Southwest Conservation Corps

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Position Title: Short-term Fall Conservation Crew Member

Start/ End dates: 08/19/2024 – 11/08/2024 (Salida) OR 08/26/2024 -- 11/15/2024 (Durango) 

Location: Salida, CO or Durango, CO  

Stipend: $600/week ($400/week living stipend + $200/week housing stipend)  

Ages: 18 – 30  

Benefits: $1,459.26, 300-hour AmeriCorps Education Award (value may change depending on term of service), Food provided while in the field, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment. Wilderness First Aid & CPR/AED certification.

For complete job description + to apply: Click here

  

About the Position: As an AmeriCorps program participant with the Southwest Conservation Corps, your office is the great outdoors! Each crew consists of 6 members and 2 leaders. Crews serve and camp for 8 days at a time in either front country (access to your crew vehicle and trailer), in town (collaborating with the county or municipality), or backcountry (hiking all your supplies in with backpacks) locations. You will serve effectively as a member of the crew; perform strenuous physical tasks related to environmental conservation and restoration projects; serve outdoors in all types of weather and successfully adapt to various climates; effectively learn and apply new environmental conservation and restoration skills; actively participate in environmental education activities if they are provided; practice appropriate safety procedures in all tasks assigned; use, maintain and repair hand and power tools as necessary.

• Projects may include trail construction & maintenance, habitat improvement, hazardous fuels reduction, re-vegetation, weeding, herbicide treatment, fencing, facility maintenance, and local environmental service projects. Crews may also complete technical and/or specialized projects depending on project partner needs, including disaster relief if the opportunity arises.
• Schedules consist of 10-hour days that are typically 8-days on and 6 off. There is a possibility you could serve 4 days on and 3 days off, or a variation of schedules requiring all AmeriCorps crew members to show flexibility in scheduling.
• All crews will go through a 5-day volunteer (unpaid) orientation (Salida: August 19-23 -OR- Durango: August 26-30). This will include Wilderness First Aid training. Food and a space to camp is provided for this training.

 

We will be running the following crews during the 2024 Fall season. We will speak to the service projects that each of these crews completes during the interview and will discuss your preferences at that time.  

• Conservation/Trail Crew (Durango + Salida) – A crew for young adults that serves in both backcountry and front country settings, focusing on trails and a variety of conservation service projects.  

• Chainsaw Crew (Durango + Salida) – A crew for young adults that serve primarily in front country settings, focusing on sustainable forestry, fuels reduction, or invasive species removal (with the potential to use herbicide). Crew members will go through USFS Chainsaw Training and will earn their United States Forest Service A-faller chainsaw certification upon completion.  

• Backcountry Chainsaw Crew (Durango) -- A crew for young adults that serve primarily in back country settings, focusing on sustainable forestry, fuels reduction, or invasive species removal (with the potential to use herbicide). Crew members will go through USFS Chainsaw Training and will earn their United States Forest Service A-faller chainsaw certification upon completion.

• Affinity Crews - The goal of our affinity crews is to have a place where those with identities that have historically and systemically been underrepresented in the conservation field, and their allies can come together and build an equitable community. The Women’s+, Queer, Leaders of Color Affinity Crews seek to create a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive space for all regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual identity or expression. We value respect for names, pronouns, orientation, gender, race, ethnicity, philosophies, confidentiality, boundaries, and culture.

  • Women’s+ Chainsaw Crew (Salida) – An affinity crew for Women (both trans + cis) as well as non-binary individuals with service projects focusing on sustainable forestry, fuels reduction, or invasive species removal (with the potential to use herbicide). Crew members will go through USFS Chainsaw Training and will earn their United States Forest Service A-faller chainsaw certification upon completion.

  • Leaders of Color Chainsaw Crew (Salida) – An affinity crew for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) community members with service projects focusing on sustainable forestry, fuels reduction, or invasive species removal (with the potential to use herbicide). Crew members will go through USFS Chainsaw Training and will earn their United States Forest Service A-faller chainsaw certification upon completion.

  • Women’s+ Conservation Crew (Durango) -- An affinity crew for Women (both trans + cis) as well as non-binary individuals. This crew serves on various projects, in front country and backcountry settings. This will allow crew members to gain experience in and understanding of several aspects of conservation.

