The Land Conservation Leaders program is a demanding, team-based, leadership experience providing a service opportunity in environmental stewardship. Land Conservation Leaders (LCLs) begin the program with two weeks of in-house training and six weeks of field training. They then transition to Assistant Crew Leader roles for the Summer of Service season. Based on skills developed, LCLs may serve as Crew Leaders, Co-Crew Leaders or remain Assistant Crew Leaders for the Fall Forestry season. LCLs participate in and facilitate weekly educational sessions and team building activities, plan and lead service projects, and build leadership skills.
Qualifications:
• Between 19-24 years old and eligible to legally serve in the United States. Documentation will be required on the first day.
• Must be eligible for enrollment in AmeriCorps as a US Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident. Documentation will be required on the first day.
• High School Diploma or equivalency required.
• Must be physically fit and capable of participating in intense physical labor including but not limited to: ability to lift 75 lbs., spend 8-10 hours a day in all weather conditions, hike 7 miles with a day-pack, able to conduct repetitive hand and arm motions, and able to maneuver in tight spaces, including bending and kneeling.
• Able to commit to the entire term of service, March 18-November 15.
• Ability to camp between 5 and 10 consecutive days at a time in all weather conditions.
• Ability to effectively serve with a diverse group of peers, staff, community members, and project partners.
• Valid driver license with insurable driving record preferred.
Requirements:
• This position may have access to vulnerable populations and therefore must complete a pre-service background check which includes fingerprinting.
• Pre-service drug screen required.
• Must not engage in any prohibited activities listed in the AmeriCorps member service agreement and must adhere to rules and regulations specified in the MHYC handbook.
• Fully comply with agency policies and procedures regarding high quality service, installations, tool management, paperwork completion and data accuracy.
• This position reports to the Program Coordinator: Land Conservation.
Service Activities
Corpsmembers SERVE:
• On Land Conservation: Complete physically demanding conservation projects on public lands throughout the SFR metro area. Project examples include trail construction and maintenance, fire mitigation, fencing, noxious weed removal, wildlife habitat improvements and public land maintenance and clean-up.
• Mile High Youth Corps: Provide logistics support including but not limited to, building, vehicle and tool maintenance
Corpsmembers LEAD:
• Corpsmembers serve as role models and promote volunteerism and community service across the organization.
• Trainings: Fully participate in and provide leadership for educational activities, including environmental education, civic engagement, healthy living, and social justice, for up to four hours a week in the field.
• Projects: Serve as Assistant Crew Leaders on Summer of Service crews. Based on performance during the summer, may serve as Assistant Crew Leaders or Crew Leaders on Fall Forestry crews. Crews are comprised of 8-10 18-24 year olds from diverse backgrounds. 1-2 Corpsmembers may be selected to fill an alternative role during Fall Forestry.
Community Need Addressed
Environmental/Conservation education, Land conservation and preservation, Park and trail maintenance, Leadership development
Position Outcomes
Habitat restoration and preservation, Increased leadership skills, increased conservation knowledge, more environmentally-educated community
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Corpsmembers RECEIVE:
• Trainings: Wilderness First Aid/CPR, Leave No TraceTM outdoor ethics, Pesticide Application, hands-on technical training related to all projects, facilitation and public speaking, peer mentoring, extensive leadership development, and the option to earn S-212 chainsaw equivalency certification (required for Sawyers).
• Student loan forbearance: Possible through the National Service Trust on qualifying federal government student loans.
• Health Insurance: May be eligible for health insurance the 1st of the month after serving at MHYC for sixty days. Corpsmember share of health insurance premium is $90 per month.
Education Benefits
• Trainings: Wilderness First Aid/CPR, Leave No TraceTM outdoor ethics, Pesticide Application, hands-on technical training related to all projects, facilitation and public speaking, peer mentoring, extensive leadership development, and the option to earn S-212 chainsaw equivalency certification (required for Sawyers).
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, Turn taking
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, 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, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, 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