Job Description

American Conservation Experience: CA AmeriCorps Membership Opportunity

30 week/900 Hour AmeriCorps Professional Development Crew Position on the PCT

Summary: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Santa Cruz and South Lake Tahoe, CA, is currently hiring energetic, ambitious young adults to join a seven-month outdoor work and skills-training program. The projects will consist primarily of trail improvement throughout California on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), with opportunities for involvement in projects in other locations as the season progresses.

ACE is currently hiring corps members for an AmeriCorps 900-hour term in 2016:

Start Date: March 16, 2016

End Date: October 8, 2016

A 900-hour, 30-week commitment is required. There may be opportunities available to continue with ACE after the 30-week period for successful crew members, and for those who express interest.

Position Description: For approximately seven months, AmeriCorps Professional Development Members work and train on environmental conservation projects under the guidance of ACE staff and alongside federal agency partners and advisors of the Pacific Crest Trail Association.

ACE/AmeriCorps participants in this Professional Development Member (PDM) position will be placed on a trail crew tasked with improving conditions along the PCT. Members should expect to camp in remote backcountry settings at different locations along the PCT for an average of 9 days at a time while conducting trail improvement projects. The projects will include trail maintenance and construction, including the possibility for technical rockwork and crosscut tool use along the way.

Crew members will function as a tight-knit group throughout the season, traveling to locations ranging from Southern California to Northern California together. Project-related transportation is provided during service, however you are responsible for arriving to ACE and departing upon completion of your service. Strong inter-personal skills are a must, as well as flexibility and a strong sense of adventure.

AmeriCorps Professional Development Members will gain outdoor leadership skills while working alongside volunteers and maintaining responsibility for themselves and the group in remote settings.

All work is physically demanding, often requiring stints in the backcountry and/or extended stays in the field. This position requires hiking, backpacking, camping and cooking outdoors while at front country and wilderness spike camps. Days-off will often be spent at camp, in conjunction with regular visits to other housing facilities included and provided by ACE.

Location: Projects will take place at various locations throughout California. All participants must be flexible and willing to be assigned to a variety of locations and for multiple agencies, wherever community need is the highest. Project assignments vary in length from one week to two months, relating to specific logistics of trail sections, distance from housing, and remote areas that need to be accessed by the crew.

Pay: AmeriCorps Professional Development Members receive a living allowance of $110 per week for all weeks worked during their AmeriCorps contract. Financial benefits begin upon successful completion of mandatory background checks. Upon successful completion of the program, Members receive an AmeriCorps education award of up to $2850 to be used to pay tuition or student loans. Food and housing (tents or primitive facilities) on project days are provided. Members can choose to take advantage of ACE hostel-style housing at no cost on off-days spent in Santa Cruz and/or South Lake Tahoe. During off-days spent remotely, a combination of hotel accommodations and camping accommodations will be provided.

Qualifications:

Professional Development Crew Members should have an established interest in 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. ACE’s Professional Development Program is most valuable for those considering environmental careers of all types. It is a highly demanding assignment requiring dedication and hard-work, not simply an interesting and rewarding way to spend a season working in beautiful locations. Drug users, including users of marijuana, should not consider applying as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing and does not tolerate the presence of drugs in our professional development program. Smokers should be aware that due to fire hazard conditions in ACE and in many areas we work and camp, smoking is not permitted on project.

Other Requirements:

• Program is available to US Citizens and Green Card holders only.

• Members must have personal medical insurance for the duration of their participation with ACE.

• ACE will provide tents to all Members (upon request) but all other camping items such as sturdy boots, sleeping bags, backpacks, and raingear must be provided by successful applicants.

• This position is a covered position that may entail recurring access to vulnerable populations such as youth and the elderly. Selection for the position is contingent upon a review of all Criminal History results.

Age: 18-25

Training:

Field-based trainings include technical project and outdoor skills such as retaining wall construction, rock step construction, splitting and shaping, tread and switchback construction, installing water bars, check dams and other erosion control devices. Cross-cut saw training may be provided as needs dictate. Members will be certified in Wilderness First Aid and will receive Leave No Trace (LNT) and safety training. Members will develop interpersonal and leadership skills while serving as mentors to ACE volunteers and as support for ACE and agency staff.

Positions open until filled, but are in high demand. Apply now!

To Apply:

Please email your resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references to Marcel Coppolino (marcel@usaconservation.org) with “900 AmeriCorps Professional Development Crew Member – PCT” in the subject heading of your email.

Qualified applicants will be contacted by e-mail to arrange a phone interview.

Check out our website and our Facebook page for more details about ACE!

www.usaconservation.org

www.facebook.com/usaconservation

How to Apply

To Apply: Please email your resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references to Marcel Coppolino (marcel@usaconservation.org) with "900 AmeriCorps Professional Development Crew Member - PCT" in the subject heading of your email. Qualified applicants will be contacted by e-mail to arrange a phone interview. Check out our website and our Facebook page for more details about ACE! www.usaconservation.org www.facebook.com/usaconservation

Job Categories: Internship. Job Types: Environment. Job Tags: backcountry, camping, conservation, environment, hiking, PCT, and trails.

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