American Conservation Experience (ACE), a Non-Profit Conservation Corps
based in Santa Cruz and South Lake Tahoe, CA, 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
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.
Position Description: 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.
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.
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. Strong inter-personal skills are a
must, as well as flexibility and a strong sense of adventure.
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.
Location: 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.
Pay: AmeriCorps Professional Development Members receive an approximate
living allowance of $110 (after taxes) per week for weeks worked during
their AmeriCorps contract. Upon successful completion of the program,
Members receive an AmeriCorps education award of up to $2,936 to be used to
pay tuition or student loans. Food and housing (tents or primitive
facilities) on project days are provided. Members can choose to take
advantage of ACE hostel-style housing at no cost on off-days spent in Santa
Cruz and/or South Lake Tahoe.
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. 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.
Age: 18-25
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.
Positions open until filled, but are in high demand. Apply now!
To Apply:
Please email your resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references to
Marcel Coppolino (mar...@usaconservation.org) with "900-hour AmeriCorps
Internship—ECOLOG referred” in the subject heading of your email.
Qualified applicants will be contacted by e-mail to arrange a phone interview.
Check out our website and our Facebook page for more details about ACE!
www.usaconservation.org
www.facebook.com/usaconservation
