Title: AmeriCorps Assistant Crew Leader- Kentucky Disaster & Fire Crew

In partnership with the US Forest Service

Reports to: Crew Leader, Fire and Fuels Coordinator  

Duty Station: London Ranger District (761 S Laurel Rd, London, KY 40744) 

Locations: Crew will be based out of Berea/Richmond, Kentucky. Crew work will take place in Kentucky. Ideally live within 1 hour of duty station. 

Season Dates: 1/5/24 - 07/26/24 

Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Exempt  

Stipend: $660 per week, paid biweekly. A $3,447.50 AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the program 

Hitch Schedule: Highly variable. This program will operate on various schedules. For example, work 9 days on - 5 days off, work 4 days on - 3 days off, or 5 days on – 2days off. Schedule will shift based upon project and partner needs and will include group camping.

Other Benefits: 

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• Health benefit eligible 
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• Uniform shirts, personal protective equipment, group camping equipment and some individual camping equipment provided
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• $200 boot stipend 
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• Food provided while in the field 
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• Public Land Corps Authority Certificate 
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• Paid certifications and trainings 
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Crew Structure: 1 Crew Leader, 1 Assistant Crew Leader, 6 Crew Members 

Research shows that members of marginalized groups – including women, LGBTQIA+ identifying people, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) – tend to apply to jobs only if they meet every single requirement listed. Here at Southeast Conservation Corps, we want the best candidates for the job, and those candidates don’t always meet 100% of the requirements listed. If you are passionate about uniting, empowering, and celebrating diverse communities for all and breaking down barriers for equity, we encourage you to apply – especially if you’re a member of a structurally marginalized group. We look forward to your application. 

Southeast Conservation Corps: 
Engaging future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance our nation’s lands through community-based service. 

Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC), a program of Conservation Legacy, is a non-profit, AmeriCorps-affiliated organization. SECC selects young adults, ages 18-30, to complete conservation work projects on public lands throughout the Southeast. SECC programs encourage environmental stewardship, foster community partnerships, and emphasize experiential learning. SECC serves a diverse population that is representative of the Southeast, including youth, graduates, veterans, and a cross-section of ethnicities and income levels. SECC is also an active member of the AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team (A-DRT), and as such, selected crews may be deployed on Disaster response projects for up to 30 days.

SECC works with a variety of land management agencies in Tennessee and throughout the Southeast region, such as the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, State Parks, and conservation-based non-profits. Projects vary but include trail construction and maintenance, ecosystem restoration, habitat restoration, fire fuels reduction, fencing on public lands, invasive weed removal, herbicide applications, and many others. The project work is manual labor based and most projects require a hike into and out of the project site daily carrying tools and a day pack. 

Crews work in front country and backcountry locations in all types of weather conditions. Schedules may vary, but generally are 9 days on and 5 days off for camping crews. Workdays are 10-hour shifts with scheduled breaks throughout the day. Depending on project work and location, other schedule variations may be implemented. While the staff at SECC works to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and work locations are subject to change per project needs.  

SECC is an independent, non-residential program. Assistant Crew Leaders are responsible for finding and attaining their own housing when not in the field. On-hitch crews prepare all their own meals and work together as a group to complete all necessary chores. Community/camp chores will be completed every evening, with many evenings including group discussions, conservation and/or corps related topics. The Assistant Crew Leader must supply their own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. SECC will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear and transportation between SECC Office and project sites. 

Position Summary: 

The AmeriCorps Assistant Crew Leader (ACL) is responsible for facilitating a positive Crew Member experience.  The 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 the Staff Crew Leader; helping them to manage projects, project partners communications, overall logistics, and crew 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 a learning experience for Crew Members, both formally and informally.  This position may require additional participation time outside of standard project and crew hours.  

This position will be coached and mentored by an SECC Staff Crew Leader. ACLs are responsible for maintaining SECC’s high standards for technical work and hands-on member growth, managing projects and implementing feedback among crew members. The ACL Position is a key development opportunity designed to identify and overcome challenges in leadership through a hands-on leadership role in conjunction with close mentorship from the Staff Crew Leader. Qualified candidates will identify growth plans and assist the Staff Crew Leader in administrative functions. 

