Contact Name: Marcel Coppolino
Company/Organization/Agency: American Conservation Experience
Address: 6630 Highway 9, Suite 204, Felton, California 95018 United States
Email Address: marcel@usaconservation.org
Contact Phone: (928) 814-3191
Job Title: AmeriCorps membership with ACE, Pacific Crest Trail Crew 2021
Job Description: American Conservation Experience – Pacific West Region
AmeriCorps Crew 900 Hour Membership – 2021 Season
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a non-profit conservation corps, is currently seeking energetic and ambitious participants to engage in national service as AmeriCorps members in a season-long professional, outdoor skills-training opportunity. ACE intends to provide a meaningful service to regional communities and public lands by taking direct action through conservation of our valuable natural resources. Our mission is to introduce and prepare our AmeriCorps members for careers in resource management with ACE, within the conservation corps industry, or with public agencies such as California State Parks, USFS, National Park Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Bureau of Land Management, as well as many other local and non-profit land steward organizations.
Start Date: April 19* End Date: October 16, 23 -OR- November 20 (26, 27, or 31 weeks)
*A 900 HOUR (26 - 31 week) commitment is required, once enrolled in AmeriCorps National Service. Your service end date relates to your project selection and will be determined upon confirming your position. Arrival dates are expected for April 17 and 18. Time-off between project ‘hitches’ along with 1-2 additional weeks of break in June 2021 is expected for some crews. Extensions to service and additional service terms are available, you are welcome to inquire.
Position Description: AmeriCorps Members in our Crew program will spend several months learning techniques of conservation and land management while training on various trail building and environmental restoration projects under the guidance of ACE’s most highly skilled staff members. The goal of the position is to accomplish meaningful project work for a variety of public land management agencies while becoming proficient in advanced field techniques. Members can expect an advanced opportunity, often relocating to alternative projects sites, while taking part in more than one field project over the duration of their AmeriCorps term. With the longer timeline, more complex training and techniques can be included such as power tool use, first aid certifications, Leave No Trace Principles, and backcountry camping through the summer dry season. A strong focus on trailwork (construction, engineering, erosion prevention, dry stone masonry, steps, bridges, stairs, etc. will be likely) Crew members will also be trained in chainsaw operation to manage wildfire fuels mitigation projects in Southern California.
This position will entail the following:
• Working 10 hours per day for 4-8 consecutive days on a crew comprised of 6-12 other service members in outdoor locations.
• Strong potential for ‘roving’ statewide, camping and traveling through California away from housing for 3-4 weeks is possible
• Backcountry camping for 2-4 weeks is likely when accessing remote trail sections in need
• Working and camping in a variety of weather conditions and high elevation including temperatures ranging from freezing to over 95 degrees Fahrenheit, high winds, intense sunshine, rain, and even light snowfall or frost may be possible in California
• Diverse land management agency partnerships including USFS, Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA), CA State Parks, and Federal Government and inter-agency collaboration
• Serving on environmental stewardship projects including (but not limited to): Trail Construction/Maintenance/Re-routes, Invasive Plant Mitigation, Fence Installation/Repair, Trail signage repair, Habitat Restoration, Dry Stone Masonry
• Hiking extended distances on steep and rough terrain with a 40-pound backpack
• Professionally serving on at least 2 independently chosen community volunteer events/projects locally, each 3 hours in length
Location(s):
• Housing for "off-project days" located in BOTH the Ridgecrest, CA and Sacramento, CA area headquarters of ACE Pacific West. At least one transfer between houses will be expected as crews move throughout California. All transportation will be provided by ACE for work-related purposes. Member schedules will be announced several weeks in advance when possible.
• ACE housing is shared among all current crew members and staff. Basic accommodations include bed, personal storage, running hot/cold water, shared bathrooms, laundry, WI-FI, and full shared kitchen and furnished living + dining room
• Projects are expected to be within a several hour driving radius of housing, with transportation to and from the project site provided by ACE
• Both frontcountry camping and remote backcountry camping expected
• Projects may take place at high elevation uplands and mountains, valleys, grasslands, and inland foothills where temperatures vary from very cold and rainy to very hot and dry, You can expect to experience a combination of conditions from frost or rain, high winds, to thick fog, to extremely dry conditions. Do not underestimate California's weather, be prepared!
Benefits:
• A bi-weekly living allowance of $280, before taxes
• Upon completion of the 900 hours the Award is $3172.50. More information regarding amount and eligibility, see the AmeriCorps website.
• Food is provided on all project days including cooksets, stoves, and meal preparation supplies
• All transport to and from field projects is included
• Housing (volunteer housing, tents, limited facilities) is included both on and off project days
• Training relates to project placement and includes, chainsaw use, WFA Certification, Leave No Trace (LNT), forestry fuels mitigation, and terrain-specific trail work and hand tools as projects require. Members should expect to be trained in all the tools and techniques needed to successfully complete their scheduled projects.
Qualifications:
AmeriCorps members serving on ACE field crews should have an established interest in service and conservation issues and should take joy in tackling challenging situations with a positive mindset. Applicants must be willing to undertake arduous physical work in all types of weather and terrain, and to participate as a team member dedicated to ACE's mission. The ACE Conservation Corps Crew program is an excellent way to start or further your professional development and invest in your future. It is also a stepping stone to environmental careers and as a gateway to potential advancement within ACE, not only as an interesting and rewarding way to spend several months working in beautiful locations.
Other Requirements:
• US Citizens and US permanent residents
• To prove eligibility and citizenship, members must be able to provide ORIGINALS of the following documents: 1) Social Security card, 2) Passport or Birth certificate, 3) Photo ID (passport, driver’s license, military license/ID, or student ID)
• The minimum age to serve with ACE is 18. United States Public Land Corps (PLC) legislation targets applicants of 18-35 years of age in this opportunity.
• Public (government) or private medical insurance coverage for the duration of participation
• ACE provides tents to all members, but all other camping items such as all-leather boots (no exterior mesh or fabric), sleeping bags, backpacks, water containers, and raingear must be provided by the applicant
• Due to fire hazard conditions in ACE (specifically in California), smoking is not permitted at any work site. Smoking will not be permitted when on project at undeveloped campgrounds or when serving backcountry. Smoking may be permitted at ACE housing, but will be restricted to designated areas.
• Upon hire, all members must consent to a Criminal History Check. Their service with ACE will be considered probationary until all results are returned and have been reviewed.
• Drug users, including users of marijuana, should not consider applying as ACE reserves the right to drug test and absolutely abhors the presence of drug users in our program. ACE intends to be a positive influence and intends to create safe and healthy environments for our members. Alcohol use is strictly prohibited on ACE projects and on ACE property. Any evidence of drug use or violating ACE’s alcohol policy will result in immediate release from the program.
• All work-related transportation is included during service.
• Parking can be limited at ACE housing locations, and it is generally encouraged not to bring a personal vehicle as public street parking long-term is not advised. Public transportation and drop-off arrival plans are available. Please inquire about which regional location may have parking for personal vehicles available this season.
DIRECT LINK TO APPLY ONLINE: https://usaconservationcrew.applicantpool.com/jobs/524746.html
INCLUDE WITH ALL APPLICATIONS: Upload all requested documents including your motivation statement, resume, and 3 professional references. Rather than a traditional cover letter, please include a motivation statement which sincerely describes your interests, skills, professional goals, and any other relevant information in regards to this opportunity. This is your opportunity to stand out and express why this professional development program is right for you, in your own words.
NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time, and is open until filled. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact the Pacific West Central Outreach Coordinator, Marcel Coppolino at 928-814-3191 or marcel@usaconservation.org.
Also, consider checking out our Facebook page, YouTube Channel, and social media for more details about ACE!
www.facebook.com/usaconservation
www.usaconservation.org
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Job Start Date: 4/19/2021
Application Deadline: 3/1/2021
Additional Information: DIRECT LINK TO APPLY ONLINE: https://usaconservationcrew.applicantpool.com/jobs/524746.html
Check out the ACE website for other staff positions like CREW LEAD, PROJECT MANAGER, etc
www.usaconservation.org