Virginia Service and Conservation Corps members will be based out of one of six hub parks and will travel to parks throughout their region to work on environmental stewardship projects. Virginia Service and Conservation Corps Members will serve as restoration and disaster relief team members. Crew members work on public lands in Virginia State Parks to improve and create trails as well as habitat restoration projects. Members will report to one of the following state parks: Leesylvania, Pocahontas, Hungry Mother, First Landing, or Staunton River for service projects across the region. The work will vary and typical projects include erosion control, invasive species removal, assisting with prescribed burns, marking and establishing park boundaries, and establishing vegetation-monitoring plots. When called to serve as disaster relief, crew member duties vary to include: project coordination, clearing and removing debris and assisting with search and rescue efforts.
Service Activities
Corps members will assist with erosion control projects, invasive species removal, assisting with prescribed burns, marking and establishing park boundaries, and establishing vegetation-monitoring plots. Corps members will also be available to deploy in the event of a disaster to assist with disaster response, including debris removal and search and rescue.
Community Need Addressed
Most people report the primary reason they visit state parks is to access the trails, so it's critical that trails remain accessible and in good repair. Significant weather events have impacted many trails throughout the state with excessive debris and erosion. There has also been a surge in invasive species on public lands that threatens the natural habitat of Virginia's flora and fauna. In addition years of reduced funding and increased usage have taken a heavy toll on the state's trails and stymied the creation of new trails in existing parks. The Virginia Service and Conservation Corps will fill a critical role by clearing debris, and building or maintaining sustainable trails.
This project will fill a critical need within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Currently, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management trains Community Emergency Response Teams with very basic skill, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, triage and first aid, disaster psychology and terrorism awareness. However, there are 21 counties within the state that do not have any trained disaster responders. In fact, much of the current effort seems to be focused on very passive public awareness campaigns. In the event of a disaster, corps members will be deployed throughout the Commonwealth and will have the training and equipment to clear debris so other emergency responders will be able to access disaster sites. Ultimately, this will allow for faster recovery, therefore reducing the tremendous economic impact that disasters have had on Virginia in the past.
Position Outcomes
Virginia Service and Conservation Corps Members will improve or create at least 500 acres of land during their 10 months of service. Because of these improvements, at least 85% of trail users will respond positively about the quality of the trails.
Benefits
Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
GED/High School Diploma
Skills you will gain
CPR/First Aid, wildland firefighting, chainsaw use, trail building, invasive species removal, disaster response, teamwork, leadership
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Lead group discussion, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Create environment of contribution, Drive decision making, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served