2024 Climate Corps Crew Member

Posted by Utah Conservation Corps on 03/27/2024

Job Basics

Industry Sector: Action, Fitness, Lifestyle, Outdoor

Job Categories: Dude - Guest Ranch Staff, Guide (raft,fish,bike hunt,horse etc.), Trail Management

Company Type: Conservation

State: UT

City: Logan

Country: United States

Required Experience: 1 - 3 years

Job Type: Seasonal Full Time

Salary: $15,000/term of service

Required to Relocate: Yes

Required to Travel: Yes

Employee May Telecommute: No

Job Seeker Must Live Within: 10 miles

Job Description & Requirements

2024 Climate Corps Crew Member
UTAH CONSERVATION CORPS

About the Utah Conservation Corps
The Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) is an AmeriCorps program dedicated to developing the conservation leaders of tomorrow. We’re a non-residential AmeriCorps program composed of AmeriCorps members, staff, and partners dedicated to service to our community, the environment, and regions requiring disaster response efforts. Additionally, as an organization, we seek to provide a more welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and experience levels to ensure a healthy, vibrant, innovative, and sustainable corps. The UCC is committed to an inclusive culture of community and service and to recognizing and addressing our shortcomings. Our vision is to create sustainable communities and conserve the natural heritage of Utah and the Intermountain West.

Position Overview

• Field Office Locations: Logan
• Term of Service Dates (tentative): June 1 – November 23
• Service hours required: 900
• Schedule: Full-time commitment, hours & schedules vary from week to week with extended travel up to 10 days. Majority of time is spent on projects in the field.
• Application: https://usu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_er4BQnALOcH2TCC

Climate Corps Crew Members (CCCMs) work and live in the outdoors as part of a field crew in service to public lands and the communities that surround them. Climate Corps crews are assigned to a variety of fire fuels reduction projects throughout Utah to mitigate wildfire risks, protect buildings and infrastructure. Members are primarily responsible for being a supporting member of their crew, upholding and abiding by UCC policies & procedures, and conducting themselves in a safe and productive manner. All CCCMs are trained in safe and proper tool use, project techniques, and outdoor living. Training topics may include advanced chainsaw and hand tool use, and project techniques. This position involves frequent travel, camping, irregular hours, and a varying weekly schedule.

Projects & Schedule
Field projects may be backcountry (hiking into the project site, camping away from a vehicle) or front country (such as driving to the project site daily, camping at the vehicle, or non-camping lodging). Projects may be urban (located in a city or town) or rural (located in national parks, forests, etc. with limited access to facilities and resources). Weather is variable, and work and campsites can range from 2,000-13,000 feet in elevation.

Projects may include (but are not limited to):

• Fire fuels reduction activities including chainsaw operation and maintenance
• Invasive species management, including herbicide application
• Habitat restoration

Crews generally work a 9-day or 4-day, 10-hour/day (some days may be up to 12 hours) ‘hitch’ schedule, while camping in front and backcountry settings. Typically, crews will have 3-5 days off between hitches. Days will include two 15 minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch (the 30-minute lunch break does not count toward term of service hours). Crews should expect schedules and project work to vary.

This position is an AmeriCorps term of service that requires a full-time commitment (about 45 hours per week).

Qualifications

• Ability to live outdoors and work on a variety of fire fuels reduction projects, which may include 12-hour days using chainsaws, hand tools, applying herbicide, moving through uneven terrain, etc. in a variety of environmental conditions. UCC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to serve with our programs.
• Minimum 3-6 months worked in conservation, land management, or disaster response
• Formal chainsaw training and experience in a workplace setting
• Current First Aid and CPR (Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder preferred)
• Knowledge of safe herbicide handling, mixing, and application and the ability to pass the Utah Non-commercial Pesticide Applicator State exam OR a current Utah Pesticide Applicator’s License
• Familiarity with fire fuels reduction techniques and processes
• Demonstrated outdoor/camping skills (guiding, conservation work, front country/backcountry skills – volunteer/informal/formal)
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs. repeatedly and use hand tools
• Maturity & professionalism in an environment with irregular and changing schedules
• Alignment with UCC’s mission and values of safety, service, community, inclusivity, positivity, and engagement
• Commitment to personal and professional growth
• At least 18 years of age
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
• Eligible to enroll in an AmeriCorps term of service
• Must undergo and pass a criminal history check
• Have a high school diploma or GED or work towards obtaining one while in the program

Note: 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, work boots, etc. CCCMs are eligible for a uniform reimbursement of up to $100 (for a 900-hr term). A recommended gear-list will be provided prior to starting the term of service. UCC will provide project tools, personal protective gear, crew kitchen kit (stove, fuel, cooking and serving supplies) and transportation to and from projects. CCCMs are eligible for pro-deals.

