Fall Remote Conservation Crew Member – Full Season Camping Provided

Position Title: Fall Remote Conservation Crew Member – Full Season Camping Provided 

Crew Details: 

Crew in New River Gorge National Park, WV 

• September 14th to November 12th

Crew in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH 

• September 7th to November 19th

Compensation: $600 per week ($500 living stipend + $100 additional benefit) 

AmeriCorps Education Award: $1,565.08 upon successful completion of service term 

Purpose 

Appalachian Conservation Corps 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 an AmeriCorps program, we partner with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development.  

Appalachian Conservation Corps is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations envisioning a world with healthy lands, air, and water, thriving people, and resilient communities. We aim to engage future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance our public lands through community-based service. We welcome national applicants but also emphasize the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve. 

Project Description  

Crews will meet at their project site in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio OR New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia, complete project work Monday through Thursday, and then have Friday through Sunday off. A campsite is available for members who would like to stay on site during their days off.  

During their time in the field, crews perform heavy manual labor on environmental conservation projects in all types of weather conditions for 10 hours each day. These hands-on projects include visitor access improvements, trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, re-vegetation, and much more. Most projects require hiking out to remote sites for the day with tools, equipment, and a day pack. 

Crews consist of four crew members and two crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. 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. 

For applicants interested in serving in Cuyahoga Valley NP only: This crew will be trained in and expected to safely use chainsaws and other tools in order to complete the needed conservation projects. If you are chosen for this crew, you will be required to obtain a first aid and CPR certificate that will be valid for the entirety of their term (9/7 – 11/24).  

Schedule and Crew Life 

Crews are responsible for their own food and transportation when they are not in the field. While participants are asked to supply as much of their personal equipment as possible, loaner gear will be available if needed. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program.  

Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc.). Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known ahead of time. We also provide group camping equipment, tools, protective gear, uniform shirts, and transportation between Appalachian Conservation Corps offices and project sites. 

Members may be required to participate in service projects or events as part of their service terms. Prior to their start date, selected participants are required to complete an enrollment process that includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, orientation on AmeriCorps prohibited activities, and beginning their background check process.  

Appalachian Conservation Corps supports a culture of feedback and growth. Participants will set goals at the beginning of the season and review their performance in the middle and at the end of their season. Participants will also be asked to evaluate the program and their experience. Overall performance will be measured by assignment completion, hours served, and other criteria set at the start of the service term.  

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.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• For the Cuyahoga crew: Must have first aid and CPR certification or be willing to earn before the start date.
• No previous experience is required, but general comfort and previous exposure to working outdoors and/or camping is helpful.