Position: SCC Four Corners – Crosscut Saw Crew Member
Dates: May 30 – Mid- November, 2022
Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Camping Program
Location: Durango, CO
Stipend: $400/week
Ages: 18 – 30
Health Benefits: Not Health Benefit Eligible
Other Benefits: Wilderness First Aid Certificate, Food provided while in the field, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment, US Forest Service Recognized Crosscut training (certificate awarded upon completion of our program), and other development opportunities.
AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,247.50 upon successful completion of the season
Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy, that is built on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that operated from 1933 – 1942. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects on public lands. While serving with SCC, members receive training on job skills, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Programs are developed using a step ladder approach to provide a progression of skill development based on a member’s needs. Members receive a weekly living allowance, training, and an AmeriCorps Education Award (for qualifying individuals).
For the health and safety of our crews, staff and communities, projects may be postponed or adjusted due to COVID-19. The information provided in this Position Description is an outline of how our program has typically been operating, however it is subject to change. As this situation develops, and decisions are made, we will provide updates. We encourage you to continue with the application process and we will keep consistent and direct communication with all applicants.
Full vaccination against COVID-19 by the first day of employment and ability to provide proof of vaccination before starting is required.
About the Position
As an AmeriCorps program participant with the Southwest Conservation Corps, Crosscut Saw Crew, you will be trained and certified in all aspects of crosscut saw work. Crosscut saw crews are focused primarily in designated wilderness areas where mechanized chainsaw use is prohibited. Over the past few years there has been a concerted effort to clear large swaths of downed trees and avalanche debris from remote trails. These crews tend to cover a lot of ground and explore many incredible areas!
Each crew consists of 6 members, 1 Crew Leader, and 1 AmeriCorps Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP) member. Crews work and camp for 8 days at a time in primarily backcountry (hiking all your supplies in with backpacks) locations. You will work effectively as a member of the crew; perform strenuous physical work related to environmental conservation and restoration projects; work outdoors in all types of weather and succesfully adapt to various climates; actively participate in environmental education activities; practice appropriate safety procedures in all tasks assigned; use, maintain and repair hand as necessary. Projects will include crosscut saw work, trail construction & maintenance, habitat improvement, re-vegetation and local environmental service projects. Crews may also complete technical and/or specialized projects, including disaster relief deployment if the opportunity arises.
All Americorps crew members are required to exhibit flexibilty with their schedule. Our crews will generall work for 8-days on and then have 6-days off; that said, it is possible that crews may work for longer or shorter periods of time, and your days off will be adjusted appropriately. SCC does not provide housing on your days off. All crews will go through a 5-day (unpaid) volunteer orientation (May 30th - June 3rd, 2022). This will include a Wilderness First Aid training and an introduction to SCC. Food, transportation and space to camp is provided for this training.
Required Skills & Experience
Qualifications:
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 30
- You must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. for up to 5 miles a day at elevations ranging from 7,000’ to 13,000’
- US citizen that has received, or on track to receive, a high school diploma or GED
- Complete and clear a National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check
Participant Essential Eligibility 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.
Participant and Expedition Behavior
- Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions
- Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program
- Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of any kind
- Appropriately represent SCC and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners at all times
Risk Management and Judgement
- Effectively follow direction by others in order to successfully manage hazards
- Ask clarifying questions when you do not understand a task
- Maintain focus during a workday while traveling and working in varied weather conditions
- Participants must be able to maintain proper dosage of prescription medications without assistance
Environmental Ethics & Outdoor Skills
- Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living and work skills as appropriate to the project
- Live in a physically demanding, possibly remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks
Substance Free
- In accordance with a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and SCC activities, and while on organization property.
**After reading the entire position description select “Apply” below to enter the application portal.**
Any questions can be sent to:
Lane Tomassini, Program Coordinator: ltomassini@conservationlegacy.org
Kristen Hencke, Program Coordinator: khencke@conservationlegacy.org
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