  • Queer Conservation Crew (Durango) – An affinity crew for LGBTQAI2S+ individuals. This crew serves on various projects, in front country and backcountry settings. This will allow crew members to gain experience in and understanding of several aspects of conservation. 

 

Qualifications: 

• To qualify, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30  

• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.  

• A US citizen that has received (or on track to receive) a high school diploma or GED  

• All offers of service are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and state and federal criminal background checks.   

  

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.  

  

Participant and Expedition Behavior  

• Serve effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. 

• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program. 

• Contribute to a safe learning environment; no harassment of any kind. 

• Appropriately represent SCC and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners at all times. 

 

Risk Management and Judgement  

• Follow directions by others so that you can successfully manage hazards. 

• Ask clarifying question when you do not understand a task. 

• Maintain focus during workday, both while traveling and serving in varied weather conditions.  

• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage without assistance from others.  

 

Environmental Ethics & Outdoor Skills  

• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living and skills as appropriate to the project.   

• Live in a physically demanding, possibly remote environment for up to several weeks.  

 

Substance Free: In accordance with a drug free program, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and SCC activities, and while on organization property.   

 

At SCC, equity is a core value. To put power behind this statement, we prioritize and encourage opportunities for Black, Indigenous, Queer, Trans, and Women of Color (QTBIPOC). Interested candidates are encouraged to contact our staff for inquiries and apply on our website. 

 

Staff contacts:  

Greta Binzen, SCC Four Corners (Durango) Adult Program Coordinator: gbinzen@conservationlegacy.org 

Emma Karlok, SCC Los Valles (Salida) Adult Program Coordinator: ekarlok@conservationlegacy.org 

 

For complete job description + to apply: Click here

To be directed to the complete position description, please click here. 

 

Title: Los Valles Youth Program Coordinator 
Reports to: Los Valles Youth Program Manager 
Location: SCC Los Valles – Salida, CO 
Starting Salary: 22.93 - 23.61 DOE 
Status: Full time, Non-Exempt 
Benefit Eligible: Health, Vision, Dental, Long-Term Disability, Retirement, Paid Time Off
Posting Period: Please apply before June 7, 2024

 

Position Summary: The Youth Program Coordinator’s primary responsibilities are to recruit and select High School Corps Members and assist with recruitment for Crew Leaders for all youth crews; Participate in the planning and execution of Crew Leader and Member trainings; Coordinate communication between the field and the office; Using a trauma-informed approach, support and mentor all field staff, including seasonal Field Supervisors, Crew Leaders and Members; Ensure crews are both supported and prepared to maintain safety, program integrity, and quality projects in the field. Office space is available in Salida. An additional office space is available to use in and Alamosa during travel days. Both office and field operations throughout the San Luis Valley are required by this position, so a flexible schedule is a must.

 

Qualifications:

• Ability to successfully work in a fluid, changing work environment.
• Ability to operate Microsoft Office programs and applications, or similar platforms.
• Ability to keep others and oneself, in remote locations, accountable to expectations.
• Valid Driver’s License and Insurable Driving Record per Personnel Policies.
• Must be able to pass the organization’s criminal history check requirements.
• Exhibits the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams or with a variety of populations, including those underrepresented at our organization and those of BIPOC communities.
• Relevant degree or in education, sustainability, or another related field, or 2 years of related experience.
• Experience in trail work, campground maintenance, habitat restoration, and/or forestry.
• Certified in Wilderness First Responder or ability to acquire within 6 months of hiring.
• Wilderness First Aid/CPR Instructor Certificate or ability to acquire within 6 months of hiring.
• Preferred experience working with youth in the San Luis Valley and Upper Arkansas River Valley
• Preferred leadership experience with a Conservation Legacy corps program or another conservation corps.
• Preferred experience with Trauma Informed Care, Positive Youth Development, and Restorative Justice Practices.

 

To Apply: 

1. To be directed to the complete position description, please click here. 
2. Send Cover letter and resume to Pamela Cisneros at pcisneros@conservationlegacy.org by June 7, 2024
3. Cover Letter Subject line must include “Applicant_Youth Coordinator_(Your Name)” Ex: "Applicant_Youth Coordinator_John Doe"
4. Cover Letter must include a response to the following: Provide some examples of your experience effectively working with diverse communities, including those specific to Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and other underrepresented populations, in personal or professional context.

