The Texas Conservation Corps Masonry and Conservation program is an exciting six month, 900 hour service opportunity for members, ages 21-28, to restore and preserve both interior and exterior surfaces of The Historic San Antonio Missions. This service opportunity is based in San Antonio. Our trail-building and Historic Restoration projects require participants to complete physically demanding projects in all types of weather. Participants may have opportunities to travel regionally with other Conservation Crews performing rock construction of trail features such as but not limited to stairs, retaining walls, water bars, check dams, and armored crossings. Other travel opportunities could include specialized trainings, habitat restoration projects, or other public lands improvement. Participants may also lead service projects with community volunteers on public lands in the Greater San Antonio area. Members receive a living stipend, educational award, and health insurance. Housing is not provided. At TxCC, young adults from across the country and various walks of life share one common goal: bettering themselves and their community. Serving with Texas Conservation Corps is both challenging and rewarding. It's a place to learn, grow, and have an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
Service Activities
Serving with the Texas Conservation Corps, Masonry and Conservation members will perform strenuous physical tasks, including heavy lifting, and working outdoors in all types of weather. The majority of the work includes the restoration of the Historic Missions of San Antonio in partnership with the National Parks Service. Additionally, trail based service projects may include hiking to work sites and camping with conservation crews. Members will be trained in using tools such as grip hoists, small machinery, hand tools for excavation and rock shaping, rock bars, etc. No experience or skills required, just a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard within a diverse crew environment. Training, tools, and safety gear are provided.
Community Need Addressed
Our AmeriCorps members improve public lands throughout the state of Texas and the surrounding region through various conservation projects such as invasive species removal, habitat restoration, and trail maintenance and construction.
Position Outcomes
Preservation of the San Antonio Missions, and to improve the quality of public lands.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
Chainsaw operation, camping, hiking, backpacking, ICS 100, ICS 200, NIMS 700, invasive species removal, habitat restoration, trail construction, trail maintenance
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, 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, 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, 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, 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