TITLE: Disaster Response and Trail Maintenance Crew Member  (Fall 2021)

LOCATION: Durham, NC

START DATE: 10/18/21

ESTIMATED END DATE: 12/17/2021 

STATUS: This is a full-time, seasonal 300 hour AmeriCorps National Service position.  

QUESTIONS? CONTACT: CCNCrecruiting@conservationlegacy.org  

CONSERVATION CORPS NORTH CAROLINA:  

The mission of Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) is to empower young adults through meaningful outdoor work that benefits North Carolina’s land and water and creates healthy communities.     

CCNC is a program of Conservation Legacy that partners with public land managers in North Carolina to engage motivated young adults (ages 18-30) to complete challenging and impactful conservation service projects throughout the region. Projects may include disaster response, trail construction & maintenance, habitat improvement, hazard fuel reduction, and ecological restoration.  Crews may also complete technical and/or specialized projects depending on project partner needs, including disaster relief if the opportunity arises.

PROJECT WORK:  

Trail projects will take place near Durham, NC and Disaster Response projects will occur wherever the mission is assigned. Disaster Response Projects including work with FEMA, local foodbanks, and emergency response organizations in the region. Members will likely be deployed for 30 days to work at different activity sites that support post natural disaster service. Activities will include communicating with the public, cleaning debris from sites and structures, and supporting on-site logistics and operations. Hours served each day may vary throughout season. Work is completed indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather conditions.

SCHEDULE AND CREW LIFE:  

CCNC Disaster Response Crews consist of 5-6 crew members and 2 crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. Crew Members will be deployed for a 30 day period with transportation to the worksite, food, and housing provided during that time. Work shifts for deployment are typically 6 days followed by 1 days off. These shifts may include weekends and hours may vary based on the needs of incident command. The day starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting and includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour break for lunch.  During non-deployment projects the schedule can vary and typically includes either 9 or 4 day hitches. Thanksgiving break dates are November 18th-December 28th.

All meals are provided. Crews work together to plan meals and complete all necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc). We are able to accommodate most dietary restrictions. 

CCNC 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 topic areas including Professionalism, Responsibility/Leadership/Communication, Community Engagement, Project Work, Safety & Organization, and Equipment. Crew Members will also be asked to evaluate their Crew Leaders’ performance, the overall program, and their experience at the end of their term.  

EXPECTATIONS:   

This is a residential program. Some equipment is available to borrow throughout the season if needed, but Crew Members are asked to supply as much of their own personal gear (day pack, work pants, closed toed shoes, rain jacket, tent, etc) as possible. A gear list will be provided upon acceptance into the program.

Crew Members are asked to work hard, stay positive, and be flexible with changing schedules, weather conditions, and project needs. This is a seasonal position; Crew Members are asked to fully commit to the experience, expectations, and timeline.  

Once Crew Members 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.  

BENEFITS:  

• $330/week living stipend, paid bi-weekly  
• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of service term (award amount varies based on length of commitment and can be used for paying off federal student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college) 
• Members may be eligible for student loan forbearance 
• Member Assistance Program –3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist  
• Uniform shirts, masks, helmet, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary safety equipment is provided 
• On-the-job training provided!  
• Assistance may be available for getting Crew Members the outdoor gear needed to participate 
• Depending upon the academic institution and program, Crew Member positions may fulfill internship requirements 
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc) 
• Exposure to natural resource career paths and opportunities

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.   
• Selection preference will be given to residents of North Carolina or current students of and recent graduates of a North Carolina based high school/college/university

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:  

• 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 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 directions 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.

SUBSTANCE FREE:  

• In accordance with 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