AmeriCorps Crew Leader Appalachian Conservation Corps

Appalachian Conservation Corps works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As a corps program, Appalachian Conservation Corps partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. Appalachian Conservation Corps is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations envisioning a world with healthy lands, air, and water, thriving people, and resilient communities.

Appalachian Conservation Corps aims to engage future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance our public lands through community-based service. We welcome national applicants but also emphasize the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.

The Ameri Corps Crew Leader (ACL) is a full partner in the crew’s leadership, helping to communicate directions, projects specifications and constructive criticism throughout the term. This position requires open dialog with thestaffcrew leader, helpingthemto manage projects, projectpartnerscommunications, overall logistics,andcrew assignments.

It means more than just showing up and doing the work; it means setting an example of how to work hard with great enthusiasm through all kinds of conditions while practicing good judgement and safety. It means facilitating learning experience forcrew members, both formally and informally.

This position may require additional participation time outside of standard project and crew hours.

Projects take place across the Appalachian Region, including partnerships with the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and other land managers. During their time in the field, leaders camp overnight and work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects.

Crews may work in a variety of areas including habitat restoration, invasive species treatment, visitor access and developed recreation improvements, trail construction and maintenance, re-vegetation, tree planting, and more. The crew provides a supportive learning environment where members work with, learn from, and grow with one another while gaining skills to propel them into a career in environmental stewardship.

• Train and motivate a crew of four young adults to complete conservation projects efficiently on public lands.
• Delegate project work and investment amongst the crew.
• Manage on-the-ground quality and quantity of project work.
• Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems.
• Communicate effectively and coordinate logistics with project partners, staff crew leader, members, and program staff.

• Monitor, manage, and promote the crew’s physical and emotional safety on and off the work site.
• Exhibit strong situational awareness and promote a culture of safety.
• Transport crew and equipment safely in program vans or large vehicles with trailers.

• Manage crew medical history forms and incident documentation in conjunction with the staff crew leader

Appalachian Conservation Corps is an independent, non-residential program. Participants are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation when they are not in the field. While participants will be asked to supply as much of their personal equipment as possible, loaner gear will be available if needed, especially for more expensive items such as tents and sleeping bags. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program.

Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete all necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc.). Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known ahead of time. In addition to providing food while in the field, the program will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between Appalachian Conservation Corps offices and project sites.

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