2023 Four Corners Indigenous Youth Crew Leader Development Program (AmeriCorps)

Title: Indigenous Youth Crew Leader Development Program (AmeriCorps)

Reports to: Youth Programs Coordinator

Location: Durango, CO 

Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Non-Exempt  

Dates: March 27^th** – August 11^th, 2023 OR November 17^th, 2023; start date flexible on case-by-case basis

**Start date flexible on a case-by-case basis. Must start by May 8^th at the latest.

Wages: $685 weekly = ($485/week living stipend + $200/week housing stipend) + $2,474.27 AmeriCorps Education Award at completion of service term

Benefits: Paid time off between summer sessions; Food provided while in the field, uniforms, protective equipment, access to Mental Health Consultant and Employee Assistance Program.

Training:  U.S. Forest Service recognized OHLEC Chainsaw training, Technical Trails Training, QPR Suicide Prevention Training, Mandatory Reporter Training, Trauma Informed Approach Training. Potential for Crosscut Training.

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.

Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native American applicants

Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy. 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.

This is an entry level position focused on development, we welcome applications from candidates who may not have all the skills listed below. This position provides extensive training during the spring season, meant to prepare CLDP’s for leading summer crews. This position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives. CLDP’s will be mentors, educators and facilitators for high school students, working to increase youth resiliency, build confidence and to be positive role models for their members. The Indigenous Youth Crew Leader in Development provides a supportive learning environment for Native high schoolers to work, learn from, and grow with one another while gaining skills in the conservation field

The AmeriCorps (A*C) 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 8 weeks in a crew leader training period, which will include a Leadership skills week, Chainsaw training, technical trails training, a youth crew leader training, and prep weeks in addition to project work. In June, leaders will transition to co-leading one 4-week session with indigenous high school students ages 14-18, then a second 4-week session leading a regional high school crew or middle school crew with students ages 11-13. Each CLDP will be paired with an experienced crew leader who will provide mentorship and support to them through a goal setting process and CLDP development plan. Crews will complete a variety of local conservation and community projects.

CLDPs are responsible for assisting Crew Leaders in 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 the following season. Crew Leaders will be responsible for helping to create a leadership development plan. Based on their own skills and experience, CLDP’s may take lead or assist with project management, creating and implementing development and educational opportunities, and completing required hitch paperwork.

Currently, the typical schedule is either: 9 days on followed by five days off (During training season), or five days on followed by two days off (During Youth Crew Season). Depending on proximity to the work site, crews either return to town each day, or camp at the project site (we refer to this as a “hitch”) for its duration. The day starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting, includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour break for lunch.

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 11-18). 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.
• Environmental Stewardship: Members must have a genuine enjoyment and desire for caring for the land while living and working 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.
• Conservation: Experience or a desire to learn the technical skills needed to effectively maintain public lands
• 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. In order 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.
• 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 of the United States
• Experience working within Native communities; respect the dignity and diverse lifestyles of Indigenous people

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 
• Must be 21
• 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. Not having a vehicle is possible but will require coordination on your end.
• Ability to live, work and camp in rural Colorado. Weather can be extreme and variable throughout the spring and summer season

If you would like to learn more about the position, need assistance with the application or have any questions about the position, please reach out to:

                         Jacob Mandell | Youth Programs Coordinator                           

SCC Four Corners - Durango, CO Office

970-238-6454 | jmandell@conservationlegacy.org