Conservation Crew Member - Fall 2023

Position Summary:

The Conservation crew member position is an entry-level role . Crew members are supported on a variety of levels, by their crew leaders, program staff, project partners, and Conservation Legacy staff. 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.

Project Work:

Projects take place across the Appalachian Region, including work with the US Forest Servi ce, the National Park Service, and other land managers. During their time in the field, crew members camp overnight and work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects. These hands-on projects include visitor access improvements, trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species treatments, historic restoration, disaster relief, and much more. Most projects require hiking out to remote work sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack.

Schedule:

Typically, crew members 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. While in the field, crew members work 8-10 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.

P rior to their start date, selected crew members must begin their background check process and complete an online enrollment process which includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, and enrolling with AmeriCorps. For those with limited access to online platforms, accommodations may be available and can be discussed during the interview process.

Crew Life:

Conservation crew members with ACC serve on a crew with 4-6 other crew members and 2 crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meal s and complete all necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc. ) . M ost dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known ahead of time . M any evenings includ e group discussions on conservation topics.

ACC 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 p rofessionalism, r esponsibility and l eadership , c ommunication, e ngagement, productivity , s afety, and e quipment 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.

Special Benefits

Benefits :

• $600/week living stipend, paid bi-weekly
• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of service term ( award amount va ri es based on length of commitment and can be used for paying off federal student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college )
• Possible student loan forbearance
• Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist
• Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye protection , and other necessary safety equipment is provided
• On-the-job training
• Depending upon the academic institution and program, c rew member positions may fulfill internship requirements
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc .) and e xposure to natural resource career paths

Requirements

General 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
• Pass background checks: all offers of positions are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and Federal and/or State criminal background check
• Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award ( individuals are eligible if they have not already completed 2 full years of AmeriCorps service, or 4 AmeriCorps service terms, whichever comes first – please contact us if you are unsure of your eligibility )
• No previous experience is required, but a general comfort and previous knowledge of working/living in an outdoor setting is helpful.