Project Work: 

SECC’s Kentucky Disaster & Fire crew will engage in a variety of natural resource management and disaster mitigation projects through fuels management and prescribed burn project work. The Kentucky Disaster & Fire crew provides an open and supportive space where members work with, learn from, and grow alongside one another as members gaining leadership and technical skills, engage in professional development opportunities through trainings and certifications related to fire, natural resource management, and disaster mitigation. 

As a crew, you will perform manual labor, and complete conservation projects using a variety of manual and power tools. You will be engaged in the program as a leader and will participate/ facilitate in environmental education and leadership development activities in addition to project work. 

Risk management is of utmost importance, and all policies and procedures must be followed. 

Projects may include but are not limited to prescribed burns, natural resource management, habitat restoration and fencing, re-vegetation, invasive species removal, trail construction and maintenance and a variety of other local environmental service projects. Crews may also complete technical and/or specialized projects depending on project partner needs, including disaster response if the opportunity arises. 

Project work may include:

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• Prescribed burns / fuels reduction and management
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• Habitat restoration and fencing
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• Invasive species removal/re-vegetation
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• Trail construction and trail maintenance
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• Disaster response
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• Disaster preparedness
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Certifications and Trainings included:

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• IS-100 (Intro to Incident Command System)
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• IS-700 (Intro to the National Incident Management System)
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• S-130 (Firefighter Training)
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• S-190 (Into to Wildland Fire Behavior)
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• L-180 (Human Factors in Wildland Fire Service)
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• S-212 (Wildland Fire Chain Saws)
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• Red Card via successful completion of the Arduous Pack Test\n
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  • 2 miles in 30 minutes with 25 pounds
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• Trail construction and Maintenance
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• Wilderness First Aid certification
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Compensation:    
AmeriCorps Assistant Crew Leader will receive an AmeriCorps living stipend of $660 per week before taxes, dispersed biweekly. Upon successful completion of the term of service AmeriCorps members will earn an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award to be used for student loans, qualifying programs/classes, or tuition for traditional Title IV accredited colleges.    

Hitch Schedule:   

This position will operate on a variable “hitch” schedule, but generally it will follow 9 days on and 5 days off for camping crews. Workdays follow a 10-hour shift with scheduled time for breaks. While the staff at SECC work to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and work locations are subject to change per project needs.   

The crew will tent camp in the field for the entire season. Workdays are typically 10 hours with scheduled breaks throughout the day. Depending on project work and location, other schedule variations may be implemented.   

While the staff at SECC and partners work to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and work locations are subject to change per project needs.

 Expectations of an SECC Corpsmember:  

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• Expect to work long days in a front country or backcountry location. Workdays will include hiking and strenuous labor in remote settings in all weather conditions.  
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• SECC is a non-residential program, meaning crew members are responsible for attaining and paying for their own housing when not in the field.  
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• Crews prepare all their own meals and work together as a group to complete all necessary chores. Community/camp chores will be completed every evening, with many evenings including group discussions on conservation and/or corps related topics.   
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• Crew members must supply their own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. SECC will provide group camp equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between SECC office and project sites.   
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• While serving a term of National Service, SECC crews are expected to work in diverse team settings.  Respect for all members of the program, our partners, the public and the land they are visiting is expected.   
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• SECC expects members to represent the program in a professional manner.  Crew life will include our corps values of challenge, stewardship, dedication, community, integrity, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).   
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• Members are expected to be timely, hardworking, flexible, and complete all functions of tasks assigned.  
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General Qualifications:  

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• Be between the ages of 18 and 30 (exception for Veterans up to age 35)   
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• Able to pass the arduous level pack test. (https://bit.ly/3QKjKF3) 
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• Have US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status   
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• Have a high school diploma or GED  
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• Pass background checks: all offers of positions are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and Federal and/or State criminal background check  
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• Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (individuals are eligible if they have not already completed 2 full years of AmeriCorps service, or 4 AmeriCorps service terms, whichever comes first – please contact us if you are unsure of your eligibility) 
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• 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. 
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• Comfortable with ambiguity and working in a fast-paced team driven by innovation and entrepreneurial approaches. 
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• Experience with BIPOC communities 
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• A general comfort and previous knowledge of working/living in an outdoor setting 
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• Strong interest in a future career in natural resources, environmental science, parks and recreation, or conservation. 
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Required Skills:

Minimum Qualifications: 

