Title: AmeriCorps Crew Leader
Location: Based out of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH
Start Date : December 2nd, 2024
End Date: February 27th, 2025
Status: This is a full-time, seasonal 300-hour AmeriCorps National Service position
Compensation: $450/week living stipend, $200/week housing stipend, $1,450 AmeriCorps **** Education Award on completion
Questions? Contact sakers@conservationlegacy.org
Appalachian Conservation Corps:
Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As a corps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations. Our programs focus on service, place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.
Position Summary:
The AmeriCorps Crew Leader (ACL) is responsible for facilitating a positive crew member experience. The ACL is a full partner in the crew’s leadership, helping to communicate directions, projects specifications and constructive criticism throughout the term. This position requires open dialog with the staff crew leader; helping them to manage projects, project partners communications, overall logistics, and crew assignments.
It means more than just showing up and doing the work, it means setting an example of how to work hard with great enthusiasm through all kinds of conditions while practicing good judgement and safety. It means facilitating learning experience for crew members, both formally and informally. This position may require additional participation time outside of standard project and crew hours.
Responsibilities:
Project Management & Implementation
* Train and motivate a crew of six to eight young adults to complete conservation projects efficiently on public lands.
* Delegate project work & investment among ACL and crew.
* Manage on-the-ground quality and quantity of project work.
* Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems.
* Communicate effectively & coordinate logistics with project partners, staff crew leader, members, and ACC 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 crew and equipment safely in ACC’s vans or large vehicles with trailers.
_ Administration_
* Manage crew medical history forms and incident documentation in conjunction with the staff crew leader
Project Work:
This crew will typically be stationed at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio but can also be deployed to other National Park Service sites within the Northeast region. During their time in the field, leaders work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects. In addition to chainsaw work, the crew should be prepared to assist on a variety of projects including trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and tree planting. Most projects require hiking out to remote work sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack.
Schedule:
Typically, ACLs will meet at Cuyahoga National Park in Ohio on Mondays and work 4 days followed by 3 days off. While in the field, crew leaders work 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.
Once ACLs are selected and prior to their start date, they are required to complete an online enrollment process that includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, enrolling with AmeriCorps, and beginning their background check process. For those with limited access to online platforms, accommodations may be available and can be discussed during the interview process.
Crew Life:
ACLs with ACC serve on a crew with 4 crew members and are supervised by a staff crew leader, with whom they work to project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete all necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc.). We are able to accommodate most dietary restrictions. Camp chores will be completed every evening, with many evenings including group discussions on conservation topics.
ACC supports a culture of feedback and growth. ACLs 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 topic areas including Corps culture, leadership, service & experiential learning, risk management, professionalism, and technical skills. ACLs will also be asked to evaluate the program and their experience at the end of their term.
Expectations:
ACC is an independent, non-residential program. Participants are responsible for their own food and transportation when not in the field. Some equipment is available to borrow throughout the season, but ACLs are asked to supply as much of their own personal outdoor gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc.) as possible. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program. In addition to providing food while in the field, ACC will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between ACC offices and project sites.
ACLs are asked to work hard, stay positive, and be flexible with changing schedules, weather conditions, and project needs. This is a seasonal position; ACLs are asked to fully commit to the experience, expectations, and timeline.
Benefits :
General Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications :
Preferred Qualifications:
Required Skills
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.
Participation and Expedition Behavior
Safety and Judgment
Environmental Ethics and Outdoor Skills
Substance Free
Equal Employment Opportunity
This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages.
Required Experience
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.
Participation and Expedition Behavior
Safety and Judgment
Environmental Ethics and Outdoor Skills
Substance Free
Equal Employment Opportunity
This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages.