AZCC Urban Forestry Crew Member Phoenix - Fall 2024

Term Length: 900hr AmeriCorps Term                              

Location: Based in Phoenix, Arizona                                         

Compensation: $720/wk combined stipend, paid biweekly + AmeriCorps Education Award                           

Dates: Ideal Start Date 10/28. Program runs through March 2025                                               

Benefits: AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,817.14; successful completion of the service term. Health insurance eligible through The Corps Network

General Information:

Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC) engages motivated young adults, ages 18 - 30, to complete challenging and impactful conservation and service projects throughout the western United States. AZCC crews serve in a variety of National Parks, National Forests, and other public areas. In partnership with Arizona State University, Unlimited Potential, the City of Phoenix, and several other local nonprofits and stakeholders, AZCC has begun development of an Urban Tree Accelerator program. This initiative is specifically designed to address the dual challenges of environmental mitigation and underemployment in the growing field of Urban Forestry. AZCC trains crews in the fundamental skills needed to support careers in the expanding field of Urban Arboriculture. Participants will receive workforce training in crew dynamics, team building, and risk management. They will also receive project-specific training developed in partnership with industry experts covering the importance of Urban Tree coverage for the mitigation of UHI effects, Arizona native and common urban trees/plant identification, Arboriculture Safety, and Principles of Pruning and Tree Care. Members will gain certifications including S212 Sawyer Certification, Wilderness First Aid, Urban Forestry Maintenance Certificate, as well as career support such as resume and interview workshops all with the goal of enhancing their employability and supporting their professional growth towards careers supporting their local communities.

AZCC Urban Forestry Crew Member Position Description

AZCC AmeriCorps members serve a term of National Service in the State of Arizona and parts of the Southwest on professionally supervised crews as they explore a variety of opportunities for careers in the outdoors, learn practical field skills, and develop confidence as emerging leaders in the field of conservation. Members serve in all weather conditions, working on a variety of projects focused on environmental conservation and habitat restoration. Members are expected to complete project work and practice appropriate safety procedures in all areas. This includes safe use of and maintenance of hand and power tools as necessary.

Participants must be willing to be an active member of a team, or crew, of up to eight individuals from different areas and backgrounds who are all interested in conservation.  

Participation and Expedition Behavior: 

·       Work effectively as a leader and team member despite potentially stressful and challenging conditions. This may require problem-solving on an interpersonal or group level and a willingness to accept differences.

·       Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of others for any reason. 

·       Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program, including conservation projects, education, training, and National Service. Members must commit to participating in all crew/team activities, including service days in local communities where applicable.

·       Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization staff. 

·       Have the cognitive ability to learn necessary skills and apply them to carry out the service work requirements effectively. 

·       Appropriately represent the Program and AmeriCorps to the public and project partners at all times

Safety and Judgment: 

·       Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury, or need for assistance. You must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise, such as darkness or high winds. 

·       Effectively perceive, understand, and follow directions from others so that you can successfully execute appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the risk is encountered and must be granted during exposure to the risk. 

·       Stay alert and focused for several hours while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.

·       Perceive and comprehend significant and apparent hazards, including those previously identified by others.  

·       Respond appropriately to stress or crises.

·       If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others.

Environmental Ethics: 

·       Learn and practice 'