Youth Crew Leader in Development (CLDP)

Title: AmeriCorps Youth Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP)  

Reports to: Youth Programs Coordinator 

Location: Durango, CO  

Status:  Seasonal, Full-time, Exempt   

Dates: May 6th** – August 9th, 2024 

**Start date flexible on a case-by-case basis.  

Wages: $685 weekly = ($485/week living stipend + $200/week housing stipend) + AmeriCorps Education Award at completion of service term  

Benefits: Paid time off between summer sessions and 2 additional days of PTO; Food provided while in the field, uniforms, protective equipment, access to Mental Health Consultant and Employee Assistance Program.  

Training: Technical Trails Training, QPR Suicide Prevention Training, Mandatory Reporter Training, Trauma Informed Approach Training. Potential for Crosscut Training. 

Housing: SCC-Durango offers a Host-Housing program based on need and has a camping location at our base of operations for leaders and CLDPs during the spring season. Options will be reviewed in the interview process. 

Application closes April 10th, 2024.  One open CLDP position:

• Indigenous Youth Affinity Crew – anyone with experience and desire to work with local Indigenous Youth is encouraged to apply!

Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects primarily on public lands. While serving with SCC, members receive training on job skills, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Programs are developed using a step ladder approach to provide a progression of skill development based on a member’s needs. 

This is an entry level position focused on development, we welcome applications from candidates who may not have all the skills listed below. This position provides extensive training during the spring season, meant to prepare CLDP’s for leading summer crews. This position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives. CLDP’s will be mentors, educators and facilitators for high school students, working to increase youth resiliency, build confidence and to be positive role models for their members.  

The AmeriCorps (A*C) Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP) is a two-phase program.  The first phase focuses on orientation, training and development, the second phase focuses on implementation and continued leadership development. The AmeriCorps CLDP will spend 8 weeks in a crew leader training period, which will include a Leadership skills week, Chainsaw training, technical trails training, a youth crew leader training, and prep weeks in addition to project work. In June, leaders will transition to co-leading two 4-week sessions with high school students ages 14-18 or middle school students ages 11-13. Each CLDP will be paired with an experienced crew leader who will provide mentorship and support to them through a goal setting process and CLDP development plan. Crews will complete a variety of local conservation and community projects.  

CLDPs are responsible for assisting Crew Leaders in ensuring the physical safety and emotional well-being of their crew. The intention of the CLDP/Crew Leader pairing is to aid in the leadership development of the CLDP. Over the course of the season, the CLDP will gain the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to take on full Crew Leader responsibilities the following season. Crew Leaders will be responsible for helping to create a leadership development plan. Based on their own skills and experience, CLDP’s may take lead or assist with project management, creating and implementing development and educational opportunities, and completing required hitch paperwork. 

Currently, the typical schedule five days on followed by two days off (During Youth Crew Season). Depending on proximity to the work site, crews either return to town each day, or camp at the project site (we refer to this as a “hitch”) for its duration. The day starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting, includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour break for lunch. 

We will be running the following crews during the 2024 season, please be ready to speak to your preferences and how you will support them during your interview. You will lead 2 different crews over the summer and are expected to camp and work Monday through Friday for all crew models. Exceptions made on a case-by-case basis.  Open crews include: 

• Indigenous Youth Affinity Crew – This crew will be camping for 5 days at a time, and travelling around the Four Corners Region. Anyone with experience working with Native Youth is encouraged to apply!

Required Skills

General Qualifications:  

• AmeriCorps members must be able to pass a criminal background check
• Professionalism: Members must be willing to follow and enforce all SCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, communicate effectively with partners, crew leaders, members, peers and SCC staff, and appropriately represent Southwest Conservation Corps and AmeriCorps. (This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while on “hitch”)
• Adaptability: Projects have a degree of uncertainty and will include variable living conditions and last-minute changes. Members must be adaptive, patient, and able to maintain a positive perspective throughout
• Leadership: Experience, or a strong desire to lead and mentor a diverse group of young adults (ages 11-18). Ability to manage and participate in day-to-day details of crew life. Ability to listen, willingness to receive feedback, and desire to grow continually
• Community Building: Strong desire to help others grow as individuals while building cohesiveness in a group setting. CLDP Members must be willing to work hard, listen and respect others’ viewpoints, embrace diversity, be committed to equity, and inclusive of differing backgrounds.
• Environmental Stewardship: Members must have a genuine enjoyment and desire for caring for the land while living and working outdoors in a variety of conditions
• Fitness: SCC projects are physically demanding! 8 to 10-hour long workdays consist of hiking, backpacking, heavy lifting, and repetitive motions using tools. Projects often take place at elevation – above 8,500’ – and in variable weather conditions.
• Conservation: Experience or a desire to learn the technical skills needed to effectively maintain public lands
• Corps Member Development: Experience or strong desire to learn and participate as an outdoor educator and mentor
• Driving: CLDP Members are responsible for driving 8-12-passenger vehicles while pulling a trailer. In order to drive, members must be 21, have a clean driving record (insurable) and a current driver’s license
• Education: At a minimum, CLDP members must be high school graduates, GED recipients, working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service.
• Citizenship: Member’s must provide primary documentation of status as a U.S. citizen or National, OR primary documentation of status as a lawful permanent resident of the United States

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 may not apply to your particular position.  

Essential Functions:   

• Required to walk, hike, sit, talk, and listen
• Required to use hands to operate objects and tools, and to reach with hands and arms
• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to focus
• Must be 21
• Speak, understand, read, and write English
• Enforce all SCC policies. SCC is a substance free work environment. All must refrain from the use of tobacco products, vaping, alcohol, and drugs while in the program

Other Considerations: 

• Having a vehicle or access to a vehicle is important for this position to transport yourself between your living situation & our work base; The Old Fort Lewis in Hesperus, CO. Not having a vehicle is possible but will require coordination on your end.
• Ability to live, work and camp in rural Colorado. Weather can be extreme and variable throughout the spring and summer season

If you would like to learn more about the position, need assistance with the application or have any questions about the position, please reach out to: 

Jacob Mandell tendersglobal.net Youth Programs Coordinator                             

SCC Four Corners – Durango, CO Office 

970-238-6454 tendersglobal.net jmandell@conservationlegacy.org