Forest Health Crew Member

Position Title: Forest Health Crew Member 

Location: Based out of Harrisonburg, VA 

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

Terms of Service

• Start Date: September 2nd, 2025
• End Date: November 18th, 2025
• AmeriCorps Education Award: $1,950 upon successful completion of service term

Purpose 

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 envisioning a world with healthy lands, air, and water, thriving people, and resilient communities. ACC aims to engage future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance our public lands through community-based service. ACC welcomes national applicants but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.  

Description of Duties

The crew member position is an entry-level role. Crew members with ACC serve on a crew with four crew members and two crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. This crew will be trained in and expected to safely use chainsaws and herbicide to complete a variety of conservation projects in partnership with local public land managers.  We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew.  

This crew focuses on sustainable forestry and invasive species treatment. Crew members will go through the West Virginia Registered Technician Pesticide Training and USFS Chainsaw Training and will earn their A-Faller chainsaw certification.  The crew provides a supportive learning environment where members work with, learn from, and grow with one another while gaining skills and certifications to propel them into a career in environmental stewardship.   

Typically, crews will meet at the ACC office in Harrisonburg, 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. During their time in the field, crew members work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects. Most projects require hiking out to remote work sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack.  

Expectations

ACC is an independent, non-residential program. Crew members are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation when they are not in the field. 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.  

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. 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. 

Qualifications 

• Must have first aid and CPR certification or be willing to earn before the start date.
• Be between the ages of 18 and 30 (exception for veterans up to age 35).
• Be a United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident.
• Have received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
• Agree to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• No previous experience is required, but a general comfort and previous knowledge of working/living in an outdoor setting is helpful.

Our Commitment

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager. 

Time Requirements

While in the field, crews work 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. Members may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service terms. 

Prior to their start date, selected participants are required to complete an onboarding process that includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, and beginning their background check process.  

Benefits 

• $1,950 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service term.
• $600 week stipend paid bi-weekly ($500 living stipend + $100 additional benefit).
• West Virginia Registered Technician Pesticide Training and USFS A-Faller Chainsaw Certification.
• 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, hard hats, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary protective equipment are provided.
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths.

Orientation and Evaluation 

Members will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps’ prohibited and unallowable activities. As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service. Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, biweekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking. 

ACC supports a culture of feedback and growth. Participants 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. Participants will also be asked to evaluate the program and their experience at the end of their term.  

Recruiter Name and Contact Information 

Sarah Akers 

sakers@conservationlegacy.org  

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.