Purpose:  

Appalachian Conservation Corps works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As a corps program, we partner with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. 

Appalachian Conservation Corps is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations envisioning a world with healthy lands, air, and water, thriving people, and resilient communities. We aim to engage future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance our public lands through community-based service. We welcome national applicants but also emphasize the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve. 

Project Description 

The youth conservation crew member position is an entry-level role. This program focuses on engaging youth aged 16–18 in meaningful environmental learning and service opportunities. During this six-week program, the crew will work with U.S. Forest Service staff on hands-on projects that may include visitor access improvements, trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, re-vegetation, and much more. Most projects require hiking out to remote sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack. 

Crews consist of six crew members and two crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. While prior experience with the outdoors or camping 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. 

Schedule and Crew Life 

Crews camp out and work in the field for 8 hours a day Monday – Friday. Crew members will return to our office in Harrisonburg each Friday afternoon to head home for the weekend and return to the office the next Monday morning to go back out the following week. 

Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc.). Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known ahead of time. We also provide group camping equipment, tools, protective gear, uniform shirts, and transportation between Appalachian Conservation Corps offices and project sites. 

Prior to their start date, selected participants are required to complete an onboarding process that includes completing e-forms and uploading IDs, as well as getting parental signatures on paper forms (for members under 18). Participants who are 18 years of age will also be asked to complete a background check. 

Benefits 

• $15/hour for service project work (up to 40 hours per week), paid bi-weekly.
• Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist.
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths. 

Qualifications 

• Be between the ages of 16 and 18; must be at least 16 years of age prior to the start date and cannot turn 19 before the end of the program.
• Have US citizenship or legal permanent residency status.
• Be a current high school student or a recent graduate.
• Any selected participants who are 18 years old must successfully complete a background check.
• No previous experience is required, but general comfort and previous exposure to working outdoors and/or camping is helpful.