Arrival Date: 5/15/2023 Departure Date: 8/19/2023 (some projects may end sooner depending on project placement)
Western Native Plant Restoration Corps is an intensive conservation program where members gain skills and experience through hands-on conservation projects. During the program members will work with 4-6 person teams to stem the tide of invasives and non-native plants in sensitive habitats and fire-affected areas. The crew will camp and live in the National Forests of the Pacific Northwest or California and tackel complex restoration projects in partnership with the US Forest Service.
Western Native Plant Restoration Corps is rugged, and while on field projects, members should expect to live without electricity, running water, and cell phone reception. This is an entry-level position with no previous experience required. The crew begins with 2 weeks of training and orientation, where we cover basic tool use, safety and risk management, Wilderness First Aid (WFA), and how to build and maintain healthy cultures on your team.
If you are up for a rewarding challenge of restoring burned areas and fighting invasive plants while spending all day outdoors in our national forests, then this is the job for you.
Member Benefits:
– $650 – one time round trip travel allowance
– $300 – weekly living allowance, paid bi-weekly
– AmeriCorps eligible (300 – hour, $ or 450 – hour award, $1,718 education award)
– Professional Development Opportunities: Wilderness First Aid, SCA Trail Building Workshop.
Arrival Airport: Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Project Locations:
Members will arrive at the airport the Sacramento International Airport, and SCA will arrange a carpool to the training site.
Potential project placements: (please note: each crew will work at one location, and project locations are subject to change due to funding and agency partner priorities)
Project Locations may include:
– Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington (PO-00734208) 5/15-8/5
– Inyo National Forest, CA (PO-00734809) 5/15-8/19 (Forest Fuels Team)
Native Plant Restoration Work
The crews will begin their program with a two-week field-based training program before traveling to their respective project sites. Guided by an experienced Project Leader, Corps Members learn and practice all the requisite hard and soft skills that are essential for a successful conservation project.
Restoration projects could include conducting invasive plant surveys, invasive control projects (i.e. mechanical removal or herbicide treatment), native plant seed collection, and/or native plant planting projects. Each project will be dependent on location and local project needs and available resources.
Members should prepare for the physical and mental rigors of fieldwork. Members should expect to hike long distances (up to 5+ miles in one day), drive long distances on Forest Service dirt roads, and handle heavy equipment such as a backpack sprayer, chainsaw, brush-cutters, or other various hand tools throughout their workday.
Crew Living Accommodations
Crews should expect to camp for the duration of their program, but should also expect to have regular access to certain amenities like showers throughout much of the project. That said, field life is rugged, and while on project, members should expect to have few amenities such as limited access to internet and cell phone reception. Additionally, while in the field, this program is alcohol and substance-free
Members will also have shared access to an SCA vehicle to run errands on off days. A personal vehicle can be brought to the program and will improve access to local amenities and recreation opportunities on off days. If you bring a personal vehicle, you will be responsible for finding parking, and do not expect to be able to access it while you are in the field.
Member Responsibilities
- Complete project tasks as assigned; whether it is trimming back brush from the trail, working with your team to move a large rock, or doing dishes. Full engagement is expected in all work projects and community activities.
- Assist the Project Leader with meal planning, developing emergency response plans, and completing logistical tasks.
- Recording work totals and creating reports for agency partners.
- Interfacing with general public and partner organizations in a manner that reflects positively upon the crew, organization, and agency.
Member Qualifications
- Commitment to living and working within an intensive crew environment.
- Desire to do manual labor in all weather conditions, including wind, rain, extreme heat, extreme cold, and extremely pleasant days.
- Passion for the outdoors
Preferred
- Backpacking experience
- Community service experience
- Valid driver’s license and clean motor vehicle record
- Community living experience
For more information on what past crews have done and what being on a Corps team is like, check out some of these final reports from similar crews.
*For SCA's COVID-19 guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid
For Members who have accepted this position (Please click on the links below to review the steps you need to take to prepare for your position)
Preparing for your Corps Team Position
Onboarding for Your Corps Team Position
Corps Team Gear List
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Position ID: PO-00734809
Expected Dates: May 15, 2023 - August 19, 2023
Training Provided: Corps Member Orientation SCA Conservation Skills Wilderness First Aid
Main Area of Focus: Backcountry/Trail work
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Not needed
Housing or Stipend Provided?
D. No housing is available
The teams will spike camp at their project sites. Travel lodging will be provided by SCA when traveling between project locations.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes