AmeriCorps Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP)  

Title: AmeriCorps Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP)   

Reports to: Adult Programs Coordinator  

Location: Durango, CO   

Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Non-Exempt    

Dates: As soon as possible (Flexible)** – November 17th, 2023 

Wages: $685 weekly = ($485/week living stipend + $200/week housing stipend) + $4,546 AmeriCorps Education Award at completion of service term   

Benefits: 5 paid days off structured in August, between seasons, and 3 additional days of PT. Food provided while in the field, uniforms, protective equipment, access to Mental Health Consultant and Employee Assistance Program.   

Training:  Forest Service recognized Crosscut & Chainsaw training (Certificate awarded upon completion of program), Technical Trails training, Restorative Justice Approach Training, QPR Suicide Prevention Training, and other development opportunities. 

Housing: SCC-Durango is piloting a Host-Housing program based on need and will be securing a camping location for leaders and CLDPs during the spring season. Options will be reviewed in the interview process.  
*Wilderness Medicine: CLDP members are provided with Wilderness First Responder/CPR/AED training. There will be a WFR course available in Durango in Mid-March through Desert Mountain Medicine. Other acceptable WFR Courses and Re-certification Courses can be reimbursed (up to $650) but must be taken prior to the start of the season.  
Multiple positions opened until filled.   

Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy, that is built on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that operated from 1933 – 1942. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects primarily on public lands. While serving with SCC, members receive training on job skills, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Programs are developed using a step ladder approach to provide a progression of skill development based on a member’s needs. Members receive a weekly living allowance, training, and an AmeriCorps Education Award (for qualifying individuals).     

Position Summary:   

The Adult CLDP position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives while completing conservation projects. CLDPs will be mentors, educators, and facilitators for young adults, working to promote the health and resiliency of our land, air, and water.  

The AmeriCorps Crew Leader Development Program (CLDP) is a two-phase program. The first phase focuses on orientation, training, and development, the second phase focuses on implementation and continued leadership development. The AmeriCorps CLDP will spend 10 weeks in a crew leader training period alongside fellow CLDPs, Crew Leaders and SCC Staff, which will include a SCC leadership skills week, chainsaw and crosscut training, technical trails training, administrative training, and prep weeks in addition to project work. In late May, CLDPs will be paired with an experienced Crew Leader where they will work together to lead a crew of young adults for the Summer and Fall Season. Crews consists of 6-7 members, 1 Crew Leader and 1 CLDP. Crews work in front and backcountry locations in all weather conditions. Standard schedule consists of 8 days on-hitch and 6 days off, with some exception. On-hitch, crews camp together, prepare all meals together, and work together as a group to complete all projects and chores. 

CLDPs, along with Crew Leaders, are responsible for ensuring the physical safety and emotional well-being of their crew. The intention of the CLDP/Crew Leader pairing is to aid in the leadership development of the CLDP. Over the course of the season, the CLDP will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to take on full Crew Leader responsibilities. Crew Leaders will be responsible for helping to create a leadership development plan. CLDP’s may take lead or assist the Crew Leader with project management, creating and implementing development and educational opportunities, and completing required hitch paperwork.  

We will be running the following crews during the 2023 season, please be ready to speak to your preferences and how you will support them during your interview: 

• Women’s+ Crew – An affinity crew for Trans/Cis Women and non-binary individuals 
• Queer Crew – An affinity crew for LGBTQAI2S+ individuals  
• Conservation/Trail Crew – A crew for young adults that works in both backcountry and front country settings, focusing on trails and a variety of conservation work 
• Chainsaw Crew - A crew for young adults that works primarily in front country settings, focusing on sustainable forestry, fuels reduction, or invasive species removal (with the potential to use herbicide) 
• Crosscut Crew – Crew works in remote Wilderness areas, clearing down trees from trails with a two-person crosscut saw 

General Qualifications:   

• AmeriCorps members must be able to pass a criminal background check  
• Professionalism: Members must be willing to follow and enforce all SCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, communicate effectively with partners, crew leaders, members, peers and SCC staff, and appropriately represent Southwest Conservation Corps and AmeriCorps. (This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while on "hitch") 
• Adaptability: Projects have a degree of uncertainty and will include variable living conditions and last-minute changes. Members must be adaptive, patient, and able to maintain a positive perspective throughout 
• Leadership: Experience, or a strong desire to lead and mentor a diverse group of young adults (ages 18-30). Ability to manage and participate in day-to-day details of crew life. Ability to listen, willingness to receive feedback, and desire to grow continually 
• Community Building: Strong desire to help others grow as individuals while building cohesiveness in a group setting. CLDP Members must be willing to work hard, listen and respect others' viewpoints, embrace diversity, be committed to equity, and inclusive of differing backgrounds, and be dedicated to the SCC mission 
• Environmental Stewardship:  Members must have a genuine enjoyment and desire for caring for the land while living and working in the outdoors in a variety of conditions 
• Fitness: SCC projects are physically demanding! 10-hour long workdays consist of hiking, backpacking, heavy lifting, and repetitive motions using tools. Projects often take place at elevation – above 8,500’ – and in variable weather conditions. (i.e., low desert to high alpine, sunny temperatures to snowstorms) CLDP Members should be ready to confront these conditions while being able to help and encourage others that they are leading.   
• Conservation: Experience or a strong desire to learn the technical skills needed to effectively maintain public lands and having a flexible definition of what 'conservation' means.  
• Corps Member Development: Experience or strong desire to learn and participate as an outdoor educator and mentor 
• Driving:  CLDP Members are responsible for driving 8-12-passenger vehicles while pulling a trailer. To drive, members must be 21, have a clean driving record (insurable) and a current driver's license 
• Education: At a minimum, CLDP members must be high school graduates, GED recipients, working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service. CLDP members obtain either a diploma or GED before using an education award 
• Citizenship: Member's must provide primary documentation of status as a U.S. citizen or National, OR primary documentation of status as a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States 

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements   

Essential eligibility requirements for the program must be met. If you are unable to meet certain requirements, we may be able to assist you with some modification unless it alters the fundamental nature of the program, compromises the health and safety of participants or staff, or places an undue financial or administrative burden on the organization. These requirements are written the same for all positions and may not apply to your particular position.  

Essential Functions:   

• Required to walk, hike, sit, talk, and listen  
• Required to use hands to operate objects and tools, and to reach with hands and arms  
• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds  
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to focus  
• Speak, understand, read, and write English  
• Enforce all SCC policies. SCC is a substance free work environment. All must refrain from the use of tobacco products, vaping, alcohol, and drugs while in the program 

Other Considerations:  

• Having a vehicle or access to a vehicle is important for this position to transport yourself between your living situation & our work base: The Old Fort Lewis in Hesperus, CO  
• Ability to live, work and camp in rural Colorado. Weather can be extreme and variable throughout the spring and summer season  
• Full vaccination against COVID-19 by the first day of employment and ability to provide proof of vaccination before starting 

To Apply:  

Complete CLDP Application, follow this link: https://sccorps.org/leader-positions 

Any questions can be addressed to:  

Lane Tomassini, Four Corners Adult Program Coordinator: ltomassini@conservationlegacy.org 

Kristen Hencke, Four Corners Adult Program Coordinator: khencke@conservationlegacy.org  

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.