Why Join Us?
Through this experience, you will find a new level of hard work and determination by working long hours, oftentimes in challenging conditions. You’ll learn what it really means to be part of a team. You will create friendships and connections that will last a lifetime. In the end, you will gain the confidence and knowledge that you can and will conquer the hardest obstacles life throws at you.

Professional Development
UCC is a career exploration program for those wishing to advance their conservation and climate change adaptation and mitigation skills. All CCCMs will be trained in safe and proper tool use and maintenance, project techniques and management, backcountry, and outdoor living. Training topics and certifications may include intermediate-level chainsaw and hand tool use, and project techniques. Members will also have the opportunity to network with project partners, thereby developing possible future employment opportunities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Living allowance $1,250.00 distributed in equal payments throughout the term of service; total of $15,000 (note: this is taxable income)
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, $3,447.50 (available upon successful completion of term)
  • Learn more about how you can use your Education Award
    https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award
• Professional Development Training Fund: $250.00 available for use during term of service for approved conservation skills and leadership trainings
• Forbearance on qualifying student loans while in service
• Conservation leadership experience
• Chainsaw training refresher course with the option to evaluate through UCC National USFS Chainsaw Program as a B faller
• Member Assistance Program (a mental wellness and life coaching program)
• $100 reimbursement uniform reimbursement (boots/pants) for a 900hr term

To Apply
Complete the UCC Online Application found at: https://usu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_er4BQnALOcH2TCC

You are required to attach a resume, cover letter, and provide contact information for 2 professional references (phone and email) to the online application.

**Cover letters should describe the following:

• Why you want to serve with Utah Conservation Corps
• Your experience working within a group, including leadership roles
• Qualifications and other experience relevant to the fire fuels reduction projects

Research shows that candidates from underrepresented populations often don’t apply for positions if they are uncertain about the position qualifications and skillsets. This is a position with training provided, if you’re interested, we strongly encourage you to apply!

Diversity Statement
Utah Conservation Corps is an equal opportunity program. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran, or disabled status. UCC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for application and service with our programs.

UCC’s Zero Tolerance Policies
The following behaviors will result in immediate termination. At no time may the UCC AmeriCorps
member:

• Engage in activities that pose a significant safety risk to others or physically or emotionally damage members of the program, or community such as harassment, hostile work environment, or bullying
• Possess, consume, or be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol during the performance of service activities or while living and working at the UCC project site, campsite, or in UCC vehicles (which includes showing up to work hungover)
• Fail to notify the UCC of a criminal arrest or conviction during their term of service

Land Acknowledgement Statement

As part of Utah State University, a land grant-institution, UCC acknowledges Utah State University campuses and centers reside and operate on the territories of the eight tribes of Utah, who have been living, working, and residing on this land from time immemorial. 

These tribes are the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Indians, Navajo Nation, Ute Indian Tribe, Northwestern Band of Shoshone, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, San Juan Southern Paiute, Skull Valley Band of Goshute, and White Mesa Band of the Ute Mountain Ute. Along with USU, we acknowledge these lands carry the stories of these Nations and their struggles for survival and identity. We recognize Elders past and present as peoples who have cared for, and continue to care for, the land. In offering this land acknowledgment, we affirm Indigenous self-governance history, experiences, and resiliency of the Native people who are still here today.

About Utah Conservation Corps

UCC is an AmeriCorps program made up of members, staff, and partners dedicated to service to our community and environment.  We engage in projects throughout the state of Utah that address goals relating to environmental conservation, leadership, education, and sustainability.

UCC AmeriCorps members have committed to a term of service for their country that may range from 3 months to a year. Our members are individuals seeking opportunities to give back, to improve the environment and explore the beauty of Utah's public lands. Many of our members are current students or recent graduates looking to gain experience in the fields of natural resource conservation, education, or social services. 

Utah Conservation Corps is a program of Utah State University's Center for Civic Engagement & Service Learning.