Title: Crew Leader 

Reports to: Program Manager 

Locations: Durango, CO 

Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Non-exempt 

Start/end date:  ASAP – November 12, 2021  

Wages: $685 / week 

Benefits: Food provided while in the field, Health Benefit Eligible, uniforms, U.S. Forest Service recognized Crosscut & Chainsaw training (Certificate awarded upon completion of program), Mental Health First Aid Trainings, 5 days of PTO (structured in August) and other development opportunities. 

Multiple positions open until filled. 

  

Southwest Conservation Corps: 
The Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy, that is built on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that operated from 1933 – 1942. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects on public lands. While serving with SCC, members receive training on job skills, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Programs are developed using a step ladder approach to provide a progression of skill development based on a member’s needs. Members receive a weekly living allowance, training, and an AmeriCorps Education Award (for qualifying individuals). 
 

For the health and safety of our crews, staff and communities, projects may be postponed or adjusted due to COVID-19. The information provided in this Position Description is an outline of how our program has typically been operating, however is subject to change. As this situation develops, and decisions are made, we will provide updates. We encourage you to continue with the application process and we will keep consistent and direct communication with all applicants.  

  

Position Summary: 

Crews consists of 6 members and 2 leaders. Crews work in front and backcountry locations in all weather conditions. Standard schedule consists of 8 days on-hitch and 6 days off with some exception. On-hitch, crews camps together, prepare all meals together, and work together as a group to complete all projects and chores. SCC does not provide accommodations off-hitch and Crew Leaders will be responsible for their own accommodations during that time. 

  

Crew Leaders will lead crews in completing technical conservation projects while instilling interpersonal skills and leadership skills. Crew leaders will also be responsible for leading crews in environmental stewardship, i.e. Leave No Trace, and risk management. A variety of soft skills and technical competencies are required to be successful in this role. See below for core competencies: 

  

Responsibilities: 

Leadership & Mentorship 

Integrate values pertaining to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) within the corps  Implement skills training on worksite and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics.  Foster 21st century work skills in corps members, i.e.: collaboration & teamwork, creativity & imagination, critical thinking, problem-solving, flexibility & adaptability  Must be willing to follow and enforce all SCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent SCC. This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program 

  

Project Management & Implementation 

Implement a 10-hour workday and ensure professionalism is always maintained  Delegation of project work & investment among co-leader and crew  Manage the on-the-ground quality and quantity of project work  Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems  Effectively coordinate logistics with project partners, co-leader, & SCC staff 

  

Risk Management 

Analyze, manage, and inform on hazardous conditions and crew health  Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety  Transport crew and equipment safely in SCC’s vans or large SUVs with trailers 

  

Administration 

Meet all deadlines for documentation, i.e., timesheets, evaluations, incident reports  Record all project related outcomes and deliverables.  Manage food budget and credit card for purchases. 

  

Minimum Qualifications: 

Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission  Ability to effectively and manage all aspects of crew life and production within a 40-50-hour work week  Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment  Willingness to learn and be a part of a dynamic community of peer leaders  Must be adaptive, patient and able to maintain a positive perspective throughout  Physically fit and able to work long days in adverse conditions  Must be able to speak, understand and write English  High School diploma or GED certificate  Must hold current/relevant medical certification (WFR, WEMT, or OEC) with CPR/AED  Must be 21, have a clean driving record (insurable by SCC) and a current driver’s license. 

  

Preferred Qualifications: 

Experience with SCC or other conservation corps or youth corps  Experience with experiential and/or environmental education  Experience with backpacking, wilderness living and travel, and LNT principles.  Facilitation and team-building experience with diverse groups of people  Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently as well as with others  Desire to work on a variety of conservation-based projects  Strong conflict resolution skills  Leadership experience with youth or young adults  Crosscut or Chainsaw experience  Technical trail experience  Relevant Bachelor’s Degree  Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference and promote leadership in others. 

  

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

 

To apply:  

Upload resume, cover letter and complete the Crew Leader application: www.sccorps.org/join/crew-leaders/ 

 

Any questions can be addressed to: 

Jeanine Russell, Four Corners Program Coordinator – jrussell@conservationlegacy.org