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• Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission 
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• Physically fit and able to work long days in adverse conditions 
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• Leadership experience with youth or young adults 
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• Excellent organizational & communication skills 
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• Must be able to demonstrate strong project management skills 
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• Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently as well as with others 
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• Ability to effectively and efficiently manage all aspects of crew life and production within a hitch schedule 
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• Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment 
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• Willingness to learn and be a part of a dynamic community of peer leaders 
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• Must be adaptive, patient and able to maintain a positive perspective throughout 
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• Experience with backpacking, wilderness living and travel, and LNT principles 
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• Must be 21+, OR have a clean driving record for 3+years (insurable by SECC) and a current driver’s license 
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• Willingness to deploy on a Disaster Response 
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Preferred Qualifications: 

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• Background with experiential and/or environmental education 
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• Experience with SECC, other conservation corps or youth corps 
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• Wildland Fire experience (Hot shot, hand crew, engine crew, etc.)   
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• Faller B Chainsaw certification (Or ready to evaluate as one)  
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• Current and relevant certification in Wilderness Medicine (WFA, WAFA, WFR) with CPR/AED 
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• Facilitation and team-building experience with diverse groups of people 
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• Desire to work on a variety of conservation-based projects 
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• Technical trail construction and maintenance experience 
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• Strong conflict resolution skills 
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• Experience with Disaster Response 
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• Relevant Bachelor’s Degree 
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• Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference and promote leadership in others 
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Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements: 

Essential eligibility requirements for the program must be met. If you are unable to meet certain requirements, we may be able to assist you with some modification unless it alters the fundamental nature of the program, compromises the health and safety of participants or staff, or places an undue financial or administrative burden on the organization. These requirements are written the same for all positions and therefore may not apply directly to your position. 

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• Frequently required to walk, hike, sit and talk or listen 
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• Required to use hands to operate objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms 
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• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds 
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• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to focus 
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• Required to drive an SECC vehicle 
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• Must be able to speak, understand, read and write English 
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• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions 
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• Ability to pass Conservation Legacy’s criminal history checks  
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• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident and provide primary documentation to support this 
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Required Skills: 

Leadership & Mentorship 

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• Manage, supervise, and assist leading the day-to-day details of project work 
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• Implement skills training on work-site and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics 
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• Promote individual corps member development and a healthy, supportive community 
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• Mentor AmeriCorps Crew Leader while delegating project responsibilities, crew life oversight, and member development to them.   
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• Must be willing to follow and enforce all SECC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent Southeast Conservation Corps. This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program 
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•   
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Project Management & Implementation 

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• Assist in training and motivating a crew of 4 young adults to complete conservation projects efficiently on public lands 
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• Delegate project work & investment among co-leader and crew 
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• Manage on-the-ground quality and quantity of project work 
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• Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems 
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• Communicate effectively & coordinate logistics with project partners, co-leader, & SECC staff 
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Safety & Risk Management 

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• Implement and enforce SECC’s COVID-19 Pandemic Policies and Procedures (provided to applicants during interview process), including mask use, handwashing 
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• Monitor, manage, and promote the crew’s physical and emotional safety on and off the work site 
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• Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety 
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• Transport crew and equipment safely in SECC’s vans or large vehicles with trailers 
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Administration 

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• As delegated by Staff Crew Leader, complete professional documentation of time sheets, daily and weekly project reports, corps member and peer evaluations, disciplinary action forms, incident reports, etc., and submit in a timely manner 
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Safety and Judgment: 

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• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. You must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds. 
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• Effectively perceive, understand and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during exposure to the hazard 
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• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions 
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• Perceive and comprehend significant and apparent hazards, including those hazards previously identified by others 
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• Respond appropriately to stress or crises 
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• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others 
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• Monitor, manage, and promote the crew’s physical and emotional safety on and off the work site 
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• Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety 
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• Transport crew and equipment safely in SECC’s vans or large SUVs with trailers 
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Environmental Ethics: 

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• Learn, practice, and teach ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques 
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Outdoor Skills and Fitness (where appropriate): 

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• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living/travel and work skills as appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed so as to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries 
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• 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 may include severe and/or trying weather. The remoteness is such that it may require at a minimum one hour, but perhaps in excess of 12 hours, to reach the nearest advanced medical care 
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Substance Free 

In accordance to 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, age, 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.

To Apply: Complete the Application, upload cover letter and resume.   

Any questions can be addressed to: 

Allison Lincoln
Fire and Fuels Coordinator
423.664.7945
ALincoln@conservationlegacy.org