of feedback and growth. Members 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 areas such as professionalism, responsibility and leadership, communication, engagement, productivity, safety, and equipment use. Members will also be asked to evaluate their crew leaders’ performance, the overall program, and their experience at the end of their term. 

Expectations: 

While members will be asked to supply as much of their personal equipment as possible, loaner gear will be available if needed, especially for more expensive items such as tents and sleeping bags. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program. Please ask immediately if there is loaner gear you require. 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. 

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

Benefits: 

• $400/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) 
• Possible 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  
• Depending upon the academic institution and program, crew member positions may fulfill internship requirements 
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths 

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) 
• No previous experience is required, but a general comfort and previous knowledge of working/living in an outdoor setting is helpful.