AmeriCorps Positions: Crew Leaders & Members (ages 18-25)
Location: Crews located throughout Superior National Forest
Service Term: Crew Leader: May 16 – August 31 & Crew Member: June 1 – August 31, 2011
Conservation Corps Minnesota provides hands-on environmental stewardship and service-learning opportunities to young adults while accomplishing natural resource management work.
Crews of 1 leader and 4 members will participate in on-the-job training to learn natural resources management skills and put those skills into practice working on trail and portage maintenance projects in Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota. Leader and Member positions involve physically challenging, team-oriented work. Service work is performed exclusively outdoors and all projects involve extended camping near the work project site. Projects range from 4 day assignments (followed by 3 days off) to 8 day assignments (followed by 6 days off). Food and lodging (camping) is only provided while working on trail. This is not a residential position; AmeriCorps members should secure housing in the area.
Responsibilities:
Crew Members will receive training and complete conservation & trail projects. Work includes extensive trail construction & maintenance, exotic species removal and management, and some carpentry. Crews will camp at or near work sites for extended periods.
Crew Leaders will be responsible for project management, training and development of 4 Crew Members. The Crew Leader is responsible for the crew’s overall work performance and safety during a project. Crew Leaders work directly with Crew Members to complete all projects.
Qualifications:
Crew Members -
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job 40 hours per week:
o Long (10 hour) days of shoveling, digging and swinging heavy tools repetitively
o Long (10 hour) days of chainsaw / brush saw work
o Heavy lifting, bending, and carrying up to 50 pounds
o Walking / working on steep or uneven terrain
o Working, eating, and camping in the outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to work well with others in a team setting.
• Strong desire to learn new skills.
• Positive attitude and interest in service and community work.
• Dedication to complete the term of AmeriCorps service.
• Flexible schedule.
• Interest and ability to camp for extended periods.
• Reliable transportation to report to remote shop location at the beginning of each project.
• Must be 18-25 years old (as defined under the American Conservation and Youth Service Act).
Crew Leaders (in addition to above Member qualifications):
• Ability to independently lead a crew of 4 members to work safely and productively on trail construction and maintenance projects.
• Previous experience in a leadership role.
• Effective communication skills.
• Experience/education in natural resource management, construction, trail maintenance, small engine repair and knowledge of hand and power tool safety is desired.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Must be age 21 or older in order to operate fleet vehicles.
• Between ages 21 and 25 preferred (as defined under the American Conservation and Youth Service Act).
Requirements: Must be able to perform essential functions of the job including physically strenuous work 10 hours per day. Travel and extended camping are required. Personal protective equipment is provided and required. Must pass criminal history checks.
Benefits: Crew Members will receive a living stipend of $1140 a month (Crew Leaders: $1550 a month), health insurance, student loan forbearance during the service term, and a post-service AmeriCorps Education Award (upon term completion) that may be used for college expenses or to repay qualified student loans.
Crew Leader Education Award: $2038 - Crew Member Education Award: $1415
To Apply: Applicants are encouraged to submit by April 15th. Early application is strongly encouraged especially for Crew Leader positions! Apply online at www.conservationcorps.org/apply [1]