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ACE Conservation Corps - AmeriCorps Member - Pacific West Southern California - January 12, 2020

American Conservation Experience is a non-profit conservation corps currently seeking energetic, ambitious individuals to engage in national service as AmeriCorps members in a 14 or 26-week outdoor skill-training opportunity. ACE intends to provide a meaningful service to regional communities by taking direct action through conservation of our valuable natural resources. Our mission is to introduce and prepare corps members for careers in resource management with ACE, other conservation corps, or public agencies such as the National Park Service, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife, CA State Parks, or the Bureau of Land Management, among other regional land managers.
 
ACE is currently seeking corps members for an AmeriCorps 450 or 900-hour term in 2019, in our Southern Regional Headquarters of the ACE Pacific West division.
Arrival Date:  January 12, 2020*           End Date: April 18, 2020
Arrival Date:  January 12, 2020*           End Date: July 11, 2020
*A 450-hour (14-week) or 900-hour (26-week) commitment is required once enrolled. There may be opportunities available to continue with ACE after the term is complete for the best performing crew members, depending on available projects in the field and seasonal constraints.
Position Description: AmeriCorps Members in the ACE Conservation Corps program will spend several weeks learning techniques of conservation and land management while training on trail construction, forestry, and environmental restoration projects under the guidance of ACE's most highly skilled staff members. The goal of the position is to accomplish meaningful project work for a variety of public land management agencies while becoming proficient in advanced field techniques.
 
This position may entail the following:
  • Working 10 hours per day for 4-8 consecutive days on a crew comprised of 6-12 young professionals in outdoor locations
  • Working and camping in a variety of weather conditions including temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, high winds, intense sunshine, rain, and snow
  • Serving on environmental stewardship projects including (but not limited to): Trail Construction/Maintenance; Dry Stone Masonry, Harmful Plant Mitigation, Forest Fuels Reduction, Fence Installation/Repair; Habitat Restoration; and Historical Preservation
  • Hiking extended distances on steep and rough terrain with a 40-pound backpack
  • Professionally serving on numerous volunteer events and projects in the local community
 
Location: 
  • Housing for off days may fall at the Dulzura or Ridgecrest housing locations, depending on project location
  • Projects are expected to be within a several hour driving radius of housing, with transportation to and from the project site provided
  • Projects may take place in the desert and mountains where temperatures vary from very cold to very hot! You can expect to experience a combination of conditions from snow or rain, to extremely dry conditions. Do not underestimate southern CA's ability to get cold!
 
Benefits:
  • Members receive a $280 bi-weekly living stipend.
  • 3 meals per day while on project (approximately 16 days per month).
  • Free housing accommodation and use of a tent throughout your term.
  • Trainings, including Leave No Trace (LNT), diverse restoration management, and terrain-specific trail work. Members should expect to be trained in all the tools and techniques needed to successfully complete their scheduled projects. Membership spanning several seasons allows for additional training opportunities.
  • Upon completion of the program, members receive a Segal Education Award of $1,612.43 (450 hours) or $3,047.50 (900 hours). More information regarding amount and eligibility, see the AmeriCorps website
  • Members are eligible for preferential hiring status following their term of service. Corps Members who have served a minimum of 640 hours on appropriate public land projects may qualify for Public Land Corps non-competitive hiring status!
 
Qualifications:
  • Provide a safe, strong, and proactive work ethic.
  • Possess a team-first and positive mindset.
  • Comfortable using hand tools, power tools, and herbicide application equipment: all day, every day; and enthusiasm for rugged work.
  • Capacity to complete ACE AmeriCorps term of service and follow all ACE rules and code of conduct.
  • Perform duties in inclement weather on steep terrain without access to restrooms or developed sanitation facilities.
  • Professionally represent ACE while serving on all projects and local community events.
  • Attend additional community volunteer events during project off-days.
  • Must be physically fit, capable of physically and mentally challenging outdoor work for up to 10 hours/day in all types of weather and hiking long distances over rugged terrain.
  • Bend at the waist for long periods and spend the entire workday standing or walking.
  • Ability to lift and carry 30+ lbs.
 
Other Requirements: 
  • This position is available to US Citizens or permanent residents only.
  • Must be 18 - 35 years of age.
  • Due to fire hazard conditions in ACE (specifically in California), smoking is not permitted at any work site. Smoking may be permitted at ACE housing, but will be restricted to designated areas.
  • Members must possess their own personal medical insurance for the duration of their participation with ACE.
  • ACE will provide tents but members will be required to provide other outdoor gear including but not limited to: full leather boots (no mesh, fabric, or suede), sleeping bags, backpacks, and durable rain gear.
  • Upon hire, all members must consent to a Criminal History Check. Their service with ACE will be considered probationary until all results are returned and have been reviewed.
  • ACE maintains a zero-tolerance policy for drugs. Any evidence of drug use or violating ACE's alcohol policy will result in immediate release from the program.
  • Alcohol use is strictly prohibited on ACE projects and on ACE property. Any evidence of drug use or violating ACE's alcohol policy will result in immediate release from the program.
 
Positions open until filled, but are in high demand. Apply now!
To Apply: Fill in your basic information and click "APPLY FOR THIS POSITION" located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing above.
Upload all requested documents including your motivation statement, resume, and 3 professional references. Rather than a traditional cover letter, please include a motivation statement which sincerely describes your interests, skills, professional goals, and any other relevant information in regards to this opportunity. This is your opportunity to stand out and express why you are a great fit for our program, in your own words.
NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time, and is open until filled. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact Erin Heimburge at 619-623-5695 or eheimburge@usaconservation.org.
Also, consider checking out our Facebook page, YouTube Channel, and social media for more details about ACE!
www.facebook.com/usaconservation