Title: Trails Youth Crew Member
Dates: July 15th – August 2nd
Starting Salary: $15 per hour
Location: Old Fort, North Carolina
Status: Full Time, Exempt, Seasonal
Benefit Eligible: None per Personnel Policies
Questions? Contact: Youth Program Coordinator Jackie Meyer jmeyer@conservationlegacy.org
TO BE CONSIDERED, APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MAY 13TH.
Conservation Corps North Carolina:
The mission of Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) is to empower young adults through meaningful outdoor work that benefits North Carolina’s land and water and creates healthy communities. CCNC is a program of Conservation Legacy that partners with public land managers in North Carolina to engage motivated young adults (ages 15-30) to complete challenging and impactful conservation service projects throughout the state.
Position Summary:
The Youth Crew Member position is an entry-level role, prior experience with the outdoors and outdoor work can be helpful but is not a requirement for this position.The crew will consist of 6 youth crew members, ages 15-18, and 2 crew leaders.The Old Fort Youth Crew will partner with the Forest Service to complete trail maintenance and construction projects in the Grandfather District of the Pisgah National Forest. The crew will be supported by Forest Service staff and CCNC staff. This program focuses on engaging diverse local youth in meaningful learning and service opportunities. We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew.
Schedule:
This is a three-week long session. The crew will complete conservation service projects in the field 8-hours a day, Monday-Friday and return home each evening. Members will meet in the parking lot at 59 Commerce St. Old Fort, NC 28762, which is near Hillman Beer in Old Fort. This is the location where members will be dropped off and picked up each workday. Crew members have Saturday and Sunday off.
Prior to the start date, selected members must complete an online enrollment process. This includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, getting parental/guardian signatures on paper forms (for members under 18). For those with limited access to online platforms, accommodations may be available and can be discussed in the interview process. Participants who are 18 years of age or older will be asked to complete a background check.
Crew Life:
Crew members must be willing to work under the leadership of their crew leaders, be on-time each day, perform hard physical labor throughout the summer season in a variety of weather conditions, wear a uniform and personal protective equipment every day, and participate in group activities and end of the day debriefs. Getting dirty, hot, and sweaty are norms for the program. Along with technical skills, crew members will participate in education days to make the work meaningful and promote environmental stewardship. They will also learn effective communication, leadership skills, how to work in a team, work ethic, and the importance of civic engagement.
Crew Leaders provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. CCNC supports a culture of feedback and growth. Crew Members will set goals at the beginning of the season and review their performance throughout their season through formal and informal check-ins, self-evaluations, and review with their Crew Leader. 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.
Essential Responsibilities and Functions:
Safety:Perform work with an unwavering commitment to safety in every aspect of the crew’s work. Effectively perceive, understand, and follow directions to manage hazards.
Fitness:
Commitment:Members must make a strong commitment to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education training, and group debriefs.
Teamwork:Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences.
Technology: The use of technology, including cell phones, is not allowed during work hours.
Professionalism:Members must be willing to appropriately represent the CCNC program.
Substance Free: In accordance with a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in program activities and while on organization property.
Participant Requirements
Essential eligibility requirements for the program must be met. If you are unable to meet certain requirements, we may be able to assist you with some modification unless it alters the fundamental nature of the program, compromises the health and safety of participants or staff, or places an undue financial or administrative burden on the organization.
Minimum Qualifications :
·Must be willing and able to work in an outdoor environment
·Current high school student (or equivalent), recent graduate, or GED
·Must be between the ages of 15 and 18, and a US citizen. You must be 15 years of age or older prior to the start of the program and cannot turn 19 years old before the end of the program.
Preferred Qualifications:
·Resident of Buncombe or McDowell County
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Youth Program Coordinator Jackie Meyer (jmeyer@conservationlegacy.org).