Conservation Crew Member

~ The Community Conservation Corps program (CCC) was created to offer professional development and training for young adults aged 18 to 24, who are out of school and out of work. ~ 

The CCC program integrates team-based work projects, education, and professional trainings into a program that stresses leadership growth and the development of conservation work skills. Participants will earn industry recognized certifications while working on conservation, recreation, and maintenance projects. 

Position Overview

Training: 

• The primary focus of the CCC program is to prepare members for full time employment with a combination of field work activity (85%) and industry wide recognized trainings (15%).
• Program participants will receive some or all of the following trainings and certifications depending on their crew's primary work focus: Wilderness First Aid, Herbicide Application, Chainsaw Operation, Leadership, Driver, Trail Construction and Maintenance, Brush Cutter Operation, Resource Management, CPR, Conflict Resolution, and Map and Compass. 

Work Project Participation: 

• Team Members are responsible for the safe completion of assigned work projects in a timely manner to predetermined specifications.
• They work closely with program staff and other participants, paying specific attention to safe work practices, proper tool use, work quality and efficiency.
• Projects may include trail building and maintenance, tree planting, invasive species removal and herbicide application, fire fuels reduction (chainsawing/slash piling), fence construction and park maintenance. 

Development: 

• Team Members participate in educational and group discussion at least two times a week.
• Members will be required to participate in at least one volunteer activity over their term of service.
• An Individual Development Plan will be created by each member to foster self improvement and reflection as the program progresses. 

Hours: 

• Team Members will be part of an eight person crew lead by one staff member.
• During the five month program, crews work a variable schedule that may include some Monday - Friday in-town work and/or a nine on five day off schedule that will run Tuesday through Wednesday of the following week.
• Camping will be required on "spike" projects with some camping equipment provided. Housing is not provided on days off or evenings in town.
• Members must complete a minimum of 900 hours of service, averaging 45 hours a week - including work, training, education, and travel time.
• A 30 minute lunch and at least two breaks will be provided each day. 

Dates & Locations 

CCC Portland 1: January 12th - June 12th, 2015 

• A mixture of in-town (non-camping) and spike projects (camping).
• Primary focus of projects will be habitat restoration in the Portland Metro area and near the coast.
• Generally the schedule will be Monday through Friday with occasional over weekends. 

CCC Eugene 1: January 12th - June 12th, 2015 

• Most weeks will be in-town (non-camping) with some spike projects (camping).
• Most projects will focus on either park maintenance or restoration projects in the Eugene-Springfield area.
• Generally the schedule will be Monday through Friday with occasional over weekends. 

CCC Cascade Fuels Crew (Eugene): March 23rd - August 21st, 2015 (tentative dates) 

• Almost all projects will be spike based (Camping) with very occasional in-town (non-camping) weeks.
• Crew works a Monday through Friday schedule.
• Crew will primarily be completing thinning (Chainsaw) projects in the Willamette National Forest. 

CCC Portland 2: June 22nd - November 20th, 2015 (tentative dates) 

• A mixture of in-town (non-camping) and spike projects (camping).
• Primary focus of projects will be habitat restoration in the Portland Metro area and near the coast.
• Generally the schedule will be Monday through Friday with occasional over weekends. 

CCC Eugene 2: June 22nd - November 20th, 2015 (tentative dates) 

• Most weeks will be in-town (non-camping) with some spike projects (camping).
• Most projects will focus on either park maintenance or restoration projects in the Eugene-Springfield area.
• Generally the schedule will be Monday through Friday with occasional over weekends. 

Qualifications 

• 18-24 years old
• High School Diploma, GED, or willingness to acquire GED within one year of program completion
• Experience in the outdoors
• Excellent physical condition and ability to lift 50 lbs
• Positive mental attitude and commitment to success
• Excellent judgment and flexibility
• Ability to listen, give and take feedback, and learn constantly
• Desire to go the extra mile to make a positive impact on oneself, others and the environment
• Ability to pass a criminal history background check
• Currently unemployed and receiving or qualifying for federal or state assistance 

Compensation: This is an AmeriCorps position. Participants earn a monthly living allowance of $1,210 paid the last weekday of each month. Living allowance is prorated for partial months. AmeriCorps members receive a $2,822 education award after successful completion of their term of service to be used for college, vocational study, or student loan repayment. Participants will have opportunity to earn certifications for trainings they successfully complete.  

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email us. Type "Conservation Crew Member Application" into the subject line and indicate what dates and locations you're interested in. 

~ Northwest Youth Corps is an equal opportunity employer ~