Job Type: AmeriCorps
Salary Details: $140/week AmeriCorps allowance
Deadline: Aug 20, 2021
Required Experience: 0 – 1 years

See full job details and application instructions at https://www.conservationjobboard.com/job-listing-ace-crew—restoration-and-trail-crew-member—southern-california-ridgecrest-california/2581532860

AmeriCorps Crew Membership – 2021 SUMMER/FALL

Summary:  American Conservation Experience, a non-profit conservation corps, is currently seeking energetic and ambitious participants to engage in national service as AmeriCorps members in a multi-week professional, outdoor skills-training opportunity. ACE intends to provide a meaningful service to regional communities and public lands by taking direct action through conservation of our valuable natural resources. Our mission is to introduce and prepare our AmeriCorps members for careers in resource management with ACE, within the conservation corps industry, or with public agencies such as California State Parks, USFS, National Park Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Bureau of Land Management, as well as many other local and non-profit land steward organizations.

MULTIPLE STARTING DATES AVAILABLE! CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE!

Start Date: JULY 23 or SEPTEMBER 3 (Inquire about later start dates)

*Arrivals to ACE housing are planned for THURSDAY prior to your starting date.

End Date: 14 weeks (450 AmeriCorps Hours) -OR-

26 weeks (900 AmeriCorps Hours) From START DATE

Position Description:  AmeriCorps Members in our Crew program will spend several months learning techniques of conservation and land management while training on habitat restoration, ecological restoration, trail construction, dry stone masonry, forestry principles, Leave No Trace, and environmental field projects under the guidance of ACE’s most highly skilled staff members. The goal of the position is to accomplish meaningful project work for a variety of public land management agencies while becoming proficient in advanced field techniques. Members can expect an advanced opportunity, often taking part in more than one field project over the duration of their AmeriCorps term. With the longer timeline into the fall season, more complex training and techniques can be included such as power tool use, first aid training, and more possibility of backcountry camping.

This position will entail the following:

  • Working 10 hours per day for 4-8 consecutive days on a crew comprised of 6-12 other service members in outdoor locations
  • Working and camping in a variety of weather conditions including temperatures ranging from cold overnights to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, high winds, intense sunshine, and rain may be possible in California during this time period at high elevation.
  • Strong focus on California State Parks partnerships and Federal public lands in Southern California, Central California coast and valley
  • Serving on environmental stewardship projects including (but not limited to): Trail Construction/Maintenance, Dry Stone Masonry, Retaining Wall and Rock Step Construction, Invasive Plant Mitigation, vertical mulching, erosion prevention and hydrology principles, Habitat Restoration.
  • Hiking extended distances on steep and rough terrain with a 40-pound backpack
  • Professionally serving on at least 1 independently chosen volunteer event/project in the local community, 3 hours in length.

Location: 

  • Housing for “off-project days” located in our Ridgecrest, California regional headquarters of ACE Pacific West. All member schedules will be announced several weeks in advance when possible.
  • ACE housing is shared among all current crew members and staff. Basic accommodations include bed, personal storage, running hot/cold water, shared bathrooms, laundry, WI-FI, and full shared kitchen and furnished living + dining room
  • Projects are expected to be within a several hour driving radius of housing, with transportation to and from the project site provided by ACE
  • Both frontcountry and remote backcountry camping are expected for crews this season
  • Projects may take place at high elevation uplands and mountains, coastal areas, sand dunes, valleys, deserts of Southern California, grasslands, and inland foothills where temperatures vary from very cold and rainy to very hot and dry, You can expect to experience a combination of conditions from frost or rain, high winds, to thick fog, to extremely dry conditions.

Benefits:

  • A bi-weekly living allowance of $280, before taxes
  • Upon completion of the 450 Hours, a Segal Education Award of 1678.57 is provided. More information regarding amount and eligibility, see the AmeriCorps website.
  • Food is provided on all project days. Project campsites include all cooksets, stoves, and supplies for members to make their meals each project day.
  • All transport to and from field projects is included
  • Housing (volunteer housing, tents, limited facilities) is included both on and off project days
  • Training includes Universal Trail Building Principles, Leave No Trace (LNT), diverse restoration management, masonry techniques and trail engineering, and terrain-specific trail work and hand tools and power tools as projects require. Members should expect to be trained in all the tools and techniques needed to successfully complete their scheduled projects.

Qualifications:

AmeriCorps members serving on ACE field crews should have an established interest in service and conservation issues and should take joy in tackling challenging situations with a positive mindset.  Applicants must be willing to undertake arduous physical work in all types of weather and terrain, and to participate as a team member dedicated to ACE’s mission. The ACE Conservation Corps Crew program is an excellent way to start or further your professional development and invest in your future. It is also a stepping stone to environmental careers and as a gateway to potential advancement within ACE, not only as an interesting and rewarding way to spend several months working in beautiful locations.

Other Requirements: 

  • US Citizens and US permanent residents
  • To prove eligibility and citizenship, members must be able to provide ORIGINALS of the following documents: 1) Social Security card, 2) Passport or Birth certificate, 3) Photo ID (passport, driver’s license, military license/ID, or student ID)
  • The minimum age to serve with ACE is 18. United States Public Land Corps (PLC) legislation targets applicants of 18-35 years of age in this opportunity.
  • ACE provides tents to all members, but all other camping items such as all-leather boots (no exterior mesh or fabric), sleeping bags, backpacks, water containers, and raingear must be provided by the applicant
  • Due to fire hazard conditions during California’s wildfire season, smoking is not permitted at any work site. Smoking will not be permitted when on project at undeveloped campgrounds or when serving backcountry. Smoking may be permitted at ACE housing, restricted to designated areas.
  • Upon hire, all members must consent to a Criminal History Check. Their service with ACE will be considered probationary until all results are returned and have been reviewed.
  • Recreational use and possession of federally-controlled substances is prohibited at all times while enrolled. ACE intends to be a positive influence and intends to create safe and healthy environments for our members. Alcohol use is strictly prohibited on ACE projects and on ACE property. Any evidence of drug use or violating ACE’s alcohol policy will result in immediate release from the program.
  • All work-related transportation is included during service.
  • Parking can be limited at most ACE housing locations to unsupervised street parking only at ones own risk. Due to this it is generally encouraged not to bring a personal vehicle and arrive via drop-off or public transportation. Please inquire about which regional location may have any off-street parking available this season.

HOW TO APPLY

DIRECT LINK TO APPLY ONLINE: https://usaconservationcrew.applicantpool.com/jobs/586914.html

INCLUDE WITH ALL APPLICATIONS:  

Upload all requested documents including your motivation statement, resume, and 3 professional references. Rather than a traditional cover letter, please include a motivation statement which sincerely describes your interests, skills, professional goals, and any other relevant information in regards to this opportunity. This is your opportunity to stand out and express why you are a great fit for our program, in your own words.

NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time, and is open until filled. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact Associate Director of Member Resources, Marcel Coppolino at 928-814-3191 or marcel@usaconservation.org

Also, consider checking out our Facebook page, YouTube Channel, and social media for more details about ACE!

www.facebook.com/usaconservation

www.usaconservation.org

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)  To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.