ACE Conservation Corps - AmeriCorps Crew Member - Pacific West Northern Region - MAY 11th

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a non-profit conservation corps, is currently seeking energetic, ambitious individuals to engage in national service as AmeriCorps crew members in a 26-week professional, outdoor skills-training opportunity. ACE intends to provide a meaningful service to regional communities and public lands by taking direct action through conservation of our valuable natural resources. Our mission is to introduce and prepare our AmeriCorps members for careers in resource management with ACE, within the conservation corps industry, or with public agencies such as the National Park Service, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife, CA State Parks, or the Bureau of Land Management, as well as other non-profit land steward organizations.

AVAILABLE OPENINGS: 25 (Listing will expire when filled)

ACE is currently seeking crew members for an AmeriCorps 900-HOUR term in 2020, in our Northern Regional Headquarters of the ACE Pacific West branch...

*A 900-hour (26-week) commitment is required once enrolled. An arrival 5/9 is expected to move into ACE housing, and be prepared for your first full day of orientation.

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 our Crew program will spend several months learning techniques of conservation and land management while training on trail construction, wildfire fuels reduction, 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.

·        Working 8-10 hours per day for 4-8 consecutive days on a crew comprised of 6-12 other service members in outdoor locations

·        Potentially experiencing backcountry assignments lasting 2 or more 8-day trips consecutively

·        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 multiple volunteer events and projects in the local community

Location: 

·        Housing for off days is located in South Lake Tahoe, situated near a main thoroughfare, and walking distance to many neighboring businesses and public transport options

·        ACE housing is shared among all current crew members and staff. Basic accommodations include bed, personal storage, running hot/cold water, shared bathrooms, WI-FI, and full shared kitchen and furnished living + dining room

·        Projects are expected to be within a several hour driving radius of housing, with transportation to and from the project site provided by ACE

·        Both frontcountry and remote backcountry camping are expected for crews this season

·        Projects may take place at high elevation among the Tahoe Basin and Eastern Sierra mountain range. This includes rocky terrain, dense pine forests, steep hillsides, valleys, grasslands, inland foothills where temperatures vary from very cold and rainy to very hot and dry! You can expect to experience a combination of conditions from frost or rain, to extremely dry conditions. Do not underestimate Northern California’s weather from May to November, be prepared!

Benefits:

·        A bi-weekly living allowance of $280, before taxes

·        Upon completion of the 900 Hour program, members receive a Segal Education Award of $3,047.00. More information regarding amount and eligibility, see the AmeriCorps website.  

·        Food is provided on all project days. Project campsites include all cooksets, stoves, and supplies for members to make their meals each project day.

·        All transport to and from field projects is included

·        Housing (volunteer housing, tents, limited facilities) is included both on and off project days

·        Training is expected to include Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Leave No Trace (LNT), diverse restoration management, advanced tool application such as the use of a chainsaw, 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.

AmeriCorps members serving on ACE field crews should have an established interest in service and conservation issues and should take joy in tackling challenging situations with a positive mindset. Applicants must be willing to undertake arduous physical work in all types of weather and terrain, and to participate as a team member dedicated to ACE's mission. The ACE Conservation Corps Crew program is an excellent way to start or further your professional development and invest in your future. It is also a stepping stone to environmental careers and as a gateway to potential advancement within ACE, not only as an interesting and rewarding way to spend several weeks working in beautiful locations. 

Other Requirements: 

·        US Citizens and US permanent residents

·        To prove eligibility and citizenship, members must be able to provide ORIGINALS of the following documents: 1) Social Security card, 2) Passport or Birth certificate, 3) Photo ID (passport, driver’s license, military license, or student ID)

·        The minimum age to serve with ACE is 18. United States Public Land Corps (PLC) legislation targets applicants of 18-35 years of age in this opportunity.

·        Public (government) or private medical insurance coverage for the duration of participation

·        ACE provides tents to all members, but all other camping items such as all-leather boots (no exterior mesh or fabric), sleeping bags, backpacks, water containers, and raingear must be provided by the applicant

·        Due to fire hazard conditions in ACE (specifically in California), smoking is not permitted at any work site. Smoking will not be permitted when on project at undeveloped campgrounds or when serving backcountry. Smoking may be permitted at ACE housing, but will be restricted to designated areas.

·        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.

·        Drug users, including users of marijuana, should not consider applying as ACE reserves the right to drug test and absolutely abhors the presence of drug users in our program. ACE intends to be a positive influence and intends to create safe and healthy environments for our members. 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.

·        All work-related transportation is included during service. Parking is extremely limited at ACE housing locations and it is encouraged not to bring a personal vehicle

To Apply: Please click the external application link on Handshake to be redirected to our applicant tracking system. Fill in your basic information and click "APPLY FOR THIS POSITION" located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing.

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 the Pacific West Central Outreach Coordinator, Marcel Coppolino at 928-814-3191 or marcel@usaconservation.org.

Also, consider checking out our Facebook page, YouTube Channel, and social media for more details about ACE!

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.