Position Type: Field-based, full-time, seasonal.
Location: Colorado Springs office - seven counties along Southern Front Range.
Compensation: $320 weekly stipend. Includes transportation to projects, uniforms, environmental education and training, some camping equipment, food while camping and some travel opportunities.
AmeriCorps Benefits: AmeriCorps education award to qualified individuals.
300-450 Service Hours/$1,000-$1,415 Education Award
Season Dates: May 18 thru mid August. Season could be extended through October.
Reports To: Crew Leader
Overview:
Mile High Youth Corps-Colorado Springs (MHYC-CS) is a regional, non-profit, AmeriCorps (www.americorps.gov [1]) affiliated organization operating in Colorado Springs that provides employment, education and leadership opportunities for young adults ages 18-24. The goal of MHYC-CS is to improve life-skills, work readiness, employment prospects, and economic independence for youth, while also teaching them respect for natural resources and the outdoors. Our Corp Members work on conservation and environmental stewardship projects, such as fencing, weed mitigation, park development, rehabilitation of sensitive riparian areas, and trail building and maintenance, on public lands in both urban and rural areas.
Position Description:
MHYC-CS crews complete wildfire prevention, invasive plant removal, and other conservation projects on public lands throughout a region that includes Custer, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Las Animas, Pueblo, and Teller counties. Crew consists of 8-11 Corpsmembers supervised by adult Crew Leaders. Travels to work sites as a team in Corps vehicles and usually camps onsite at the project location for 10 days before returning home for 4 days off. The program requires primarily front country camping but may include some back country camping involving hiking into remote campsites. The crew is responsible for planning and cooking meals and completing team-based chores. MHYC-CS requires corpsmembers to be flexible! All Corpsmembers for these crews will receive First Aid/CPR certification and S-212 Chainsaw training. Individuals may or may not be selected for chainsaw operation depending on the results of their testing.
Duties & Responsibilities:
• Work as a member of a team to complete on-site sawyer projects using basic hand tools, chainsaws, and other equipment.
• Participate responsibly in day-to-day aspects of crew life in camp and at work.
• Fully participate in environmental education, leadership development, civic engagement, healthy lifestyles, career development, and service learning opportunities.
• Adhere to all safety rules and regulations.
• Adhere to the rules and regulations specified in the MHYC Employee and Corpsmember Handbooks.
• Follow Leave No Trace camping techniques.
Corpsmember Qualifications:
Must be between the ages of 18-24 and eligible for employment in the United States
Must be physically fit, able to operate a chainsaw safely for up to 8 hours per day and lift a minimum of 20 lbs.
Must commit to complete the program and participate fully in work projects, crew life, and education.
Must be willing to uphold the images of both Mile High Youth Corp-Colorado Springs and the AmeriCorps Program.
Must follow MHYC-CS policies and procedures.
Must be willing to work hard and actively participate as part of a team.
Ability to adhere to the MHYC-CS policy which prohibits smoking and other tobacco use in MHYC-CS facilities, vehicles or project sites.
Experience in the outdoors highly preferred
Experience with chainsaw highly preferred.
Pre-employment background check and drug screen will be required. May implement drug testing throughout employment.
Essential Functions:
This is very physically demanding work! While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit and talk or listen. The employee is required to use hands to operate tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to focus. The employee must be able to understand and communicate safety instructions as well as basic workplace instructions in English. The employee will be required to camp up to two weeks at a time.
Apply today online!!