Emergency Response Team; AmeriCorps Member

Emergency Response Team (Ameri Corps Member)

Recruitment began on January 28, 2026

and the job listing Expires on February 28, 2026

As part of our 46-Member Emergency Response Team (ERT), you will gain experience and training in the fields of environmental stewardship
, wildland fire, and disaster response over the course of an 11-month Ameri Corps National Service term. The ERT functions as a conservation corps that assists partner organizations with vital natural resource management and restoration projects, including trail building and maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and prescribed burning. The ERT also acts as a multi-functional rapid deployment group able to respond throughout the country to floods, tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, and other disasters.

The service term operates from September through August, with ACSTL operating as many as eight crews at a time throughout Missouri, Illinois, and/or on disaster deployment. Teams complete projects in partnership with non-profit, local, state, and federal agencies.
Members frequently travel for week long, overnight projects across the state.

No prior experience is necessary, and all experience is welcome. Through the program, Members receive training and certifications in a variety of skill sets including chainsawing, wildland firefighting, and emergency incident management. Additional opportunities to develop leadership experience through the Assistant Team Lead program are available later in the service term. These experiences and certifications leave Members well qualified in related career fields after their service.

ACSTL provides a challenging and fun opportunity to explore the conservation, fire, and disaster fields; serve the environment and local/state/national community; meet people from different backgrounds; enjoy an outdoor office; earn money for education; and be a part of a supportive, welcoming community.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhere to program safety and quality standards, policies, and procedures.
• Consistently participate in briefings and debriefings with other Members regarding safety measures, service objectives, logistical concerns, and partner expectations.
• Complete timesheets, checklists, weekly reports, and monthly reports on time.
• Provide and welcome feedback, coaching, and training throughout the service term.
• Follow risk management practices and maintain accountability for safety standards in the field.
• Develop and maintain positive partnerships with project partners when in the field.
• Promote and exhibit organizational culture and principles while in service.
• Contribute positively to a culturally and ethnically diverse corps to continue the development of acceptance and belonging of all Team Members and Staff.
• Maintain a positive attitude through irregular service conditions.
• Live and serve as a team.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.
• At least 18 years old by the program start date.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must pass National Service criminal history checks, at no cost to the applicant.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively serve on diverse teams or with a variety of populations.
• Exhibit flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to serve in a fluid, changing service environment.
• Able to communicate effectively with teammates, partners, and staff.
• Prioritizes serving effectively with teammates and partners, and influencing positive results of oneself and others.
• Value the community and diversity of the Corps.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Members must maintain a high level of physical fitness during their 11-month term of service in order to safely carry out the duties required for a manual labor position. A position with ERT requires extensive walking, bending, kneeling, lifting, pushing, stooping, standing, carrying loads of up to 50 lbs, handling hand and power tools, and other physical labor for extended periods of time.

Members will serve primarily outdoors, in all kinds of weather (heat, cold, rain, snow, etc). Should accommodations be needed, you will be asked to submit a letter showing you are medically cleared to serve safely with ACSTL. This letter should state recommended accommodations.

POSITION BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

• $20,400 living stipend total (paid out bi-weekly)
• 7,395 Education Award after the completion of the program (see (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). for more information)
• Loan deferment and interest forbearance on qualified student loans during term of service
• Health insurance reimbursement, if applicable
• Free mental health support options
• 10-Day Winter Break and 6 National Holidays
• Paid Personal Vacation Days and Sick/Mental Health Days
• Member Support Fund to help with emergencies (as funds allow)
• Access to gear discounts, free tax services, and other financial benefits

ACSTL is committed to building a culturally diverse organization and fostering an environment of respect and inclusiveness amongst all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin,…