ACE - Conservation Corps Crew Leader

Location: Located in Flagstaff, Arizona with travel to various project sites throughout southwest United States.

Organization Overview: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a national leader in developing the next generation of conservationists, is dedicated to providing young adults the opportunity to protect, restore and enhance our nation's natural habitats, resources and public lands. Crews comprised of 8 young adults (ages 18 25) work and camp together in wilderness areas for 8 consecutive days in order to advance meaningful conservation projects. ACE crews typically work alongside land management professionals to accomplish challenging environmental projects including habitat restoration, invasive species removal, trail construction/maintenance, and fire fuels reduction. 

ACE Crew Leaders and members are trained and supported by professional skills trainers and subject-matter experts throughout their commitments. The majority of ACE members and graduates utilize professional development opportunities provided by ACE as a stepping-stone towards careers related to environmental stewardship.  

General Position Description:

As the primary frontline staff of American Conservation Experience, crew leaders (CL's) lead teams of young adult Corps members in completion of environmental conservation and restoration projects throughout the Southwest and Western United States. CL's train corps members in conservation work skills, basic environmental education, and outdoor living skills, and engage their crews in environmental work projects that address critical environmental needs.

Work is almost exclusively outdoors, involves strenuous physical labor in all weather conditions and climates, and may involve "spike" camping for several days at a time in remote wilderness locations. The work may involve working for other ACE offices/locations for temporary periods.

Position Qualifications:

• Experience leading, training and motivating young adults in a safe, organized and professional manner.
• Ability to prevent, analyze and resolve safety issues; possess knowledge of safety procedures as applied to field operations.
• 3 - 6 months of experience performing trail construction/maintenance, habitat restoration or invasive species removal activities.
• Strong organizational and communication skills necessary to lead culturally and economically diverse crews, ensuring a positive culture and a high-quality, efficient service.
• Physically fit and able to perform a wide variety of heavy manual labor for extended periods of time, often under adverse weather conditions.
• Must have the ability to travel frequently and up to a month at a time.
• Maintains professional communications and relations with agency project partners, ACE staff, crewmembers, and the general public.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED certificate.
• Over 21 years of age and possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Past working experience with conservation corps/organizations.
• S-212 Chainsaw Certified or equivalent.
• 3 - 6 months of chainsaw operation experience.
• Possess Wilderness First Aid (WFR preferred), CPR and BBP certification.
• Maintain a Pesticide Applicator License in applicable states.
• Basic skills in the maintenance and repair of chainsaws, brush cutters, herbicide sprayers, and any other equipment relevant to saw work projects.
• Working knowledge of young adult development, team-building and motivational techniques. Experience serving as a positive role model and mentor for team members.
• Teaching and training experience regarding habitat restoration, environmental conservation and outdoor living/camping skills.
• Mapping and monitoring using GPS technology.
• Ability to understand ACE systems and carry out oral and written instructions.
• 20 hours of biology or environmental college courses.
• Commitment to ACE's mission and to public service through youth development and volunteerism. 

Position Responsibilities:

ACE is seeking an organized, professional and enthusiastic individual to manage and lead a crew of young conservation professionals on trails or habitat restoration projects. ACE habitat restoration projects require ACE CL's to be experienced in safely operating chainsaws and applying herbicide while managing their crew. ACE Crew Leaders(CL) lead and mentor a team of 8 young adult corps members while accomplishing meaningful resource conservation projects alongside land management agencies including the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and US Fish Wildlife Service.

The CL will be responsible for the overall safety and success of the project, including enforcing the appropriate safety procedures and professional protocol at ACE. CL's will be responsible for successfully organizing and executing field projects; safely transporting crews; professionally communicating with project sponsors, staff members and corps members as well as completing all project documentation under established deadlines. CL's are trained, supported and mentored by ACE's professional and seasoned Field Operations team.

Candidates should expect to perform challenging physical labor and camp outdoors through adverse weather conditions. ACE also expects CL's to serve as a positive role model, educator and mentor for all crew members. ACE CL's possess the ability to adapt to changing work conditions and a willingness to develop professionally within their careers.  Candidates should enjoy travel, working outdoors and often working with new people in new places.

The ACE project schedule generally consists of 8 days in the field followed by 6 days off in town. Since the ACE project schedule fluctuates on occasion (depending on project needs), projects sometimes take place during weekdays with weekends off. Projects may require for crews to remain on long-distance projects for 4-6 weeks at a time.

ACE maintains a strict no-alcohol possession or consumption policy on ACE property and on project sites for members and staff alike. Any violation of this policy is considered gross misconduct and results in immediate dismissal from the program. Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing and does not tolerate drug users in the program. Harassment of any kind is not tolerated by ACE.

Dates of employment: The position will be open until filled, preferably in April and May. A 1 to 2+ year commitment is preferred.  

Remuneration: $560.00 weekly, depending on experience. All crews are provided with free meals and transportation during ACE projects; free housing accommodation may also be available for successful candidates. Crew leaders have the option to join ACE health care plans after 90 days of employment. Other benefits begin after six months, including accrual towards two weeks paid vacation and sick leave.

Application procedures and deadlines, including a "closing" date:

Email your resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references to Jeff Bousson at jeff@usaconservation.org with "ACE Crew Leader" in the subject heading. The deadline to apply is April 25, 2017 but we strongly encourage to apply ASAP.

Successful candidates must complete a criminal background check prior to hire; persons convicted of a felony are not eligible for appointment to this classification.

Contact information:

Jeff Bousson

Email: jeff@usaconservation.org

Phone: 928 814 3071

Website: www.usaconservation.org

Current Openings for ACE Conservation Corps Crew Leader Jobs at Mellon Fellowships