For complete job description and to apply: CLICK HERE

Start Dates: April 2nd, April 16th, May 13th.  
End Date: August 14th, 2024 with option to extend through early November 2024.

Position Overview:

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 5-week sessions with high school students ages 15 – 18. 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. 

 

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.  

• Day Crew (youth work during the day, 8:00am – 4:30pm Monday – Thursday, Friday education half day, and youth go home in the evenings)  
• Camping Crew (Monday – Friday, youth camp all week, and go home on weekends) 

 

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 15 – 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. 
• Ability to live, work and camp in rural Colorado. Weather can be extreme and variable throughout the spring and summer season 

Interested in applying? CLICK HERE

2024 Youth Program Crew Leader - Salida, CO

For complete job description and to apply: CLICK HERE

Dates of Employment: Varying Start Dates (April 2nd, April 16th, May 13th) - August 14th, 2024 with option to extend through early November 2024.

Position Summary: This position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives. Leaders will be mentors, educators and facilitators for high school students, working to increase youth resiliency, build confidence and to be positive role models. SCC’s Youth Crew Leaders will spend 8 weeks in a crew leader training period, which will include a SCC orientation week, chainsaw training, technical trails training, a youth crew leader training, and prep weeks in addition to project work. In June, crew leaders will mentor a CLDP and co-lead two 5-week sessions with high school students ages 15 – 18. Crews will complete a variety of local conservation projects. The typical schedule is either: Eight days on followed by six days off, or five days on followed by two days off.  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.  

The Southwest Conservation Corps Crew Leaders perform many roles and are the key to our program’s success. This position requires a high degree of flexibility and a passion for working with youth outdoors. The position is multi-faceted and demanding, but with opportunity for enormous rewards. Successful candidates will demonstrate resourcefulness, effective communication skills, excellent judgement and decision-making, maturity, initiative, professionalism, and the desire to devote themselves to youth, the environment and a crew experience. The Crew Leader position requires patience, mentorship, technical aptitude, focus on efficiency, and a high level of comfort in the outdoors. Leaders take a trauma informed approach to working with peers and youth in the outdoors. It also involves an administration role, where weekly paperwork is due in a timely manner to supervisors. Crew Leaders are ultimately responsible for successes and shortcomings of the crew, as well as safety and well-being.   

Crew leaders will be paired with another Crew Leader OR with an AmeriCorps Crew Leader in Development (CLDP). This will be determined based on experience and preference. They will be responsible for mentoring the CLDP through development plans and goal setting. The intention of this pairing is to give the CLDP the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to take on full Crew Leader responsibilities the following season. 
 

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:  

• Day Crew (youth work during the day, 8:00am – 4:30pm Monday – Thursday, Friday education half day, and youth go home in the evenings)  

• Camping Crew (Monday – Friday, youth camp all week, and go home on weekends) 

Responsibilities/Required Skills:

Leadership & Mentorship 

• Implement skills training on worksite and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics 

• Promote individual corps member development and a healthy community 
• Mentor and delegate project responsibilities and member development to Crew Leader in Development. 
• Must be willing to follow and enforce all SCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent Southwest Conservation Corps. This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program. 
• Facilitate weekly educational lessons to the crew 
• Crew Leaders paired with a Crew Leader in Development will be responsible for mentoring and supporting them through a Goal setting process and a development plan.  

 Project Management & Implementation 

• Train, motivate and supervise a crew of six to eight high school students to efficiently complete conservation projects on public lands within 8 hours of project work/day, while managing quality of work 
• Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems 
• Communicate effectively & coordinate logistics with your Crew leader or CLDP Pair, project partners, & SCC staff 

Safety & Risk Management 

• Monitor, manage, and promote the crew’s physical and emotional safety on and off the work site 
• Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety 
• Transport crews and equipment safely in SCC’s vans or large SUVs with trailers 

Administration 

• Complete professional documentation of time sheets, daily and weekly reports, corps member and peer evaluations, performance improvement contracts, incident reports, and project related deliverables.
• Manage food budget and credit card for purchases 

 

Essential Functions: 

• Frequently required to walk, hike, sit and talk or listen 
• Required to use hands to operate objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms 
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to focus
• Required to drive an SCC vehicle
• Must be able to speak, understand, read and write English
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

 

Required Experience

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Leadership experience with youth or experience with experiential and/or environmental education 
• Must hold current advanced medical certification (WFR, WEMT) with CPR/AED, or receive certification prior to start date. WFA accepted on case-by-case basis.
• Flexibility and adaptability while effectively managing a crew during a 8-12 hour workday
• Physically fit and able to work long days in adverse conditions on a variety of conservation projects 
• High School diploma or GED certificate
• Must be able to pass a criminal history background check
• Must be 21, have a clean driving record (insurable by SCC) and a current driver’s license.  

 

Preferred Qualifications or strong desire to grow in the following: 

• Experience with SCC or other conservation corps or youth corps
• Facilitation, team building and conflict resolution experience
• Desire to make a positive difference and promote leadership in others
• Exhibits the ability to effectively work on diverse teams or with a variety of populations, including those underrepresented at our organization and those of BIPOC communities.
• Ability to speak and understand Spanish 

 

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. 
• Ability to live, work, and camp in rural Colorado. Weather can be extreme and variable throughout the spring and summer season. 

 

Interested in applying? CLICK HERE

2024 Adult Program Crew Leader - Salida, CO

For complete job description and to apply: CLICK HERE

Dates of Employment: April 1st, 2024 – Late October or early November 2024 (depending on weather & project availability) 

Position Summary:  

The Adult Program Crew Leader at SCC Los Valles is responsible for overseeing a crew of 8: crews consist of 6 members, 1 Crew Leader in Development (CLDP), and the crew leader. Crews work in front and backcountry locations in all weather conditions. Standard schedule consists of 8 days on-hitch and 6 days off with some exception. On-hitch, crews camps together, prepare all meals together, and work together as a group to complete all projects and chores. SCC does not provide accommodations off-hitch and Crew Leaders will be responsible for their own accommodations during that time. Crew Leaders will lead crews in completing technical conservation projects while instilling interpersonal skills and leadership skills. Crew leaders will also be responsible for leading crews in environmental stewardship, risk management, trauma-informed care, and restorative justice. 

At SCC Los Valles, we hold that social equity and environmental justice are the responsibility of all. 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:

• Leaders of Color crew – An affinity crew for QTBIPOC individuals with a focus on technical skills and certifications
• Women’s+ Saw crew – An affinity crew for Trans, Non-binary, and Cis women individuals with a focus on chainsaw skills development
• Veteran Fire crew – A post 9/11 veteran crew which focuses on fuel reduction and fire mitigation on public land
• Chainsaw crews – A crew for young adults that works primarily in front country settings, focusing on sustainable forestry, fuels reduction, or invasive species removal (with the potential to use herbicide)
• Conservation/Trail crews – A crew for young adults that works in both backcountry and front country settings, focusing on trails and a variety of conservation work

Responsibilities & Core Competencies:  

 Leadership & Mentorship  

• Embody equity, ensure inclusion, and embrace diversity (equity, inclusion, and diversity) within the corps. This includes but is not limited to: 
• Lead and participate in Land Acknowledgements that recognize Indigenous communities who have historically and continue to steward the Los Valles region
• Employ a restorative justice approach to disciplinary incidents
• Facilitate and engage in environmental education that includes the fraught history of public lands in the United States 
• Employ a trauma-informed approach to building crew dynamics and addressing interpersonal conflict
• Be accountable to ensuring the SCC Los Valles community centers the experiences of members of historically marginalized populations, including Black, Indigenous, Queer, Trans and Women of Color (QTBIPOC), and young adults with systems-involvement
• Foster 21st century work skills in corps members, i.e.: collaboration & teamwork, creativity & imagination, critical thinking, problem-solving, flexibility & adaptability
  • Model strong communication and conflict transformation skills
  • Mentor Crew Leader in Development (CLDP) in their growth in leadership, facilitation, and supervisory skills

Project Management & Implementation  

• Instruct, train & motivate a crew to complete high quality technical conservation projects
• Implement a 10-hour workday and ensure professionalism is maintained at camp
• Delegate project work & camp chores
• Effectively coordinate logistics with project partners, co-leader, & SCC staff

Risk Management  

• Analyze, manage, and inform on hazardous conditions and crew health
• Exhibit strong situational awareness at worksite and campsite  
• Transport crew and equipment safely in SCC’s vans and large SUVs with trailers 

  Administrative Skills  

• Meet all deadlines for documentation, i.e., timesheets, evaluations, incident reports, etc
• Record all project related outcomes and deliverables 
• Manage food budget and credit card for purchases, providing receipts for all purchases

