AmeriCorps Professional Development Crew Position

Founded in 2004 in Flagstaff, Arizona, American Conservation Experience (ACE) has emerged as a national leader in recruiting, coordinating, and training volunteers to undertake practical environmental restoration projects in America's national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and other public lands. Originally formed under the conservation corps model, which remains the central and largest program in our organization, ACE now provides a range of voluntary service programs for both American and international participants. 

Position Overview

ACE is currently hiring energetic, ambitious young adults to join a six-month outdoor work and skills-training program. The projects will consist primarily of trail improvement throughout California, Oregon, and Washington State on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), with opportunities for involvement in projects in other locations as the season progresses.

ACE is currently hiring corps members for an AmeriCorps 900 hour term in 2014: 

• Start Date: June 14, 2014
• End Date: December 13, 2014 

For six months, AmeriCorps Professional Development Members work and train on environmental conservation projects under the guidance of ACE staff and alongside federal agency partners.

A 900-hour, 26-week commitment is required. There will be opportunities available to continue with ACE after the 26-week period for the most qualified and successful crew members. Age requirememt: 18-25.

Location:

Crew members will function as a tight-knit group throughout the season, traveling to locations ranging from Washington State to Southern California together. Transportation is provided.  

Projects will take place at various locations throughout California, Oregon, and Washington State. All participants must be flexible and willing to be assigned to a variety of locations and for multiple agencies, wherever community need is the highest. Project assignments vary in length from one week to two months so members will experience a range of opportunities during their six-month term. 

Responsibilities  

• Members in this PDM position will be placed on a trail crew tasked with improving conditions along the PCT. Members should expect to camp in remote backcountry settings at different locations along the PCT for up to 10 days at a time while conducting trail improvement projects at many locations.
• The projects will include trail maintenance and construction, including the possibility for technical rockwork, chainsaw, and crosscut tool use along the way.
• AmeriCorps Professional Development Members will gain outdoor leadership skills while working alongside volunteers and maintaining responsibility for themselves and the group in remote settings.
• All work is 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 spike camps. 

Qualifications 

• Professional Development Crew Members should have an established interest in 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.
• Strong inter-personal skills are a must, as well as flexibility and a strong sense of adventure.
• ACE's Professional Development Program is most valuable for those considering environmental careers of all types.
• It is a highly demanding assignment requiring dedication and hard-work, not simply an interesting and rewarding way to spend a season working in beautiful locations.
• Drug users, including users of marijuana, should not consider applying as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing and absolutely abhors the presence of drug users in our program. 

Other Requirements: 

• Program is available to US Citizens and Green Card holders only. 
• Members must have personal medical insurance for the duration of their participation with ACE. 
• ACE will provide tents to all Members (upon request) but all other camping items such as sturdy boots, sleeping bags, backpacks, and raingear must be provided by successful applicants.
• Due to fire hazard conditions in ACE and in many areas we work and camp, smoking is not permitted. 

Training: 

• Field-based trainings include technical project and outdoor skills 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.
• Chainsaw and cross-cut saw training may be provided as needs dictate.
• Members will be certified in Wilderness First Aid and will develop interpersonal and leadership skills while serving as mentors to ACE volunteers and as support for ACE and agency staff. 

To Apply 

• Please use the email address below to send a resume and a cover letter.  

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