Position: Conservation Corps Crew Leader
Location: Western Colorado (i.e., Mesa, Delta, Montrose, Gunnison, and other counties)
Season Dates: February 24th, 2025 – November 21st, 2025
Spring Training Session: Feb 2025
Summer Training Session: May 2025
Status: AmeriCorps position (900-hr, 675-hr, 450-hr, 300-hr terms)
Stipend: $1328.00 living stipend dispersed bi-weekly
Average Hours Served Per Week: 45 (6:30 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Friday)
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
- Two 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, and creating positive crew cultures with emphasis on diversity and inclusion.
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 set-up, 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 reports on projects, and expenses on a weekly basis to field staff
- Oversee food budget, meal planning, and shopping list for group food
- 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 good driving record
- Must be between the ages of 17 – 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
Physical Requirements:
- 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 4-8 days
Unallowable Team Leader Activities:
- Signing member timesheets
- Evaluating member performance
- Disciplining AmeriCorps members
- Enrolling/dismissing AmeriCorps members
- Writing and/or signing program reports
- Managing the program’s payroll and budget
Supervisor Information: Matthew Costigan- Field Manager
(970) 730-2055
CONDITIONS OF AGREEMENT: AmeriCorps members will be subject to all state and federal laws, and the rules and regulations of OSHA and Conservation Corps. The member is expected to fully understand and adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as described in the AmeriCorps member manual. Policy violations will result in disciplinary action according to program guidelines, including written warnings, fines, and/or termination. The AmeriCorps member is accountable for meeting or exceeding the responsibilities of this position as described above and will be evaluated at mid-term (dependent on service term length) and end-term by Corps Program Staff, with input from project hosts. Successful completion is contingent on both AmeriCorps education award hours and service through the agreed upon term end date.
The Western Colorado Conservation Corps of Partners is an equal opportunity employer. This program is available to all, without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, national origin, disability status, creed, religion, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Qualified individuals with disabilities who need accommodation during the application, interview, hiring process or for service may make arrangements by contacting (970) 241-1027.
2818 ½ North Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501