The UCC Crew Leader is a 10-month AmeriCorps position where the member participates in UCC’s Crew Leader Development Program and then takes on direct leadership of a UCC field crew. The spring field season is spent in a “Crew Leader In-Training” capacity working on a crew with fellow trainees and developing leadership and conservation skills. Upon demonstrating necessary skills and competencies, the leader moves into a full Crew Leader role for summer and fall field seasons leading a 4-8 person crew in the completion of habitat restoration and trail improvement projects on public lands.
Service Activities
Conservation Project Work
- habitat restoration
- revegetation projects
- invasive species removal
- native species planting
- fence building
- forest fuels reduction and fire mitigation
- trail building and maintenance
- habitat surveying
Member Development
- provide leadership and mentorship to crew members
Community Need Addressed
The Field Crew Leader leads a 4-8 person crew to complete critical habitat restoration and trail improvement projects on Utah public lands. These conservation projects have been identified and sponsored by public land management agencies.
Position Outcomes
As part of the crew, Crew Leaders will collectively improve:
- 1000 acres of habitat, which is park and recreation areas designated by national, state, city or county governments.
- 150 miles of public trails and waterways
The acres of habitat and miles of trails/waterways worked on by Crew Leaders and their crews are evaluated by the sponsoring land management agency. The acres and miles evaluated as improved as a result of the UCC crews are reported as yearly outcomes.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Student loan forbearance, Training
The Crew Leader receives the following certifications:
- Wilderness First Responder
- USFS S-212 Chainsaw
- Utah Herbicide Applicator License
Education Benefits
GED/High School Diploma
Skills you will gain
leadership in a crew/team setting, advanced conservation skills (tool use, project techniques & management), communication, risk management and safety, decision-making
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others
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
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, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, 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