Title: Stream Restoration Felling & Rigging Crew- AmeriCorps Assistant Crew Leader  

Conservation Legacy Program: Southeast Conservation Corps   

Reports to: Crew Leader, Program Coordinator

Site Location:  Crew will be based out of Chattanooga, TN, camping and serving within the Cherokee National Forest   

Terms of Service:  

Start Date: 01/12/2026 

End Date: 05/01/2026 (with options to extend service through the 2026 season) 

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450-hour 

Status: This is a full-time, seasonal, 16-week- 450-hour AmeriCorps National Service position  

Benefits: 

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35 upon successful completion of the program 

Living Allowance of $480 per week 

Additional Benefit of $170 per week 

Healthcare Coverage if Eligible  

Childcare Coverage if Eligible 

Loan forbearance if Eligible 

Interest Payments if Eligible 

Other Benefits: United States Forest Service-recognized chainsaw certification, First Aid/CPR, Rigging training, Public Land Corps Hiring Authority Certificate (upon successful completion of hours), food & transportation provided while in the field overnight, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment, and other developmental opportunities as available  

Crew Structure: 1 Crew Leader, 1 Assistant Crew Leader, 4 Crew Members  

Purpose — About Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC):   
Empowering youth and adults to cultivate compassion, responsibility and life skills through community service, hard work and land stewardship.    

SECC, a program of Conservation Legacy, is a non-profit AmeriCorps program. We engage youth (age 15-17) and young adults (ages 18-30, up to 35 for veterans) in service projects on public lands throughout the Southeast. Our AmeriCorps positions provide impactful educational and service opportunities that benefit both communities and landscapes. SECC’s participants reflect the population of the Southeast region, including youth, graduates, veterans, and individuals from various ethnic and economic backgrounds. 

SECC collaborates with land management agencies such as the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, State Parks, local municipalities, and non-profits to host day and camping crews. Our projects vary but include trail construction and maintenance, restoration of natural areas, invasive species removal, fire fuels reduction, fencing, herbicide applications, and more. Most projects involve strenuous manual labor and require hiking to and from the project sites daily, carrying tools and day packs.   

SECC camping crews serve and camp overnight in front country and/or backcountry locations, depending on the project, often in challenging weather conditions. While hitch schedules vary by project and location, they typically follow a 9-day on, 5-day off pattern, with 10-hour shifts and scheduled breaks throughout the day. While we aim to maintain consistency, flexibility is expected as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change based on project needs.   

SECC is an independent, non-residential program, and crew members are responsible for securing their own housing when not in the field. On-hitch, crews manage camp chores and prepare all their own meals, with evenings often including group discussions. Members must provide their own personal outdoor gear (e.g., tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots), while SECC provides group camp equipment, tools, protective gear and transportation between SECC Office and project sites. 

Position Summary:   

The AmeriCorps Assistant Crew Leader (ACL) is responsible for facilitating a positive Crew Member experience.  The ACL is a full partner in the crew’s leadership, helping to communicate directions, projects specifications and constructive criticism throughout the term.  This position requires open dialog with the Staff Crew Leader; helping them to manage projects, project partners communications, overall logistics, and crew assignments.  Our program model fosters a supportive learning environment where participants can maximize their opportunities to grow and develop while gaining certifications to propel them into a career in environmental stewardship. It also creates an intentional space for groups that are under-represented to step into conservation and natural resource management.     

• It means more than just showing up, it means setting an example of how to persevere with great enthusiasm through all kinds of conditions while practicing good judgement and safety. It means facilitating a learning experience for Crew Members, both formally and informally.  This position may require additional participation time outside of standard project and crew hours.  
• This position will be coached and mentored by an SECC Staff Crew Leader. ACLs are responsible for maintaining SECC’s high standards for technical projects and hands-on member growth, managing projects and implementing feedback among crew members. The ACL Position is a key development opportunity designed to identify and overcome challenges in leadership through a hands-on leadership role in conjunction with close mentorship from the Staff Crew Leader. Qualified candidates will identify growth plans and assist the Staff Crew Leader in administrative functions.  