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Outdoor leadership experience with youth and/or young adults
• Physically fit and able to work 40-50 hr work weeks 
• High School diploma or GED certificate 
• Must hold current/relevant medical certification (WFR, WEMT, or OEC) with CPR/AED 
• Must be 21, or have had a driver’s license for 3 consecutive years with a clean driving record (insurable by SCC), and a current driver’s license
• For leading crews with a chainsaw component (LOC and W+): ability to test out at a B-level in chainsaw during crew leader training season

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Experience with SCC or other conservation corps
• Experience supervising a team or managing a classroom
• Experience working with trauma-impacted communities

Essential Functions:  

• Frequently required to walk, hike, sit, talk and listen 
• Required to use hands to operate objects and tools, and to reach with hands and arms 
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds 
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to focus 
• Required to drive an SCC vehicle 
• 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 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Interested in applying? CLICK HERE

For complete job description and to apply: CLICK HERE

Dates of Employment: April 1st, 2024 – Late October or early November 2024 (depending on weather & project availability)

Position Summary:  

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 CLDPs for leading summer crews. This position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives. CLDPs 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 (AC) 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. 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. 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. 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. Crews will complete a variety of local conservation and community projects. 

 

At SCC Los Valles, we hold that social equity and environmental justice are the responsibility of all. 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:

• Leaders of Color crew – An affinity crew for QTBIPOC individuals with a focus on technical skills and certifications
• Women’s+ Saw crew – An affinity crew for Trans, Non-binary, and Cis women individuals with a focus on chainsaw skills development.
• Veteran Fire crew – A post 9/11 veteran crew which focuses on fuel reduction and fire mitigation on public land
• Chainsaw crews – A crew for young adults that works primarily in front country settings, focusing on sustainable forestry, fuels reduction, or invasive species removal (with the potential to use herbicide)
• Conservation/Trail crews – A crew for young adults that works in both backcountry and front country settings, focusing on trails and a variety of conservation work

 

Responsibilities & Core Competencies:

Leadership & Mentorship  

• Embody equity, ensure inclusion, and embrace diversity (equity, inclusion, and diversity) within the corps. This includes but is not limited to: 
• Lead and participate in Land Acknowledgements that recognize Indigenous communities who have historically and continue to steward the Los Valles region
• Employ a restorative justice approach to disciplinary incidents
• Facilitate and engage in environmental education that includes the fraught history of public lands in the United States 
• Employ a trauma-informed approach to building crew dynamics and addressing interpersonal conflict
• Be accountable to ensuring the SCC Los Valles community centers the experiences of members of historically marginalized populations, including Black, Indigenous, Queer, Trans and Women of Color (QTBIPOC), and young adults with systems-involvement
• Foster 21st century work skills in corps members, i.e.: collaboration & teamwork, creativity & imagination, critical thinking, problem-solving, flexibility & adaptability
  • Model strong communication and conflict transformation skills

Project Management & Implementation  

• Instruct, train & motivate a crew to complete high quality technical conservation projects
• Implement a 10-hour workday and ensure professionalism is maintained at camp
• Delegate project work & camp chores
• Effectively coordinate logistics with project partners, co-leader, & SCC staff

Risk Management  

• Analyze, manage, and inform on hazardous conditions and crew health
• Exhibit strong situational awareness at worksite and campsite  
• Transport crew and equipment safely in SCC’s vans and large SUVs with trailers 

 

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Outdoor leadership experience with youth and/or young adults
• Physically fit and able to work 40-50 hr work weeks 
• High School diploma or GED certificate 
• Must hold current/relevant medical certification (WFR, WEMT, or OEC) with CPR/AED 
• Must be 21, or have had a driver’s license for 3 consecutive years with a clean driving record (insurable by SCC), and a current driver’s license
• For leading crews with a chainsaw component (LOC and W+): ability to test out at a B-level in chainsaw during crew leader training season.

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Experience with SCC or other conservation corps
• Experience supervising a team or managing a classroom
• Experience working with trauma-impacted communities

Essential Functions:  

• Frequently required to walk, hike, sit, talk and listen 
• Required to use hands to operate objects and tools, and to reach with hands and arms 
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to focus
• Required to drive an SCC vehicle 
• 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 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions 

 

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