Join us for our 2021 Summer of Service (SOS) program! SOS is a team-based, 12 or 14 week-long program (May 10th or May 24th start date, August 13th end date) for individuals between the ages 18-24. SOS participants (called Corpsmembers) serve on environmental stewardship projects on public lands throughout the Southern Front Range region, as well as the Denver metro area. Corpsmembers will be enrolled in AmeriCorps—a national community service program. This means, get paid biweekly while doing what you love and earn a scholarship at the same time!
Service Activities
Sawyer Crew: Corpsmembers operate chainsaws on invasive tree removal and wildland fire mitigation projects. They receive First-Aid/CPR and S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws certifications. Some sawyers will have the opportunity to receive pesticide application training. The use of pesticide is common on invasive tree removal projects.
Hand Crew: Corpsmembers receive training in safe and efficient use of hand tools to complete a wide variety of projects. Examples include: trail maintenance and construction, noxious weed removal, pesticide application and other park development projects.
Corpmembers can also choose to serve on an Affinity Crew. Affinity Crews will be assigned to sawyer, hand or pesticide projects:
Gender Spectrum Affinity Crew: Inclusivity is a core value at MHYC, and the Gender Spectrum Affinity Crew embodies this value by creating opportunities for cis women, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals to learn new skills in a safe and supportive environment and reduce historical barriers that have prevented natural resources from being an inclusive field.
Black, Indigenous and People of Color Affinity Crew: MHYC is committed to dismantling the barriers of systemic racism that exist in outdoor spaces and honoring the diverse lived perspectives of individuals from Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and other multi-cultural communities. The BIPOC affinity crew embodies this commitment and strives to reduce historical barriers that have prevented natural resources from being an ethnically and racially diverse field.
Sheridan Crew (Denver Only): Corpsmembers serve on a hand crew primarily in the City of Sheridan and surrounding communities. Sheridan projects are funded through Great Outdoors Colorado’s Generation Wild - an investment in places, programs and pathways that get kids and their families outside. Residents of Sheridan and surrounding communities are encouraged to apply.
Community Need Addressed
Invasive tree removal through pesticide application and use of chainsaws, constructing and maintaining trails, noxious weed removal, fire mitigation. Affinity crews for marginalized communities will foster a safe and supportive environment to diversify the field of land management.
Position Outcomes
Serve on projects to help maintain and manage public lands, provide Educational Activities for young adults, provide opportunities to underrepresented identities to serve in land stewardship.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Summary of Compensation and Benefits:
• Biweekly Stipend - Earn a living stipend of $840.00 before taxes paid every 2 weeks. Total program stipend is $5,040 for 12-week program or $5,880 for 14-week program.
o Leadership Opportunities available: Corpsmember Drivers are eligible for a living stipend of $860.00. Returning Corpsmembers earn $880.00. Corpsmembers in Assistant Crew Leader roles earn $920.00. More information available on request.
• AmeriCorps Education Award - Earn a scholarship of $1,638.89 upon successful completion of the term (450 hours of service). This award can be used to pay tuition, pay back qualifying student loans or go on an expedition through a wilderness school! Corpsmembers have 7 years to use the award.
• Student Loan Forbearance - Corpsmembers can apply to put their qualified federal student loans on hold during their term through the National Service Trust.
• Health Insurance - Corpsmembers are eligible for health insurance the 1st of the month after serving at MHYC for 60 days. Corpsmember contribution required.
• Counseling - Corpsmembers receive up to 5 free mental health counseling sessions per year.
• Networking - Corpsmembers have daily opportunities to network with federal, state and local natural resources professionals and access to a vast alumni network!
Education Benefits
Credential or Certification
CPR/First Aid, Defensive Driving and trailer training (for some), wide variety of Educational Activities, plant I.D, safe and efficient use of hand tools, chain saws, and pesticides.
Skills you will gain
Conflict resolution, training on safe and efficient use a chainsaw, training in safe and efficient use of hand tools, training in safe and efficient use of pesticides.
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, Turn taking
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise
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, 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, 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