TITLE: Women’s+ Crew Leader

REPORTS TO: Program Manager

LOCATIONS: Durango, CO

STATUS: Seasonal, Full-time, Non-exempt

START/END DATE: March 29, 2021 – November 12, 2021 

WAGES: $685 / week

BENEFITS: Food provided while in the field, Health Benefit Eligible, uniforms, U.S. Forest Service recognized Crosscut & Chainsaw training (Certificate awarded upon completion of program), Mental Health First Aid Trainings, 5 days of PTO (structured in August) and other development opportunities.

MULTIPLE POSITIONS OPEN UNTIL FILLED. 

SOUTHWEST CONSERVATION CORPS: The Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy, that is built on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that operated from 1933 – 1942. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects on public lands. While serving with SCC, members receive training on job skills, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Programs are developed using a step ladder approach to provide a progression of skill development based on a member’s needs. Members receive a weekly living allowance, training, and an AmeriCorps Education Award (for qualifying individuals).

For the health and safety of our crews, staff and communities, projects may be postponed or adjusted due to COVID-19. The information provided in this Position Description 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.  

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a conservation crew with the Southwest Conservation Corps specifically for cis women, trans women, and non-binary crew members. Leaders will be trained in and expected to safely use chainsaws and other trail tools to complete a variety of conservation projects in partnership with local public land managers. The Women’s+ crew provides a supportive learning environment where members work, learn from, and grow with one another while gaining skills and certifications to propel them into a career in environmental stewardship.  

Crews consists of 6 members and 2 leaders. 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, i.e. Leave No Trace, and risk management. A variety of soft skills and technical competencies are required to be successful in this role. See below for core competencies:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

LEADERSHIP & MENTORSHIP

• Integrate values pertaining to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) within the corps
• Implement skills training on worksite and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics.
• Foster 21stcentury work skills in corps members, i.e.: collaboration & teamwork, creativity & imagination, critical thinking, problem-solving, flexibility & adaptability
• Must be willing to follow and enforce all SCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent SCC. This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program

PROJECT MANAGEMENT & IMPLEMENTATION

• Implement a 10-hour workday and ensure professionalism is always maintained
• Delegation of project work & investment among co-leader and crew
• Manage the on-the-ground quality and quantity of project work
• Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems
• 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 & promote a culture of safety
• Transport crew and equipment safely in SCC’s vans or large SUVs with trailers

ADMINISTRATION

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• To qualify you must be a cis woman, trans woman, or non-binary
• Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission
• Ability to effectively and manage all aspects of crew life and production within a 40-50-hour work week
• Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment
• Willingness to learn and be a part of a dynamic community of peer leaders
• Must be adaptive, patient and able to maintain a positive perspective throughout
• Physically fit and able to work long days in adverse conditions
• Must be able to speak, understand and write English
• High School diploma or GED certificate
• Must hold current/relevant medical certification (WFR, WEMT, or OEC) with CPR/AED
• Must be 21, have a clean driving record (insurable by SCC) and a current driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with SCC or other conservation corps or youth corps
• Experience with experiential and/or environmental education
• Experience with backpacking, wilderness living and travel, and LNT principles.
• Facilitation and team-building experience with diverse groups of people
• Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently as well as with others
• Desire to work on a variety of conservation-based projects
• Strong conflict resolution skills
• Leadership experience with youth or young adults
• Crosscut or Chainsaw experience
• Technical trail experience
• Relevant Bachelor’s Degree
• Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference and promote leadership in others.

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

TO APPLY: 

Upload resume, cover letter and complete the Crew Leader application: www.sccorps.org/join/crew-leaders/

 Any questions can be addressed to:

 Jeanine Russell, Four Corners Program Coordinator – jrussell@conservationlegacy.org

Required Skills Required Experience

• 1-3 years of related experience.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be able to work above average overtime and flexible hours.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Aptitude with SAP/WMS System as well as ISO-9001 requirements.
• Appropriate forklift and comparable equipment operating skills.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. repeatedly for extended periods.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION GIVEN TO THOSE WITH:

•  Previous shipping/traffic and material handling experience.
• Paint/Coatings/chemical industry knowledge or experience.
• Working knowledge with SAP/WMS Systems