AmeriCorps Leadership & Conservation Corpsmember (ACLC)
Mile High Youth Corps engages youth in jobs that help the planet and provide pathways to a promising future.
Position Description: The AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation Program (ACLC) at MHYC in Colorado Springs is a demanding leadership experience providing diverse service opportunities in education, community outreach, nonprofit management, youth development and physical land conservation projects to achieve a common goal: youth employment in environmental conservation. The position is a 6-month commitment, where a Corpsmember must be able to complete a minimum of 900 hours of service. The term of service runs from May 2, 2011 – Oct 28, 2011. If you are selected you will have the opportunity to participate in the day-to-day operations of a non-profit organization and complete physically demanding land conservation projects in state and local parks, mountain areas, and national forests. ACLCs actively participate in and facilitate weekly environmental education and team building activities, assist various staff in recruitment and hiring of summer Corpmembers, plan and lead service projects, and work towards future career goals, while learning what it takes to make successful programs and projects happen in the nonprofit/environmental conservation world. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong personal work ethic, a commitment to service, self development, and team work.
Essential Functions:
Leadership Development
• Assume a leadership role throughout the term by taking advantage of new opportunities, being open to giving and receiving feedback, and implementing solution-focused communication methods.
• Serve as a role model for seasonal Corpsmembers and promote volunteerism and community service within the Summer of Service and Fall Land conservation programs.
• May be required to participate in the planning of and provide leadership for national service days in July and October.
• As part of a Crew, complete conservation projects on public lands throughout the Southern Front Range. Project examples are hazardous fuels reduction, trail construction and maintenance, fencing, campground improvements, noxious weed removal, wildlife habitat improvements and public land maintenance and clean up.
• May be required to camp up to 10 days at a time and successfully complete S-212 chainsaw certification training.
• The ability to write and or record/photograph/video you experiences and other projects and Corpsmembers for blogs, social media and other outlets.
• Must have a good driving record.
Education and Training
• Successfully complete a two-week new Corpsmember orientation and training.
• Receive hands-on technical trainings related to all projects including S-212 Chainsaw Certification and First Aid/CPR
• Fully participate in all safety trainings and adhere to agency safety rules and regulations.
• Fully participate in all job readiness training activities.
• Fully participate and provide leadership for environmental education, civic engagement, healthy lifestyles, independent living and service learning activities for up to four hours a week in the field. Some of these activities may be outside of the MHYC daily schedule during the Summer of Service program.
Agency-related
• Adhere to the rules and regulations specified by AmeriCorps and in the MHYC Employee and Corpsmember Handbook
• Reports to Front Range Regional Director.
• Will be required to complete logistical support tasks that may include office work.
• Other duties may be assigned as necessary.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Must be between the ages of 19-24 and eligible for employment in the United States.
• High school diploma or GED graduate required; some college preferred.
• Must be capable of participating in intense physical labor including, but not limited to: able to lift 50 lbs.,
spend 8-10 hours a day in all weather conditions (e.g., sun, heat, wind, rain, cold, snow, etc.) and hike 5
miles with a day-pack.
• Must make a strong commitment to term of service by being available for a minimum of 900 hours of service, 40 hours per week from May 2, 2011 to October 28, 2011.
• Must be willing to work hard and actively participate as part of a team.
• Able to work and learn with a positive attitude and show respect for others.
• Able to be on time and maintain high levels of attendance.
• Desire for personal challenge and self development.
• Experience or a desire work with a diverse group of young adults ages 18-24.
• Experience or a strong desire to learn the technical skills needed to effectively maintain public lands.
• Able to appropriately represent Mile High Youth Corps and the AmeriCorps Program both in behavior and dress code.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must bring identification documents necessary to complete the I-9 and other employment forms on your first day of employment. Examples of such documents are a passport or a driver’s license and social security card/birth certificate or other equivalent documents.
• Pre-employment background check and drug screening are required. Drug testing may be required during employment.
Hours and Compensation:
• This is a temporary position, from May 2, 2011 to Oct. 28, 2011.
• Schedule: 40 hour weeks, Monday through Friday; hours and days may vary when serving on land conservation crews.
• Work-related overnight trips (up to 10 days) may be required for trainings, conferences, and projects.
• Corpsmembers earn a living stipend paid in bi-weekly installments throughout their term.
• The first payday will be on May 13, 2011.
• The biweekly amount will be roughly $540.00 before taxes.
Benefits:
• One week of PAID vacation, August 15th – August 19th
• Three PAID holidays throughout term of service.
• Eligible for a $2,675 AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of 900 hours of service.
• Uniform provided by Mile High Youth Corps.
• Student loan forbearance (on qualifying federal government student loan) possible though the National Service Trust, if applicant takes appropriate steps through loan agency.
• Health insurance provided through Summit America Insurance.
• Child care allowance (for qualified members) possible through AmeriCorps CARE.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Personal and Professional trainings related to: S-212 chainsaw certification, land conservation, presentation and public speaking, and attendance at state-wide training events.
• The opportunity to gain valuable field experience in environmental conservation work.
• Exposure to media, elected officials, and funders.
• Access to more than 500,000 AmeriCorps alumni for future career development and networking.
To Apply:
Online: www.milehighyouthcorps.org
