CCNC EBCI Spring Break Youth Crew Member

Title: Spring Break Youth Crew Member

Dates: April 8^th-12th

Location: Cherokee, North Carolina

Questions? Contact: Youth Program Coordinator Jackie Meyer

Conservation Corps North Carolina:

The mission of Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) is to empower young adults through meaningful outdoor work that benefits North Carolina’s land and water and creates healthy communities.

CCNC is a program of Conservation Legacy that partners with public land managers in North Carolina to engage motivated young adults (ages 15-30) to complete challenging and impactful conservation service projects throughout the state.

Position Summary:

The Youth Crew Member position is an entry-level role, prior experience with the outdoors and outdoor work can be helpful but is not a requirement for this position. This crew will take place over Spring Break, April 8^th-12^th and will last 5 days. The crew will complete conservation service projects in the field 8-hours a day, Monday-Friday and return home each evening. Members will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Cherokee High School.

Projects will take place across the Cherokee area, including work with the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). During their time in the field, Crew Members perform manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects. These hands-on projects include trail construction and maintenance, forest management, habitat restoration, invasive species treatments, heritage work related to ancestral lands, and much more.

Uniform shirts and personal protective equipment, including hard hats, gloves, eyewear, and ear protection will be provided by CCNC. Accommodations can be made for any member who experiences any barriers to serving on this crew.

Onboarding:

Prior to the start date, selected members must complete an online enrollment process. This includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, getting parental/guardian signatures on paper forms (for members under 18). For those with limited access to online platforms, accommodations may be available and can be discussed in the interview process. Participants who are 18 years of age or older will be asked to complete a background check.

Crew Member Expectations:

Crew members must be willing to work under the leadership of their crew leaders, be on-time each day, perform physical labor in a variety of weather conditions, wear a uniform and personal protective equipment every day, and participate in group activities and end of the day debriefs. Getting dirty, hot, and sweaty are norms for the program. Along with technical skills, crew members will participate in education days to make the work meaningful and promote environmental stewardship.

Essential Responsibilities and Functions:

Safety: Perform work with an unwavering commitment to safety in every aspect of the crew’s work. Effectively perceive, understand, and follow directions to manage hazards.

Fitness: Willing to perform manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects; work long days outdoors in all types of weather. May be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl on an infrequent basis.

Commitment: Members must make a strong commitment to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education training, and group debriefs.

Teamwork: Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences.

Technology: The use of technology, including cell phones, is not allowed during work hours.

Professionalism: Members must be willing to appropriately represent the CCNC program.

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

Participant 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.

Minimum Qualifications :

• Must be willing and able to work in an outdoor environment.
• Must live in the Cherokee area.
• Current high school student (or equivalent)
• Must be between the ages of 15 and 18, and a US citizen. You must be 15 years of age or older prior to the start of the program and cannot turn 19 years old before the end of the program.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Youth Program Coordinator Jackie Meyer ()