ACE Conservation Corps/AmeriCorps, Pacific Crest Trail

American Conservation Experience Published: March 23, 2020
Location
Dulzura, CA
Skill Level
Internship / Volunteer
Job Type
Internship
Categories
Natural Resources/ Restoration / Other
(Number of Job Posting Views: 75)

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Description

~ American Conservation Experience Pacific West Region ~

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a non-profit conservation corps currently seeking energetic, ambitious participants to enroll as AmeriCorps members in a 26-week outdoor skills training program.

Our mission is to introduce and prepare our corps members for careers in public land and resource management with ACE and our industry partners. Field skills and career development skills earned with ACE can be worthwhile to gain further professional opportunities in the conservation corps industry, with public agencies such as the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA), or adjacent land management agencies to this legendary trail including the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management, among others.

ACE is currently seeking trail crew members for an AmeriCorps 900-hour term in 2020:

  • Arrival Date: March 22, 2020                     
  • End Date: September 19, 2020

Note: A 900-hour, 26-week commitment is required. There may be opportunities available to continue with ACE after the 26-week period for the best performing crew members. Extensions to service are dependent on available projects in the field and seasonal constraints.

Position Description  

AmeriCorps Members in the ACE Conservation Corps program will spend approximately 8 months learning techniques of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trail building and maintenance, implementing many of the Universal Principles of Trail Building. Members can expect to be working alongside the Pacific Crest Trail Association staff and under the guidance of ACE's most highly skilled staff members. 

The goal of the position is to accomplish meaningful trail improvement and fortification of the Pacific Crest Trail and to benefit the public that will interact with this legendary trail for years to come. We intend to train the future trail builders, planners, engineers, and land managers of this country via this unique opportunity. Concepts such as Leave No Trace Principles, Backcountry camping and hygiene, and technical rockwork/masonry will be expected. 

AmeriCorps Members of ACE will also gain leadership skills while representing AmeriCorps on project days and days-off. A core value will be to implement field safety principles in a team environment, interact with various other Corps members currently serving or who join later in the season, and the general public. Leadership, responsibility, and professionalism are encouraged and expected on off-days and at ACE housing and at public camp grounds.  You will be required to complete two, three-hour Volunteer Service Projects during the span of your term.  

All ACE field work along the Pacific Crest Trail will be physically demanding, often requiring stints in the backcountry and/or extended stays in the field.   This position requires hiking, backpacking, camping and cooking outdoors while at front country and wilderness camps.         

Location 

  • This crew will be a roving crew, and will travel between southern and northern California
  • Housing for off days may fall at the Dulzura, Ridgecrest, or South Lake Tahoe housing locations, depending on project location
  • Some days-off will be spent 'on-site' in the field whenever most efficient, such as remote backcountry locations for extended periods
  • 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 California's ability to get cold!
  • All participants must be flexible and willing to be assigned to a variety of locations at the direction of the PCTA and ACE, wherever community need is the highest, and section of trail needs our input. 
  • You may be serving in backcountry scenarios, high elevations, and/or remote locations in the summer months as the climate becomes more favorable to camp and work in these locations.
  • Crew members' project schedule is comprised of multiple short-term 'hitches' on average 8-11 days long, 10 hour work days, and up to 4 weeks in the backcountry.
  • Flexibility is necessary in this role, time off is not built into the term. Time-off requests are not guaranteed. ACE provides a schedule to active members clearly detailing your service days, days off, location, and more.

Financial 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 successful completion of the program, members receive a part time Segal Education Award of $3,047.50 (PT 900 hours) to be used to pay future tuition or existing federal student loans. More information regarding amount and eligibility, see the AmeriCorps website.  
  • Food is provided on project days, and housing (volunteer houses, tents, limited facilities) is included both on and off projects. 

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.

Training  

  • Beyond an intensive orientation at onset, trainings will continue throughout and may include a variety of technical project and outdoor skills and trail building techniques such as retaining wall construction, rock step construction, rock drilling, splitting and shaping, setting up rigging systems, tread and switchback construction, installing water bars, check dams and other erosion control devices.
  • Certification-style training such as CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Aid (WFA), and Leave No Trace (LNT) Training will be included, dependent on project scheduling, available classes, and training staff.
  • Saw (Chainsaw/X-cut) work will not be expected as part of our PCT trail crew's focus.  Practical work and environmental training abound, we encourage the growth of our corps members to continue and develop to eventually be present for future opportunities that become available with further service.

Positions open until filled, but are in high demand.  Apply now!

To Apply

  • Click "Apply on Company Website" below and then follow prompts.
  • You'll 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 the Member Service Coordinator, Erin Heimburge at 619-623-5695 or eheimburge@usaconservation.org.

  • Also, consider checking out our Facebook page 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.

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