2020 CA Idaho AmeriCorps

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.

The SCA Idaho AmeriCorps Program is a partnership between the Student Conservation Association, The Corporation for National and Community Service, and public land management agencies throughout Idaho. Since 2009, SCA Idaho AmeriCorps has provided over 150,000 hours of service to the lands and people of Idaho. Each year, 20 full time volunteers contribute more than 25,000 service hours, completing conservation service projects that improve and protect the state’s cultural, recreational, and natural resources.

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: rangeland management, wildlife/fisheries management/biology, data collection using Trimble GPS units, front country and backcountry trail work, historic preservation, fuels reduction, fisheries surveys, invasive species management, wildlife habitat assessments and much more. 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 while focusing their attention on one or two 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 and 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 Aid certification, CPR certification, Chainsaw certification, Crosscut Saw certification, Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics Trainer certification, trail maintenance skills, GPS monitoring, Fisheries Surveys, Vegetation Surveys, Wildlife Habitat Assessments.

Responsibilities

• Be an active and participatory corps member – attend all training and service days
• 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
• Camping out for up to 10 days at a time, off trail hiking
• Interaction with the general public both in the field and during free time
• Represent SCA in a positive manner

Compensation

• Members will receive a weekly stipend of $90
• Travel Stipend of $650
• Upon completion of service, members will receive an education award of up to $3,097.50
• 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
• Health Insurance is provided to members

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 8 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.
• 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 8 days at a time

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Previous experience in working in a public park setting, natural resource fieldwork, or leading volunteer groups is helpful. Previous camping and backpacking experience is helpful but not required. Excellent organizational, 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. Applicant must have a positive attitude and a desire to enhance the natural, recreation and cultural assets in Idaho.

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 & biting insects and ticks carrying Lyme Disease.

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 is 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 bunkhouse 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.

INTERESTED IN THE SCA IDAHO AMERICORPS PROGRAM?

• Contact Tim Carroll [email protected]. Applicants must be age 18 or older and must have a valid driver’s license and pass a background check.
• Follow SCA Idaho Corps on Facebook