AmeriCorps Field Crew Leaders (ages 18-25) lead crews of 4-5 members in natural resource management projects across the Midwest. Crew Leaders assist with member training and development, perform equipment maintenance and help members improve technical skills. Leader serve as the primary liaison between project hosts and program staff and are responsible for the crew’s overall service performance and safety during a project. Crew Leaders also get the chance to work alongside conservation professionals and explore career options within the environmental field.
Service Activities
Crews complete natural resource conservation projects such as exotic species management, herbicide application, stream bank stabilization and erosion control, timber stand improvement, prescribed burning, trail construction and maintenance, tree planting, basic carpentry, wild land fire suppression and emergency response in partnership with public land management agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service and Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Community Need Addressed
The Conservation Corps addresses environmental challenges in our communities through the dedicated service of its members. Leaders supervise members in natural resource projects and give back to their communities while gaining a foundation of technical, professional and leadership skills for natural resource careers.
Position Outcomes
Corpsmembers receive hands-on training working on habitat restoration projects. Leaders receive formal training in power and hand tool safety and use, First Aid and CPR, defensive driving, trailer safety and operation, leadership and communication, wild land fire fighting and prescribed burning, and other skills pertinent to region location and projects, such as GPS or ATV training. After a term with the Corps, members are well-equipped to be competitive candidates for a career in the natural resources.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
Wildfire suppression (red card certification), Red Cross first aid and CPR, team building and conflict resolution, diversity, safety and risk management, power and hand tool safety and use, tool maintenance, defensive driving, trailer operation and safety, invasive species management/herbicide application, tree identification, and Corps spike trips/Leave No Trace.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, 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
Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
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
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, 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, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment