Term Length: Full-time, temporary, 6 months

Location: Based in Flagstaff, AZ

Combined Stipend: $600/week

AmeriCorps Award: Members are eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the term. This term is equivalent to a 675-hour term under AmeriCorps.

Ages: 18-30

Dates: September 9th- December 13th

General Information:

Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC) engages motivated young adults, ages 18 - 30, to complete challenging and impactful conservation and service projects throughout the western United States. Projects may include trail construction and maintenance, habitat improvement, hazardous fuels reduction, historic preservation, chemical and mechanical invasive plant removal, and local environmental service projects. AZCC provides opportunities for members to learn about the local environment and conservation issues throughout the duration of the program.

AZCC crews work in a variety of National Parks, National Forests, and other public areas. Selected members are placed on a crew that will then collaborate to perform project work. AZCC is an independent, non-residential program, we do not provide housing. It is advised that all members supply their own outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. because rental supplies are limited and given out on a first-come first-served basis. A suggested gear list will be provided before starting the term of service. AZCC will provide the tools, personal protective gear, crew meal budget, and project transportation. Additionally, AZCC has Pro Deals opportunities to receive discounts on some outdoor gear brands.

Field Crew Project Work:

AZCC AmeriCorps members serve a term of National Service in the State of Arizona and parts of the Southwest on professionally supervised crews as they explore a variety of opportunities for careers in the outdoors, learn practical field skills, and develop confidence as emerging leaders in the field of conservation. Members are provided opportunities to learn and train under the guidance of professional staff within Conservation Legacy while gaining career perspectives and working alongside agency staff from the US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, or Municipal, State, and non-profit organizations that work on our nation's public and tribal lands. AZCC Crews will become proficient in environmental stewardship, general worksite safety, Leave No Trace principles, and outdoor living skills. Most crews receive First Aid training.

 

Project work may vary due to seasonality and environmental safety concerns.  Projects that crews typically work on may include, but are not limited to:

·       Trail construction and maintenance

·       Invasive species management, including pesticide application

·       Habitat restoration

·       Fence installation/repair

·       Land Management Inventory and Mapping

·       Fire fuels reduction

·       National Disaster Relief for up to 30 days at a time

·       Community service

·       Recreation and facilities maintenance and construction

 

 

AZCC Corpsmember Position Description

Participation and Expedition Behavior:

·       Work effectively as a member of a team.

·       Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of others for any reason.

·       Participate in all aspects of the program, including conservation projects, education, training, and national service.

·       Effectively communicate and discuss ideas and concerns with leaders, crew, and staff.

·       Learn skills and apply them to carry out service work requirements effectively.

·       Always appropriately represent the program and community while on a project.

 

Safety and Judgment:

·       Perceive and effectively communicate work and environmental hazards with crew and leaders.

·       Effectively perceive, understand, and follow direction.

·       Stay alert and focused while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.

·       Act with compassion toward crew members, leaders, and staff.

·       If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others.

 

Environmental Ethics:

·       Learn and practice ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques.

·       Outdoor Skills and Fitness (where appropriate).

·       Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living/travel and work skills appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and appropriately dressed to stay generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries. 

·       Live in a physically demanding, possibly remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks. Conditions of this environment may vary significantly and include severe and trying weather. The remoteness is such that it may require a minimum of one hour, but perhaps over 12 hours, to reach the nearest advanced medical care.

  

Schedule:

Applicants should expect the project schedule and type of work to vary. Generally, crews work an 8-day,10-hours/day 'hitch' schedule while camping in front and backcountry settings. Typically, members will have six days off in the town of the home base office. The hitch schedule typically includes drive time to and from the work site from the home base office. Workdays will start with a Job Hazard Analysis safety meeting and a 15-minute warm-up exercise. Days will include two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch.

 

Expectations:

Commitment – AZCC participants must commit to all aspects of the program, including conservation projects, education, training, and other crew activities.

Safety – All participants are required to participate in a culture of safety on their crew during all program activities by being aware of and adhering to program policies, as well as fostering an atmosphere of wellness in the program.

Professionalism – Participants must be willing to follow all AZCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent AZCC. 

Teamwork – Members must be willing to engage in collaboration, respect others, and assist in making group decisions.

Technology – Projects are often in remote locations. The use of technology will be limited.

Substance Free – Participants MUST be willing and able to refrain from tobacco products, alcohol, and/or drugs while participating in the AZCC program.

AZCC is an independent, non-residential program. All members and staff are responsible for finding housing while not on project.

Required Experience

Besides the minimum qualifications listed below, no experience is required for this position.  AZCC will provide training and certifications for all essential tasks. 

Minimum Qualifications:

·       High School Diploma, HS Equivalency Degree (HSED), or commitment to acquiring HSED.

·       Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission for the full duration of term.

·       Willingness to learn and be a part of a dynamic community of peer leaders.

·       Must bring and maintain a positive perspective throughout term.

·       Must respect the dignity and diverse lifestyles of Indigenous people.

·       Must be able to work long days in potentially unfavorable conditions.

 

Essential Functions:

·       Frequently required to walk and hike over long distances.

·       Required to use hands to operate objects, tools, or controls, and to reach with hands and arms.

·       Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

 

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements: 

Essential eligibility requirements for the program must be written the same for all positions and, therefore, may not apply directly to your situation. Suppose you are unable to meet specification requirements. In that case, we are unable to provide some accommodating exceptions that alters the program's fundamental nature compromises the health and safety of participants or staff or places an undue financial or administrative burden on the organization. 

  

In accordance with a drug-free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages.