Term length Full time, temporary, 6 months
Location Tucson, AZ
Combined Stipend $675/week
Ages 18-30
Dates August 19th- February 2025 (actual end date TBD)
Benefits: AmeriCorps Education Award; Paid training; Food budget while on hitch;
Employee Assistance Program
General Information:
Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC) engages motivated young adults, ages 18 - 30, to complete challenging and impactful conservation and service projects throughout the western United States. Projects may include trail construction and maintenance, habitat improvement, hazardous fuels reduction, historic preservation, chemical and mechanical invasive plant removal, and local environmental service projects. AZCC provides opportunities for members to learn about the local environment and conservation issues throughout the duration of the program.
AZCC crews work in a variety of National Parks, National Forests, and other public areas. Selected members are placed on a crew that will then collaborate to perform project work. AZCC is an independent, non-residential program, we do not provide housing. It is advised that all members supply their own outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. because rental supplies are limited and given out on a first-come first-served basis. A suggested gear list will be provided before starting the term of service. AZCC will provide the tools, personal protective gear, crew meal budget, and project transportation. Additionally, AZCC has Pro Deals opportunities to receive discounts on some outdoor gear brands.
Program Summary
Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC):
Arizona Conservation Corps, a program of Conservation Legacy, aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. AZCC is focused on connecting youth, young adults, and recent-era military veterans with conservation service work projects on public lands. AZCC operates programs across Arizona that engage individuals and strengthen communities through service and conservation. AZCC has program offices in Flagstaff and Tucson.
Field Crew Project Work:
AZCC AmeriCorps members serve a term of National Service in the State of Arizona and parts of the Southwest on professionally supervised crews as they explore a variety of opportunities for careers in the outdoors, learn practical field skills, and develop confidence as emerging leaders in the field of conservation. Members are provided opportunities to learn and train under the guidance of professional staff within Conservation Legacy while gaining career perspectives and working alongside agency staff from the US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, or Municipal, State, and non-profit organizations that work on our nation's public and tribal lands. AZCC Crews will become proficient in environmental stewardship, general worksite safety, Leave No Trace principles, and outdoor living skills. Most crews receive First Aid training.
Project work may vary due to seasonality and environmental safety concerns. Projects that crews typically work on may include, but are not limited to:
· Trail construction and maintenance
· Invasive species management, including pesticide application
· Habitat restoration
· Fence installation/repair
· Land Management Inventory and Mapping
· Fire fuels reduction
· National Disaster Relief for up to 30 days at a time
· Community service
· Recreation and facilities maintenance and construction
AZCC Assistant Crew Leader Position Description
Assistant Crew Leader Responsibilities
Assistant Crew Leaders (ACL) are responsible for facilitating a positive crew member experience by setting an example of enthusiasm throughout work and camp life. The ACL works in tandem with the Crew Leader (CL) to communicate directions, project specifications, and constructive criticism throughout the term of service. The ACL will expand their role, learn leadership strategies, assume management duties including filling-in for the CL in project relations or completing paperwork when needed.
Participation and Expedition Behavior:
· Work effectively as a leader and team member despite potentially stressful and challenging conditions. This may require problem-solving on an interpersonal or group level and a willingness to accept differences
· Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of others for any reason.
· Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program, including conservation projects, education, training, and National Service. Members must commit to participating in all crew/team activities, including service days in local communities where applicable
· Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization staff.
· Have the cognitive ability to learn necessary skills and apply them to carry out the service work requirements effectively.
· Appropriately represent the Program and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners at all times
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 directions from others so that you can successfully execute appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the risk is encountered and must be granted during exposure to the risk.
· Stay alert and focused for several hours while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.
· Perceive and comprehend significant and apparent hazards, including those 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.
Environmental Ethics:
· Learn and practice 'Leave no Trace' techniques
· Outdoor Skills and Fitness (where appropriate)
· Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living/travel and work skills appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and appropriately dressed to stay 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 include severe and trying weather. The remoteness is such that it may require a minimum of one hour, but perhaps over 12 hours, to reach the nearest advanced medical care.
Training:
The term begins with an intensive leadership training focused on practicing outdoor leadership skills, goal setting, technical and field skills, and understanding AZCC procedures/policies. We approach this training with a train-the-trainer technique. Following leadership training, Corpsmembers will join leaders for orientation. This week-long orientation will include trainings in Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, outdoor living, crew culture and diversity, and goal setting. Depending on project needs, crews have possible specialized opportunities for instruction in herbicide handling, crosscut or chainsaw use, and safety. Informal training will continue throughout the term with on-the-ground skills training in tool maintenance, plant identification, and overview of public land management agencies.
Housing:
Housing on days off is not provided. AZCC is an independent, non-residential program. All members and staff are responsible for finding housing while not on project.
Schedule:
Applicants should expect the project schedule and type of work to vary. Generally, crews work an 8-day,10-hours/day 'hitch' schedule while camping in front and backcountry settings. Typically, members will have six days off in the town of the home base office. The hitch schedule typically includes drive time to and from the work site from the home base office. Workdays will start with a Job Hazard Analysis safety meeting and a 15-minute warm-up exercise. Days will include two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch.
Expectations:
Commitment – AZCC participants must commit to all aspects of the program, including conservation projects, education, training, and other crew activities.
Safety – All participants are required to participate in a culture of safety on their crew during all program activities by being aware of and adhering to program policies, as well as fostering an atmosphere of wellness in the program.
Professionalism – Participants must be willing to follow all AZCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent AZCC.
Teamwork – Members must be willing to engage in collaboration, respect others, and assist in making group decisions.
Technology – Projects are often in remote locations. The use of technology will be limited.
Substance Free – Participants MUST be willing and able to refrain from tobacco products, alcohol, and/or drugs while participating in the AZCC program.
