Crew members in the local program work in and around the Tucson area to complete a wide variety of conservation related projects. Crews work Monday through Thursday with an occasional Friday educational component. At times crews may camp for the week.
Projects take place with a variety of different partners. Often crews work with Pima County, the Forest Service, Park Service or the Bureau of Land Management.
Service Activities
Some of the projects include trail building and maintenance, invasive species removal, park and campground maintenance, etc.
Some crews are chainsaw trained and certified while others are not.
Community Need Addressed
Engaging young adults to get to know their local environment.
Working with local city and county natural resource departments to complete a wide variety of conservation related projects including:
- invasive species removal
- increasing access to natural spaces through trail work
- maintenancing parks, campgrounds and other public natural resources
Position Outcomes
Members will gain a much broader connection with the great outdoors; by spending time outside members will better understand the challenges of the area, and gain a personal connection and relationship with the region and surrounding parks and public spaces.
Young adults in the program also develop professionally, are encouraged to learn leadership skills, hard work and perseverance needed to grow in this and other fields.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance
In addition to the weekly stipend and the AmeriCorps Education award crews that are assigned to camping projects are provided food while out in the field.
During the orientation week at the beginning of every season members are trained and certified in Wilderness First Aid.
Education Benefits
Credential or Certification
WFA, and any applicable work related certifications. For crews using chainsaws, member receive the S-212 chainsaw certification.
Skills you will gain
WFA, Technical trailbuilding, rock-work, Saw operation, cross-cut operation, leadership skills, and more!
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, 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
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, 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
Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment