Urban Forestry Crew- AmeriCorps Crew Member

Position Title: Urban Forestry Crew- AmeriCorps Crew Member 

Conservation Legacy Program: Southeast Conservation Corps  

Reports to: Crew Leader, Program Coordinator  

Site Location: Crew will be based out of SECC’s office in Chattanooga, TN and serving within Chattanooga’s public spaces 

Terms of Service: 

• Start Date: 08/18/25
• End Date: 11/21/25
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450-hour

Status: This is a full-time, seasonal, 14-week- 450-hour AmeriCorps National Service position  

Benefits: 

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35 upon successful completion of the program
• Living Allowance of $600 per week.
• Healthcare Coverage if Eligible
• Childcare Coverage if Eligible
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Interest Payments if Eligible

Stipend: $600/week AmeriCorps living allowance, pre-tax, dispersed biweekly 

AmeriCorps Award: A $1,956.35 AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the program    

Other Benefits: Transportation to and from project, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment, and other developmental opportunities as available.   

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

Purpose — About Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC):   
Empowering youth and adults to cultivate compassion, responsibility and life skills through community service, hard work and land stewardship.    

SECC, a program of Conservation Legacy, is a non-profit AmeriCorps program. We engage youth (age 15-17) and young adults (ages 18-30, up to 35 for veterans) in service projects on public lands throughout the Southeast. Our AmeriCorps positions provide impactful educational and service opportunities that benefit both communities and landscapes. SECC’s participants reflect the population of the Southeast region, including youth, graduates, veterans, and individuals from various ethnic and economic backgrounds.  

SECC collaborates with land management agencies such as the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, State Parks, local municipalities, and non-profits to host day and camping crews. Our projects vary but include trail construction and maintenance, restoration of natural areas, invasive species removal, fire fuels reduction, fencing, herbicide applications, and more. Most projects involve strenuous manual labor and require hiking to and from the project sites daily, carrying tools and day packs.   

Description of Duties — Position Summary 

Service Project:   

Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC) and the City of Chattanooga have partnered to host an In-town (day crew) Urban Forestry Crew with funding for this project provided by the USDA National Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program. The crew will be managed by the City of Chattanooga’s Natural Resources Department and will aid in pre-identified restoration projects with a focus on riparian/stream buffer restoration through invasive species removal and native planting.  

Crew members will participate in a program that combines training and education with impactful conservation and service projects throughout the local area. The In-town crew will work in frontcountry locations in all types of weather conditions. As such, members should be open to adapting to various climates. Crew Members should effectively learn and apply new conservation skills/restoration skills/outdoor-living skills, actively participate in educational activities, practice appropriate safety procedures in all tasks assigned, and use, maintain, and repair hand and power tools as necessary. 

The crew will engage in physically demanding manual labor to support conservation and restoration efforts. Service projects will vary depending on seasonal factors and safety considerations, with a primary focus on invasive plant species management, native vegetation restoration, and streambank stabilization. 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.  

Tasks may also include, but are not limited to: 

• Riparian buffer restoration
• Invasive plant species removal
• Seeding for native plant species
• Erosion Matting installation
• Limbing up/pruning trees
• Litter removal
• Streambank stabilization
• Grading
• Coir log installation
• Live stake installation
• Native species planting
• Tree, shrub, and perennial planting
• Assist in container tree planting in parks
• Learn proper tree planting techniques
• Potential to plant native plant plugs in stream buffers
• Tree maintenance (watering, pruning, etc)
• Weekly watering, weather permitting
• Weekly tree health inspections
• Weeding mulch rings
• Refreshing mulch rings when necessary
• Staking trees
• Invasive species removal
• Identification of invasive plant species
• Mechanical removal of invasive plants will be accomplished primarily through the use of tools and hand pulling
• Larger shrub species will be managed with the use of loppers and weed wrenches to remove the entirety of the root system
• Smaller vine species will be hand pulled or individuals will be dug up to remove the entirety of the root system
• Herbicide treatment will be applied to larger shrub individuals that cannot be removed mechanically through a cut and spray method or direct leaf application
• Herbicide treatment will be potentially applied to large areas of ground cover or vining species through foliar foam or wipe application.
• Herbicide application will overseen by an individual certified in herbicide application
• Plant and Wildlife Identification
• Become familiar with local flora and fauna
• Identify common invasive plant species to the area
• Utilize iNaturalist and contribute to citizen science data collections
• Planting procedures
• Hand weeding
• Gardening/landscaping
• Bank stabilization
• Working with Volunteers and Engaging with the PublicVolunteer and Interaction with the PublicEvents
• Assistance with volunteer tree plantings or invasive species removals
• Work beside and engage with volunteers
• Assist in events such as City Nature Challenge that may occur at the Park during the term
• Assist volunteers with plant identification and/or proper tree planting techniques
• Potential to help in volunteer day instruction and safety talks prior to the event
• While working in public parks, citizens will ask questions and want to know about the work being done, you will be expected to engage and talk about the project

Training Provided for Certifications in the following:  

Skills/Knowledge acquired through this program: 

• Plant Identification
• Invasive plant species management practices
• Young tree care
• Volunteer management
• Proper planting techniques
• Erosion control
• Understanding of vegetative practices used for stormwater management and improved stream health.
• A foundational understanding of conservation careers, in particularly natural resource management within an urban park setting.
• Proper use/maintenance of hand and power tools.
• Communication and outreach with the public.
• Teamwork and collaboration in a field setting. 
• Problem-solving and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

These skills are highly transferable to careers in urban forestry, environmental education, natural resource management, park services, conservation nonprofits, and more. 

***Many waterways across Chattanooga are impaired for various reasons including, but not limited to potentially harmful bacteria like E.coli. All crews will be equipped with the appropriate PPE to work in water that may contain these contaminants, however individuals will be expected to practice best management practices while working in the field.  

Crew Life:    

SECC Members with SECC serve on a crew model variation of 4-6 other Crew Members and 2 Crew Leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. No drug or alcohol consumption is allowed during service-related travel at any time.   

Crew members will need to supply their own personal equipment such as a day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. SECC will provide tools, protective gear and transportation between SECC office and project sites. SECC has a limited supply of loaner gear available for crew members to borrow. While this gear can be helpful, we strongly recommend that members bring as much of their own gear as possible, as the loaner equipment may not fully meet personal preferences or specific needs. 

SECC supports a culture of feedback and growth. Crew 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. Crew Members will also be asked to evaluate their Crew Leaders’ performance, the overall program, and their experience at the end of their term.  

Hitch Schedule:     

The Urban Forestry Crew operates on a day crew model, where crew members are in the field during the day Monday-Friday, completing predetermined projects created in collaboration with SECC project partners. Crew members will begin and end each day at the SECC office and spend some time each Thursday or Friday afternoon at the SECC office cleaning crew gear to prep it for the following week. 

SECC is an independent, non-residential program. Crew members are responsible for finding and attaining their own housing when not in the field. Crew members will report to the SECC office at 7:30am Monday-Friday and will end each day around 4:00pm. Members will have evenings and weekends off. The day includes two fifteen-minute breaks and an unpaid half-hour break for lunch. 

Note: transportation needs will be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis. Please contact our Recruitment Coordinator (contact information listed below) with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your personal transportation needs. 

Requirements:    

Minimum Qualifications:       

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• Must be between ages 18 and 30, or up to 35 if a military veteran.
• Has 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
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Must be living within 20mi from SECC office in Chattanooga, TN.

Preferred Qualifications:    

• General comfort with and prior experience in outdoor environments.

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. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager. 

Time Requirements: 

• Typically, this position is expected to serve August to November, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

Orientation and Training: 

• Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Trainings related to Urban Forestry service projects
• Proper tree planting and young tree care practices

Evaluation and Reporting: 

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, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.  

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 particular position. 

Participant Behavior Expectations:     

Expectations of an SECC Corpsmember:    

• Teamwork & Responsibilities: serve effectively as part of a team by assisting with meal preparation, camp chores, and group discussions on corps-related topics.
• Professionalism & Conduct: be punctual, hardworking, flexible, and complete all assigned tasks. Always represent SECC and AmeriCorps in a professional manner when interacting with the public and project partners.
• Positive Environment: contribute to a positive and safe environment, free from harassment. Demonstrate teamwork and respect for fellow members, partners, the public, and the land.
• Physical Readiness: be prepared for strenuous physical labor in both frontcountry and remote backcountry locations, in all-weather conditions.
• Personal Gear & Housing: Provide your own personal outdoor gear (e.g., tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots) while SECC provides group camping equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between the SECC office and project sites. You are responsible for securing and paying for housing when not in the field.
• Corps Values: strive for an experience grounded in the corps values of challenge, stewardship, dedication, community, and integrity.

Expedition Behavior:    

• Demonstrate problem-solving skills and teamwork in stressful and challenging conditions, showing respect for all team members
• Commit to completing all aspects of the program, including conservation projects, education, training, and service days in local communities.
• Communicate ideas and concerns directly with crew leaders, supervisors, and staff.
• Learn and apply the necessary skills to successfully complete service project tasks.

Safety and Judgment:    

• Effectively communicate potential dangers, distress, or the need for assistance from up to 50 meters, even in low visibility or noisy conditions.
• Follow directions to safely manage hazards, both before and during exposure.
• Stay alert and focused for extended periods while traveling and serving in varying weather conditions.
• Recognize and respond to significant hazards, including those identified by others.
• Respond appropriately to stress or crises.
• Self-administer prescription medications and maintain proper dosage without assistance.

Environmental Ethics:   

• Practice ‘Leave no Trace’ principles to preserve public spaces

Outdoor Skills and Fitness:    

• Learn and safely perform essential outdoor living, travel, and industry skills relevant to the project.
• Maintain hydration, proper nutrition, and appropriate clothing to stay safe and prevent environmental injuries.
• Be prepared to live in a physically demanding, remote environment for up to several weeks, with conditions that may include severe weather. Conditions may include severe weather and limited access to advanced medical care, potentially requiring up to 12 hours of travel.

Substance Free:  

Alcohol and drugs are prohibited during AmeriCorps and program activities, and on organization property, in accordance with a drug free environment.