Created in 2009, the SCA Idaho AmeriCorps Program is designed to meet the environmental conservation, natural resource protection, community stewardship, and workforce development needs of Public Lands throughout Idaho.
Members of the Salmon-Challis AmeriCorps Forest Training Center will have the opportunity to further their passion for the environment and love of the outdoors through hands-on conservation service work. Members will gain outdoor leadership experience and multidisciplinary training in a variety of land management facets, which will include a mix of the following: front country and backcountry trail maintenance, historic preservation, fuels reduction, invasive species management, habitat assessments and much more. For a significant portion of the 2023 season, we will have crews flown or packed into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness for up to 6 weeks at a time. Resupply flights and outfitter support will occur every 10-14 days for these extended backcountry hitches. This program is unique in that all members will complete a variety of projects in partnership with federal and state public land management agencies and will have opportunities to try out many of these resource protection areas. The goal of this experience is to develop a strong base of knowledge and skills, therefore preparing members to become professional level field staff for conservation organizations (government, non-profit, and private sector). Throughout this program crew members are encouraged to make meaningful connections to the community, peers and agency partners and are given many opportunities for career and professional development. Additionally, crew members will often work independently or directly with agency partners and are given a number of leadership development opportunities throughout the season. A large part of this program involves living and working in a cooperative environment in a relatively remote location. Members will maintain and improve the Forest Training Center itself including community responsibilities such as cooking, maintaining communal spaces, managing the garden/compost, resource use conservation, and local community engagement. Members who successfully complete the program will be certified as Conservation Field Technicians by SCA.
Training Opportunities
Wilderness First Responder certification, CPR certification, Chainsaw or Rigging certification, Crosscut Saw certification, Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics Trainer certification, trail maintenance skills, and other project specific training.
Responsibilities
- Be an active and participatory corps member – attend all training and service days, and participate in weekly chores around the program base and base camp.
- Take on role of Crew Leader for at least one hitch, serving as a professional liaison with park managers, handling the logistics of a project, delegating responsibilities, developing emergency response plans, and completing all necessary paperwork.
- Be an active and participatory member of the SCA Idaho Corps, Forest and Parks, and AmeriCorps Community.
- Comply with all SCA and AmeriCorps policies and refrain from any prohibited activities.
- Perform outdoor conservation projects, 85%
- Participate in training opportunities, 15%
- Position is physically demanding and will require some evening and weekend work
- Corps members are encouraged to develop a connection and build SCA's relationships with the local community through volunteer activities and interaction with the local non-profits and the general public.
- Represent SCA in a positive manner
Compensation
- Members will receive a weekly stipend of $250
- Travel Stipend of $650 to be distributed 1-2 weeks after the season start date.
- Upon completion of service, members will receive an education award of up to $3,247.50
- Food and Housing will be provided (Shared living spaces at Indianola Ranger Station, North Fork, ID.)
- Transportation to and from service activities will be provided
Hours
Corps members serve approximately 40-45 hours a week for a period of 5 months. Members must achieve a minimum of 900 hours of service within that 5-month period (roughly 21 weeks of service). Service hours are typically performed on a flexible schedule with most hitches going Monday-Thursday; however, longer duration service will be necessary for remote or backcountry projects, up to 10 days in a row. Members are always camping out during the work week and return to the program base on days off. The general schedule each day is 7:00 am – 5:30 pm.
Essential Functions and Qualifications
- Must have an ability to serve independently and as part of a team
- Must be able to live and serve in diverse situations and outdoor environments
- Must be willing to try new things and learn new skills
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs and hike 10 miles.
- Must be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities
- Must have good communication skills
- Must have a high school diploma/GED
- Must be willing to serve some nights and weekends
- Must be willing to camp outside for 10 days at a time
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Previous camping and backpacking experience is helpful. Excellent organization, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills are required. Working within a team setting for a common goal is critical as well as being able to work independently. Applicants should have the desire to spend extended periods of time in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, and be prepared to manage the mental and physical rigors of backcountry trail work.
Required Academic and Experience Qualifications
High school diploma/GED. Ability to perform physical work outdoors in remote locations in varying weather conditions independently and as part of a group. Interest in recreation, resource management, historic preservation, and public access issues; must be physically able to walk 10 miles a day over varied terrain and lift up to 50lbs. Position requires frequent exposure to potentially harmful biotic factors including poison ivy, stinging and biting insects and ticks.
Description of Offered Housing
SCA Idaho AmeriCorps is based at the historic Indianola Ranger Station on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The living conditions are simple, rustic, and community focused. Along with the 1913 Ranger Station where the main office is located, there are several bunkhouses, a community house, shower house, and several storage buildings on site for tools and equipment. The facility is off-grid with no cell phone service and limited satellite internet connectivity. Members will live in the rustic bunkhouses or in furnished wall-tents. Situated on the Wild and Scenic Salmon River, there are ample opportunities for recreation, and travel to nearby towns for goods is a 45-minute drive. A significant amount of time will be spent camping during the work hitches. Members can expect periods of up to 6 weeks in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, and also camping in front-country locations throughout the season.
INTERESTED IN THE SCA IDAHO AMERICORPS PROGRAM?
- Apply online at www.thesca.org.
- Position #: 00734234
- Contact Tim Carroll [email protected]. Applicants must be age 18 or older and must have a valid driver’s license in order to drive SCA vehicles and pass a background check.
Position ID: PO-00734234
Expected Dates: May 7, 2023 - September 30, 2023
Location:
1029 Salmon River Road
North Fork, ID 83466
US
Training Provided: Wilderness First Responder/CPR SCA Driver Training SCA Conservation Work Skills Training Crosscut Saw Training GPS Fence Construction LNT Trainer Some members: Chainsaw, Rigging, Habitat Monitoring, MIM surveys.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, Whitewater Capital of the World, Hunting, Fishing, Backpacking, Mountain Biking, Climbing, Kayaking, Tubing,
Other Community Work: Members are encouraged to volunteer in the local communities of Salmon and Challis, Idaho at some point during the season. There will be at least 2 program hosted volunteer service events during the season where members are required to participate.
Professional Development Opportunities: Exceptional resources available in our multiple project partners including: USFS, BLM, US Park Service, Idaho State Parks.
Main Area of Focus: Backcountry/Trail work
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Not needed
Program vehicles are provided for all work projects. A personal vehicle is recommended for non-work time because of the program's remote location.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
Housing is in Forest Service barracks and semi-permanent army style tents. SCA provided tents and base camp gear while in the field.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes