Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (starting the first of the month after the first 60 days) available to Crew Leaders and Assistant Crew Leaders
• AmeriCorps members are eligible to participate in the AmeriCorps Student Loan Forbearance Program
• AmeriCorps education award and bi-weekly living stipend
• Three service shirts, Personal Protective Equipment while in field
• Herbicide application training
• First Aid/CPR certification, Leave No Trace training
• S-212 Chainsaw certification
• Education Award:
  • 900-hr term - $3,3697.50 upon successful completion
  • 675-hr term - $2,817.14 upon successful completion
  • 450-hr term - $1,956.35 upon successful completion
  • 300-hr term - $1,565.08 upon successful completion

Training: As an AmeriCorps service-learning program and to prepare AmeriCorps Members for service in-the-field, WCCC provides orientation and technical skills training at the start of the program term in addition to region or project specific training throughout the service term. Focuses include Leave No Trace principles, technical skills for projects, tool use/maintenance, S-212 chainsaw safety training and certification, First Aid/CPR certifications, herbicide application, trail building, fence construction, procedures surrounding risk management and best practices.

Overview: The Western Colorado Conservation Corps offers opportunities for young adults to spend a season serving on meaningful conservation projects throughout Western Colorado. Projects may include a variety of trail construction/maintenance, fence construction/removal, invasive species removal, fire fuels reduction, habitat restoration and/or historic preservation. AmeriCorps members have the opportunity to earn up to $3,447.50 in addition to a bi-weekly stipend, from an AmeriCorps Education Award (restrictions apply). Members must not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement.

The position also requires preparation time and post-session clean up.

Essential Position Functions:

• Mentor and lead a crew of 8-12 individuals, 17-28 years old, in day-to-day service activities on the project site and at camp along with 2 Assistant Crew Leaders (ACL).
• Give guidance, leadership opportunities, and responsibilities to the Assistant Crew Leaders to facilitate their personal growth and development
• Oversee camp operations including camp hygiene, Leave No Trace principles, and all other camp elements involved with safety and risk management with the assistance of 2 ACL’s
• Complete 9 hours of project work a day for 5 - 8 days while camping in a variety of outdoor conditions, including inclement weather, for the duration of the term. (No prior experience required)
• Submit written and digital data on projects, and expenses on a weekly basis to field staff
• Oversee meal planning for crew during upcoming projects.
• Coordinate projects and logistics on the ground with WCCC Staff and project partners
• Transport crew safely in WCCC’s vans or other vehicles while towing a trailer
• Perform duties expected of any corps member including service project completion, meal preparation, cleanup/setup, and other day-to-day duties
• Lead service projects such as trail building and maintenance, wildlife habitat restoration, fence building and maintenance, and invasive species removal while serving with the 2 Assistant Crew Leaders
• Coordinate with the ACLs to lead the crews during camping, cooking, recreation, environmental education, and group learning
• Plan recreational and educational activities, food and equipment preparation and maintenance, and program evaluation
• Live, work, and serve closely with a diverse group of people
• Must adhere to and enforce the rules and regulations of WCCC and AmeriCorps, which includes abstaining from the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco as well as other rules, regulations, and risk management protocol

Service Environment:

This position requires arduous physical activity in adverse weather conditions. Crew leaders must be physically fit and able to lift, bend, carry, push, and other heavy physical labor.

Qualifications:

No experience necessary! However, you must:

• Be a United states citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident.
• Be available full time between the dates specified on the Member Service Agreement
• Able to pass a pre-service National Criminal History check (State, Sex Offender, and Federal)

Preferred:

• High School Diploma or GED certification

Requirements:

• Experience teaching outdoor and/or environmental education curriculum and other leadership experience
• Excellent organization and communication skills
• Passion for an outdoor lifestyle
• Hands-on physical labor experience
• Committed to making a positive difference in youth
• Current driver’s license with an insurable driving record
• Must be between the ages of 18 - 28 years of age
• Ability to commit to the entirety of your AmeriCorps term of service with WCCC
• Ability to serve on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people
• Ability to typically lift 30-50 lbs. repeatedly
• Hiking up to 12 miles per day
• Be willing and able to run a chainsaw, use hand tools and herbicide equipment with appropriate training
• Must be able to complete arduous work in adverse weather conditions (i.e., snow, rain, excessive heat)
• Ability to camp in remote locations for up to 8 days