Service Project:  

SECC and the Cherokee National Forest have partnered to host a Stream Restoration Felling & Rigging Crew. The crew will be based out of SECC’s office in Chattanooga, TN and travel to complete conservation service projects along the Citico Creek Watershed and other streams in the Cherokee National Forest. The crew will be managed by the Cherokee National Forest and will support their fisheries biologists and hydrologists.  

Crew members will collaborate as a team to assist in activities that support native fish and other important aquatic resources on the Cherokee National Forest, TN. The primary focus of the season will be habitat improvement through strategic wood placement on select streams utilizing grip hoist rigging techniques and chainsaws to selectively place trees into stream channels.  

During their time in the field, crew members camp overnight and serve outdoors in all weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor to complete conservation and restoration projects. Most projects require hiking through difficult terrain while carrying gear (up to 50lbs) to remote work sites for the day. We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew.  

Project Duties:  

• With appropriate training and under the guidance of a crew leader, use tools (chainsaws, grip hoist, hand tools, pulleys, levers) to place trees into streams to create woody habitat structures for aquatic species. Although orientations will be implemented, applicants with a strong background in chainsaw felling and rigging are encouraged to apply.
• Transport gear (up to 50lbs/crew member) daily across difficult terrain
• Collaborate as a team with a high degree of coordination and communication
• Keep a positive attitude and follow directions while conducting physically demanding projects, often in inclement weather.
• Maintain equipment and report maintenance/equipment needs to supervisor.
• Collaborate on field design and implementation of structures to enhance stream morphology.
• Operate in areas with no cellular service.
• Perform all duties with safety as top priority.
• Maintain a high level of integrity while in the field. 

Note: While the staff at SECC and partners strive to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change per project needs. 

Opportunities to Extend Your Service 

SECC’s winter crew members have the opportunity to focus on developing their technical and interpersonal skills throughout their season to prepare for taking on potential member or leadership roles with SECC during the remainder of the year. Please be prepared to discuss your interest in continuing your service through summer/fall. 

Note: placement in member or leadership positions are not guaranteed and will be based on qualifications, performance, work ethic, and ability. We highly encourage those who participate to stay on throughout the summer.   

Crew Life:    

SECC crews consist of 4-6 crew members and 2 crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support to ensure the success of all participants. Food is provided while in the field, and crew members collaborate to plan meals and share chores, such as cooking and washing dishes. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if communicated in advance. Crew members must be prepared to camp, travel, complete service projects, and share meals as a team. No drug or alcohol consumption is allowed during service-related activities or travel at any time.   

Crew members will need to supply their own personal equipment such as a day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. SECC will provide tools, protective gear and transportation between SECC office and project sites. SECC has a limited supply of loaner gear available for crew members to borrow. While this gear can be helpful, we strongly recommend that members bring as much of their own gear as possible, as the loaner equipment may not fully meet personal preferences or specific needs. 

SECC 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.  

Hitch Schedule:     

This position will operate on a variable “hitch” schedule, but generally it will follow 9 days on and 5 days off for camping crews. Project days follow a 10-hour shift with scheduled time for breaks. While the staff at SECC strive to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change per project needs.  Applicants should be prepared to camp during hitches for the duration of the season, with lodging provided on a case-by-case basis if necessary.    

General Qualifications:      

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• Must be between ages 18 and 30, or up to 35 if a military veteran.  
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check. 

