Assistant Youth Crew Leader- Camping Crew

Title: Assistant Youth Crew Leader (ACL)  

Location: Uwharrie National Forest 

Dates: June 5th- August 3rd, 2024 

Benefits: $600/week, paid Bi-weekly + AmeriCorps Segal Education Award 

Status: This is a full-time, seasonal AmeriCorps National Service position  

Questions? Contact: [email protected] 

Priority Application Date: March 25th 

To be considered, a resume MUST be attached to the application. Submitting a cover letter is optional. 

Conservation Corps North Carolina:  

The mission of Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) is to empower young adults through meaningful outdoor work that benefits North Carolina’s land and water and creates healthy communities.  

CCNC is a program of Conservation Legacy that partners with public land managers in North Carolina to engage motivated young adults, ages 15-30, to complete challenging and impactful conservation service projects throughout the state.  

Position Overview:  

CCNC’s Youth ACL’s assist in leading, managing, and supervising youth crews, ages 15-18, that are made up of 6 members, one crew leader, and one ACL. ACLs are primarily responsible for facilitating a positive Crew Member experience. The ACL is a full partner in the crew’s leadership, helping to communicate directions, projects specifications and constructive criticism throughout the session. This position requires open dialog with the Staff Crew Leader; helping them to manage projects, project partners communications, overall logistics, and crew assignments.  

It means more than just showing up and doing the work, ACLs set an example of how to work hard with great enthusiasm through all kinds of conditions while practicing good judgement and safety. It means facilitating learning experience for Crew Members, both formally and informally. This position may require additional participation time outside of standard project and crew hours.  

During their time in the field, CCNC youth crews 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, and much more.  

ACLs are asked to work hard, stay positive, and be flexible with changing schedules, weather conditions, and project needs. They also need to be prepared to work with youth participants and the specific challenges that come with the age range. This is a seasonal position; ACLs are asked to fully commit to the experience, expectations, and timeline.  

Schedule and Crew Life:  

This program will partner with the US Forest Service, located in the Uwharrie National Forest. There are two three-week sessions, the first is June 17th-July 5th and the second is July 15th- August 2nd. This is a residential camping program; the ACL will camp with the crew at a group camp site in the Uwharrie National Forest, accompanied by the Staff Crew Leader. Both crew leaders are required to always be with the crew, including weekends. There is a week-long break between the sessions where the ACL will be free to leave the group site. Food will be provided for the entirety of the program and the leaders can have their personal vehicles with them, however they will not be able to use them during the sessions.  

Some equipment is available to borrow throughout the season, but ACLs are asked to supply as much of their own personal gear (day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc) as possible. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program.  

During their time in the field, CCNC youth crews 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, and much more.  

Prior to the start of the YCC programs, there will be a three-day virtual training, followed be a week-long training based out of Durham, NC- at Camp Slocum. The leaders will receive training on group dynamics, discipline, conflict management, program policies and rules, working with partners, mandatory reporting, etc. This training will be held at Camp Slocum, and lodging will be available.    

Overview of Summer schedule:   

June 5-7th: Virtual Training   

June 10-14th: Training at Camp Slocum (Durham, NC)   

June 17th- July 5th: Raleigh Crew   

July 8th-12th: Week Break  

July 15th- August 2nd: Resume work at Dix Park  

August 3rd: De-rig Day with all Youth Leaders at Camp Slocum 

Assistant Crew Leader (ACL) Responsibilities 

Project Management & Implementation  

• Train and motivate a crew of six youth participants (ages 15-18) to complete conservation projects efficiently on public lands.  
• Delegate project work & investment among ACL and crew.  
• Manage on-the-ground quality and quantity of project work.  
• Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems.  
• Demonstrate and support a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.  
• Communicate effectively & coordinate logistics with project partners, staff crew leader, members, and CCNC staff.  

Safety & Risk Management  

• 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 CCNC’s vans or large vehicles with trailers.  

 Administration  

• Manage crew medical history forms and incident documentation in conjunction with the staff crew leader. 
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Once selected and prior to their start date, ACLs are required to complete an online enrollment process that includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, enrolling with AmeriCorps, and beginning their background check process. For those with limited access to online platforms, accommodations may be available and can be discussed during the interview process.  

Benefits 

• $600/week living stipend, paid bi-weekly 
• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of service term  
• ACLs may be eligible for student loan forbearance  
• Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist 
• Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary safety equipment is provided 
• Depending upon the academic institution and program, ACL positions may fulfill internship requirements  
• Professional development opportunities 
• Exposure to natural resource career paths and opportunities 

General Qualifications 

• Be between the ages of 18 and 30 (exception for veterans up to age 35)  
• Have US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status.  
• Have a high school diploma or GED.  
• Pass background checks: all offers of positions are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and Federal and/or State criminal background check.  
• Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (individuals are eligible if they have not already completed 2 full years of AmeriCorps service, or 4 AmeriCorps service terms, whichever comes first – please contact us if you are unsure of your eligibility)  

Minimum Qualifications   

• Physically fit and able to work long days in adverse conditions.  
• High School diploma or GED certificate.  
• Must have a clean driving record (insurable by CCNC) and a current driver’s license.  
• Current CPR/AED certificate 

Preferred Qualifications   

• Experience with CCNC or another Conservation Corps.  
• Technical trail building and maintenance experience.  
• Background with experiential and/ or environmental education.  
• Facilitation and team-building experience with diverse groups of people.  
• Strong conflict resolution skills.  

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.  

Participation and Expedition Behavior   

• Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as 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. 
• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise. 
• Have the cognitive ability to learn necessary skills and apply them to effectively carry out the service work requirements  
• Appropriately represent the Program and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners.  
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 Safety and Judgment   

• Effectively perceive, understand, and follow directions to manage hazards.  
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions  
• 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.  

 Substance Free   

• In accordance to a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property 

To Apply: To be considered, a resume must be attached to the application. Submitting a cover letter is optional.