Community Training Works, Inc. (CTW):  envisions a world where individuals utilize intelligence and positive energy to improve their lives, community and environment.  We impact communities through work on public lands roads and waterways.

CTW is an environmental conservation corps that empowers individuals from all backgrounds and abilities to contribute purposefully to their community through education and hands on experience.  CTW values diversity, equity and inclusion of our members to reflect the communities in which they serve. These values have been a cornerstone of CTW since its inception in 2006.

CTW accomplishes its mission and purpose through a workforce development initiative performing community service work on public lands, roads and waterways.  Participants improve recreation areas, rehabilitate trails, mow, weed eat, tree and brush removal, pick up litter, improve habitat for threatened and endangered species, work on sensitive archeological lands while earning industry recognized certifications and an AmeriCorps education award.

We serve local young adults 15-35 years old and veterans up to 35  years old and place them in a workforce development intiative gaining on the job training improving their communities while also improving their lives.

The Conservation crew member position is an entry-level role. Crew members are supported on a variety of levels, by their crew leaders, program staff, project partners, and Conservation Legacy staff. While prior experience with the outdoors or outdoor work can be helpful, it is not a necessity for this position. We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew. 

Project Work: 

Projects take place in Northeast Florida in the St Johns County, St Augustine area  including work with the FL Department of Transportation and other land managers.  These hands-on projects include maintenance of FDOT rights of way and owned lots, mowing, weed eating, tree & brush removal invasive species removal & treatments, disaster relief, and much more. Most projects require working all day in rough conditions (sun/heat, cold, bugs) with power and hand tools, equipment, and day pack. 

Schedule: 

Typically, crew members will meet at the  During their time in the field, crew members will commute daily to the meet at CTW's mobile location in St Augustine and be, travel in a crew vehicle to their project sites and remain in the field for four 10 hr days (Mon - Thurs 7 am to 5:30 pm).   The day starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting and includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour break for lunch. 

Prior to their start date, selected crew members must begin their background check process and complete an online enrollment process which includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, and enrolling with AmeriCorps. For those with limited access to online platforms, accommodations may be available and can be discussed during the interview process. 

Crew Life: 

Conservation crew members with CTW serve on a crew with 4-6 other crew members and a Supervisor and a crew leader who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. Crews work together to complete the work requirements.  

CTW 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 areas such as professionalism, responsibility and leadership, communication, engagement, productivity, safety, and equipment use. 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: 

CTW is an independent, non-residential program. Crew Members are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation.  While members will be asked to supply as much of their personal equipment as possible, Uniform hats and shirts, PPE (ear plugs, safety glasses, safety vests and water boots) gear will be available.  Crew Members need to wear closed toed boots and long pants and keep safety vests provided on at all times.

Crew members are asked to work hard, stay positive, and be flexible with changing schedules, weather conditions, and project needs. This is a year round temporary position.  Crew Members are expected to fully commit to the experience, expectations, and timeline. The term is for a 900 hour AmeriCorps term and members may serve up to 4 part time or 2 full time terms or the equivalent of 3400 hours.  There is also the opportunity for entering crew leadership role, advancement or transfer to another crew.

Benefits: 

• $600/week living stipend, paid weekly
• Health Insurance Bonus Incentive Allowance
• 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).  A member can earn 4 part time or 2 full time awards totaling 3400 hrs for all terms and up to $13,000 in AmeriCorps education awards. 
• Possible student loan forbearance 
• Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist 
• Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary safety equipment is provided 
• On-the-job training  
• Depending upon the academic institution and program, crew member positions may fulfill internship requirements 
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths 

General Qualifications: 

• Be between the ages of 18 and 35 (and veterans up to age 35)  
• Have US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status  
• Have a high school diploma or GED (preferable to utilize the AmeriCorps award)
• 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.  Backgrounds are acceptable excluding murder and sexual.
• 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 in an outdoor setting is helpful.   

Community Training Works, Inc. (CTW) is also known as Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) and Arkansas Conservation Corps (ARCC)