THIS POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN PERMANENTLY. APPLICANTS WILL BE SELECTED ON A “ONGOING” BASIS DEPENDING UPON CURRENT CREW AND PROJECT NEEDS. IF A POSITION MATCHING YOUR SKILL SET AND AVAILABILITY OPENS UP, YOU WILL BE CONTACTED FOR FOLLOW UP. THIS APPLICANT POOL WILL BE SCREENED FOR ALL CREW LEADER POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT CONSERVATION CORPS NEW MEXICO.

FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR CREWS, STAFF AND COMMUNITIES, PROJECTS MAY BE POSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19.  THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BELOW IS AN OUTLINE OF HOW OUR PROGRAM HAS TYPICALLY BEEN OPERATING, HOWEVER IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. AS THIS SITUATION DEVELOPS, AND DECISIONS ARE MADE, WE WILL PROVIDE UPDATES. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTINUE WITH THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND WE WILL KEEP CONSISTENT AND DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH ALL APPLICANTS

START DATE: Ongoing

STATUS: Dependent on start date

WAGES: $685/week

LOCATION: Las Cruces, NM

BENEFITS: Paid training; Food budget while on camping hitch; Employee Assistance Program; health benefits for eligible positions

SUMMARY: CONSERVATION CORPS NEW MEXICO (CCNM):

Conservation Corps New Mexico, a program of Conservation Legacy, aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. CCNM crews are based in Las Cruces, NM and all project work will take place on public lands in New Mexico and western Texas.

FIELD CREW PROJECT WORK:

CCNM works with a variety of land management agencies in Arizona, such as the United States Forest Service, National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management.  Projects vary across crews and locations, but can include trail construction and maintenance, ecosystem restoration, fencing projects, invasive species removal, herbicide application and more.

CREW LEADER RESPONSIBILITIES

Crew Leaders (CL) are responsible for facilitating a positive crew member experience by setting an example of enthusiasm throughout work and camp life. The CL works in tandem with the Assistant Crew Leader to communicate directions, project specifications, and constructive criticism throughout the term of service. The CL is expected complete project and Corpsmember paperwork in a timely manner and professionally represent AZCC in project relations.

TRAINING

The term begins with an intensive leadership training which focuses on developing outdoor leadership skills, goal setting, technical and field skills training and developing an understanding of CCNM procedures. We tend to approach this training with a train-the-trainer technique. Following leadership training, Corpsmembers will join leadership for orientation. This week-long orientation will consist of Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, Outdoor Living, Crew Culture and Diversity, and goal setting. Depending on project needs, crews have possible specialized opportunities for instruction in herbicide handling, crosscut or chainsaw use and safety. Informal training will continue throughout the term with on-the-ground skills training to include things like tool maintenance, plant identification and an overview of public land management agencies.

*NOW OFFERING ORIENTATION ONLINE AND REMOTELY. A CLEAN AND SOCIALLY DISTANT SPACE AT THE OFFICE WITH A COMPUTER IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. 

EXPECTATIONS:  

AZCC is a drug-free organization; alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited. AZCC is an independent, non-residential program. The crew member must supply his/her/their own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. A suggested gear-list will be provided prior to starting the term of service.  AZCC will provide the tools, personal protective gear, budget for crew meals and transportation to projects.  Additionally, AZCC has pro-deals and some gear available to borrow.

SCHEDULE:  

In response to COVID-19, we have adjusted our typical schedule to keep health and safety as our top priority. Currently, the typical schedule is 8-hour days: 10 days on followed by four 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. 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• 21+ with some leadership experience
• Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a changing work environment including willingness to work a varying schedule. This position could also be deployed for national disaster relief, outside of the region, for multiple weeks at a time.
• Excellent communication and teaching/mentoring skills, as well as, strong conflict resolution and team building skills.
• Ability perform administrative duties, such as managing crew budget and documents and utilizing Microsoft programs.
• Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently and in collaboration with a small group.
• Valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
• 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 criminal background check

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior AmeriCorps Service
• Experience with backpacking, wilderness travel, camp management and outdoor leadership preferred.
• Professional technical certifications
• Certification in Wilderness First Responder and CPR.
• Relevant Bachelor’s degree.

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 provide some accommodations, excepting that which 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. 

PARTICIPATION AND EXPEDITION BEHAVIOR: 

• Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem-solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences. 
• Contribute to a safe learning environment; no harassment of others for any reason. 
• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training and National Service.  Members must commit to participating in all crew/team activities, including service days in local communities where applicable. 
• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues and organization staff. 
• Have the cognitive ability to learn necessary skills and apply them to effectively carry out the service work requirements 
• Appropriately represent the Program and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners at all times

SAFETY AND JUDGMENT: 

• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. You must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds. 
• Effectively perceive, understand and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during exposure to the hazard. 
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions 
• Perceive and comprehend significant and apparent hazards, including those hazards previously identified by others.  
• Respond appropriately to stress or crises.
• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others.

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS: 

• Learn and practice ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques
• Outdoor Skills and Fitness (where appropriate)
• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living/travel and work skills as appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed so as to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries. 
• Live in a physically demanding, possibly remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks. Conditions of this environment may vary significantly and may include severe and/or trying weather. The remoteness is such that it may require at a minimum one hour, but perhaps in excess of 12 hours, to reach the nearest advanced medical care.

SUBSTANCE FREE: 

In accordance to a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.

Required Skills Required Experience