Title: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Noxious Weeds Management, Crew Leader   

Dates: March 27, 2023 – August 25, 2023 (option to extend to November)  

Status: Seasonal, Full time, Non-Exempt  

Location: Based out of Durango, CO  

Salary: $690 - $800 weekly, Depending on experience   

Benefits: Health Benefit Eligible, Sick time and Discretionary time, Food provided while in the field, uniforms, protective equipment, access to Mental Health Consultant and Employee Assistance Program. 

Training:  U.S. Forest Service recognized OHLEC Chainsaw and Crosscut training, Technical Trails Training, Herbicide Training, QPR Suicide Prevention Training, Mandatory Reporter Training, Trauma Informed Approach Training. 

Housing: SCC-Durango is piloting a Host-Housing program based on need and will be securing a camping location for leaders and CLDPs during the spring season. Options will be reviewed in the interview process. 

 

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 primarily 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).       

The Southwest Conservation Corps is partnering with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) for a Noxious Weeds Management Crew in the Four Corners Region. The 4 person crew will treat noxious weeds, maintain and participate in revegetation activities such as seeding and planting, operate chainsaws, collect vegetation monitoring and survey data, and perform general restoration activities as needed. The ideal crew leader position will have knowledge of native and invasive plants in the Southwest, and some experience with herbicide and chainsaw use, treatment of invasive plants, and vegetation monitoring/field data collection, or the desire to learn in the field! Your crew will work primarily a 4 days on, 3 days off schedule, partner and learn from local agencies, make an impact in controlling the spread of noxious weeds in the Southwest.  

Responsibilities:   

Leadership & Mentorship:   

Manage, supervise, and lead the day-to-day details of project work   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    Promote individual corps member development and a healthy community    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, Safety & Implementation:    

Train, motivate and supervise a small crew to efficiently clear wilderness trails, while working long hours and managing high quality of work and crew morale   Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems    Communicate effectively & coordinate logistics with project partners & SCC staff   

Administration:   

Complete professional documentation of time sheets, daily and weekly field reports, corps member and peer evaluations, restorative justice forms, incident response forms, and project related deliverables    Manage food budget and credit card for purchases   

Minimum Qualifications:   

Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission    Wilderness First Responder by the start of the program   Ability to effectively 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    Must be adaptive, patient, and able to maintain a positive perspective throughout    Able to work long days in adverse conditions    Must be able to speak, understand and write English    High School diploma or GED certificate    Must be 21, have a clean driving record (insurable by SCC) and a current driver’s license    Exhibits the ability to effectively work on diverse teams or with a variety of populations, including those underrepresented at our organization and those of BIPOC communities   

Preferred Qualifications or a Strong Desire to Grow in the Following:   

Experience with experiential and/or environmental education    Facilitation and team-building experience with diverse groups of people    Time-management skills and ability to work independently as well as with others    Strong conflict resolution skills    Leadership experience   Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference and promote leadership in others    

To Apply:    

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

Any questions can be addressed to Lane Tomassini, ltomassini@conservationlegacy.org 

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, political affiliation, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.