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission 
• Physically fit and able to perform long days in adverse conditions
• Leadership experience with youth or young adults 
• Excellent organizational & communication skills 
• Must be able to demonstrate strong project management skills 
• Strong time-management skills and ability to collaborate independently as well as with others
• Ability to effectively and efficiently manage all aspects of crew life and production within a hitch schedule 
• Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to thrive in a fluid, changing 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 
• Experience with backpacking, wilderness living and travel, and LNT principles 
• Must be 21+, OR have a clean driving record for 3+years (insurable by SECC) and a current driver’s license  

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Background with experiential and/or environmental education 
• Experience with SECC, other conservation corps or youth corps    
• USFS recognized chainsaw certification
• Rigging for trailwork experience 
• Current and relevant certification in Wilderness Medicine (WFA, WAFA, WFR) with CPR/AED 
• Facilitation and team-building experience
• Eagerness to take part in various conservation-based projects
• Technical trail construction and maintenance experience 
• Strong conflict resolution skills 
• Relevant Bachelor’s Degree  

Our Commitment: 

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager. 

Time Requirements: 

• Typically, this position is expected to serve January to May, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service 
• Members may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term. 

 Orientation and Training: 

• Members will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• The crew will spend the first three weeks of their season completing onboarding, receiving their FirstAid/CPR and chainsaw related certifications, and completing fire courses 

**SECC is a nonresidential program. Housing is not provided during off-hitch (Wednesday-Monday) evenings. Crew members are responsible for securing their own housing arrangements while not in the field. 

Evaluation and Reporting: 

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service. 

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking. 

Participant Behavior Expectations:    

Expectations for SECC Corpsmembers:    

• Teamwork & Responsibilities: serve effectively as part of a team by assisting with meal preparation, camp chores, and group discussions on corps-related topics.  
• Professionalism & Conduct: be punctual, hardworking, flexible, and complete all assigned tasks. Always represent SECC and AmeriCorps in a professional manner when interacting with the public and project partners.
• Positive Atmosphere: contribute to a positive and safe culture, free from harassment. Demonstrate teamwork and respect for fellow members, partners, the public, and the land.
• Physical Readiness: be prepared for strenuous physical labor in both frontcountry and remote backcountry locations, in all-weather conditions. 
• Personal Gear & Housing: Provide your own personal outdoor gear (e.g., tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots) while SECC provides group camping equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between the SECC office and project sites. You are responsible for securing and paying for housing when not in the field.
• Corps Values: strive for an experience grounded in the corps values of challenge, stewardship, dedication, community, and integrity. 

Required Skills:  

Leadership & Mentorship: 

• Manage, supervise, and assist leading the day-to-day details of project tasks 
• Implement skills training on project sites and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics 
• Promote individual corps member development and a healthy, supportive community  
• Must be willing to follow and enforce all SECC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent Southeast Conservation Corps. This includes creating a substance free environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program  

Project Management & Implementation: 

• Assist in training and motivating a crew of young adults to complete conservation projects efficiently on public lands 
• Delegate project tasks & investment among co-leader and crew 
• Manage on-the-ground quality and quantity of service project
• Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems 
• Communicate effectively & coordinate logistics with project partners, co-leader, & SECC staff  

Safety & Risk Management  

• Monitor, manage, and promote the crew’s physical and emotional safety on and off the project site 
• Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety 
• Transport crew and equipment safely in SECC’s vans or large vehicles with trailers  

Administration: 

• As delegated by Staff Crew Leader, complete professional documentation of time sheets, daily and weekly project reports, corps member and peer evaluations, incident reports, etc., and submit in a timely manner  

Safety and Judgment:  

• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. You must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds. 
• Effectively perceive, understand and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during exposure to the hazard 
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and in various weather conditions 
• Perceive and comprehend significant and apparent hazards, including those hazards previously identified by others 
• Respond appropriately to stress or crises 
• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others 
• Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety 
• Transport crew and equipment safely in SECC’s vans or large SUVs with trailers  

Environmental Ethics:  

• Learn, practice, and teach ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques  

Outdoor Skills and Fitness (where appropriate): 

• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living, travel, and industry skills as appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed so as to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries.   
• Live in a physically demanding, possibly remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks. Conditions of this environment may vary significantly and may include severe and/or trying weather. The remoteness is such that it may require one hour, but perhaps in excess of 12 hours, to reach the nearest advanced medical care.    

Substance Free:   

In accordance with a drug free environment, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.