Atwater Conservation Crew Leader - Summer 2022

Title: Conservation Crew Leader
Location: North Brookfield, MA, Camp Atwater
Expected Start Date: Late May-June, 2022
Estimated End Date: August, 2022
Wages: $765-$815/week DOE, paid biweekly
Status: This is a full-time, seasonal position.
Health Benefits: Medical benefit options may be available for individuals serving 6 months or longer
Other Benefits: Food & transportation provided while in the field overnight, on-site lodging at Camp Atwater, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment, PLC Hiring Authority, Rigging/Rockwork training, saw training, Wilderness First Aid and other developmental opportunities as available

Questions? Zach@conservationlegacy.org- Please include “Atwater Crew Leader” in the email title.
Reports to: Program Manager

Appalachian Conservation Corps: https://appalachiancc.org/ (ACC) works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania as well as acting as mentor and management support for start-up local corps in NC and now MA. As a corps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations. Our programs focus on service, place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.

Position Summary:
ACC and the Urban League of Springfield are teaming up to launch Corps programming at the Urban Leagues Camp Atwater, a historic African American Camp in North Brookfield, and the surrounding areas. Work will vary between trail, restoration, light construction, and mentorship of Camp Atwater day campers in conversation programs and practices. This job includes heavy manual labor projects related to trail construction and trail maintenance. Project work may include but is not limited to:
Technical rock work
Grip hoist/rigging
Timber work
Bridge construction/maintenance
Tread work/erosion control
Invasive Species removal
.

Project Work:
Projects take place across the Appalachian Region, including work with the US Forest Service, the National Park Service, and other land managers. During their time in the field, Crew Members camp overnight and work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects. These hands-on projects include visitor access improvements, trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species treatments, historic restoration, disaster relief, and much more. Most projects require hiking out to remote work sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack.

Schedule:
“Hitch” schedules may vary, but generally this crew schedule will be 5 days in the field followed by 2 days off. The Crew will be expected to report directly to Camp Atwater or at designated pick-up areas in Worchester or Springfield (with transportation to Camp Atwater provided by the site). This crew may also work as a day crew model or 9 days on, 5 days off.

Workdays are typically 8-10 hours, with scheduled breaks throughout the day. Depending on project work and location, other schedule variations may be implemented. While the staff at ACC and partners work to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and work locations are subject to change per project needs.

Appalachian Conservation Corps Crew Leaders perform many roles and are the key to our program’s success. The position is multi-faceted and demanding, but with opportunity for enormous rewards. Successful candidates will demonstrate resourcefulness, effective communication skills, excellent judgement, maturity, initiative, professionalism, and the desire to devote themselves to a crew experience where the needs of others are placed above oneself. The Crew Leader position requires, mentorship, patience, technical aptitude, focus on efficiency, and a high level of comfort in the outdoors. Crew Leaders are ultimately responsible for successes and shortcomings of the crew.

This position will be joined by an Assistant Crew Leader (ACL), an AmeriCorps leadership position focusing on the continued development of leadership skills. While this will be a collaborative relationship, the Crew Leader bears ultimate responsibility for member development, as well as high quantity project accomplishments for our partners

Expectations of an ACC Day Crew:
Expect to work long days in a front country or backcountry location. Workdays will contain hiking and strenuous labor in remote settings in all weather conditions.
ACC is a non-residential program, meaning members are responsible for securing and paying for their own housing when not in the field or camped with a crew. (The crew leader does have the opportunity to stay on-site).
Camping crews prepare meals communally and work together as a group to complete all necessary chores. Community/camp chore and professional development work is completed daily. Fridays are focused on educational opportunities for crew members and group discussions on conservation and/or corps related topics.
Leaders must supply their own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. ACC will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear and transportation between ACC office and project sites.
ACC crews are expected to work in diverse team settings. Respect for all members of the program, our partners, the public and the land they are visiting is expected.
ACC expects leaders/members to represent the program in a professional manner.
Leaders/members are expected to be timely, hardworking, flexible, and complete all tasks assigned.

Required Skills*
Minimum Qualifications: *
Full vaccination against COVID-19 by the first day of employment and ability to provide proof of vaccination before starting
1-2 years’ experience with conservation corps, youth corps, or outdoor youth programming
Technical trail construction and maintenance experience
Leadership experience with youth or young adults
Excellent organizational & communication skills
Must be able to demonstrate strong project management skills
Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently as well as with others
Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment
Ability to work long days in adverse conditions and in roles that are physically strenuous.
High School diploma or GED certificate
First Aid and CPR certification
Must be 21+, OR have a clean driving record for 3+years (insurable by ACC) and a current driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:
Current and relevant certification in Wilderness Medicine (WFA, WAFA, WFR) with CPR/AED
Experience with backpacking, wilderness living and travel, and LNT principles
Background with experiential and/or environmental education
Strong conflict resolution skills
Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, desire to make a difference and promote leadership in others
A general comfort and previous knowledge of working/living in an outdoor setting

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. These requirements are written the same for all positions and therefore may not apply directly to your position.
Frequently required to walk, hike, sit and talk or listen
Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
Required to drive a ACC vehicle
Must be able to speak, understand, read and write English
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Ability to pass Conservation Legacy’s criminal history checks
Additional Skills:
Leadership & Mentorship
Manage, supervise, and lead the day-to-day details of project work
Implement skills training on worksite and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics
Promote individual corps member development and a healthy, supportive community
Mentor AmeriCorps Crew Leader while delegating project responsibilities, crew life oversight, and member development to them.
Must be willing to follow and enforce all ACC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent Appalachian Conservation Corps. This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program

Safety & Risk Management
Implement and enforce ACC’s COVID-19 Pandemic Policies and Procedures (provided to applicants during interview process), including mask use, handwashing, and sanitizing crew vehicles and gear
Monitor, manage, and promote the crew’s physical and emotional safety on and off the work site
Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety
Transport crew and equipment safely in ACC’s vans or large vehicles with trailers

Administration
Complete professional documentation of time sheets, daily and weekly reports, corps member and peer evaluations, disciplinary action forms, incident reports, etc., and submit in a timely manner
Responsible for all project related outcomes and deliverables
Manage food budget and credit card purchases, including receipt reconciliation

Required Experience

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $765.00 - $815.00 per week