Title: AmeriCorps Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP)    

Reports to: Adult Program Coordinator   

Location: Durango, CO    

Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Camping Program  

Dates: March 25th* – November 15th, 2024  

Wages: $685 weekly = ($485/week living stipend + $200/week housing stipend) + $4,826.50 AmeriCorps Education Award at completion of service term    

Benefits: 5 paid days off structured in August between seasons, and 3 additional days of PTO. Food provided while in the field, uniforms, protective equipment, access to Mental Health Consultant and Employee Assistance Program.    

Training:  Forest Service recognized Crosscut & Chainsaw training, Technical Trails training, Restorative Justice Approach Training, QPR Suicide Prevention Training, and other development opportunities.  

Housing: SCC-Durango will be securing a camping location for leaders and CLDPs during the spring season. Other options, including host housing, will be reviewed in the interview process.   
*Wilderness Medicine: CLDP members are provided with Wilderness First Responder/CPR/AED training. There will be a WFR course available in Durango March 15th-19th through Desert Mountain Medicine. Other acceptable WFR Courses and Re-certification Courses can be reimbursed (up to $650) but must be taken prior to the start of the season.   
Multiple positions opened. Application closes January 5th, 2024 

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)

Position Summary:    

The Adult CLDP position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives while completing conservation projects. CLDPs will be mentors, educators, and facilitators for young adults, working to promote the health and resiliency of our land, air, and water.   

The AmeriCorps Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP) is a two-phase program. The first phase focuses on orientation, training, and development, the second phase focuses on implementation and continued leadership development. The AmeriCorps CLDP will spend 10 weeks in a crew leader training period alongside fellow CLDPs, Crew Leaders and SCC Staff, which will include a SCC leadership skills week, chainsaw and crosscut training, technical trails training, administrative training, and prep weeks, in addition to project work. In late May, CLDPs will be paired with an experienced Crew Leader where they will work together to lead a crew of young adults for the Summer and Fall Season. Crews consists of 6-7 members, 1 Crew Leader and 1 CLDP. 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 camp together, prepare all meals together, and work together as a group to complete all projects and chores.  

CLDPs, along with Crew Leaders, are responsible for ensuring the physical safety and emotional well-being of their crew. The intention of the CLDP/Crew Leader pairing is to aid in the leadership development of the CLDP. Over the course of the season, the CLDP will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to take on full Crew Leader responsibilities. Crew Leaders will be responsible for helping to create a leadership development plan. CLDP’s may take lead or assist the Crew Leader with project management, creating and implementing development and educational opportunities, and completing required hitch paperwork.   

We will be running the following crews during the 2024 season, please be ready to speak to your preferences and how you will support them during your interview:  

Conservation/Trail Crew – A crew for young adults that works in both backcountry and front country settings, focusing on trails and a variety of conservation work   Chainsaw Crew - A crew for young adults that works primarily in front country settings, focusing on sustainable forestry, fuels reduction, or invasive species removal (with the potential to use herbicide)   Crosscut Crew – Crew works in remote Wilderness areas, clearing down trees from trails with a two-person crosscut saw  

Affinity Crews 

The goal of our affinity crews is to have a place where those with identities that have historically and systematically been underrepresented in the conservation field can come together and build an equitable community with representative leadership “by us, for us”.  The Womens+ and Queer Affinity Crews seek to create a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive space for all regardless of gender or sexual identity. We value respect (of names, pronouns, orientation, gender, and philosophies), confidentiality, and boundaries (both physical and auditory). 

Women’s+ Crew – An affinity crew for Women (both trans + cis) and Non-Binary individuals   Queer Crew – An affinity crew for LGBTQAI2S+ individuals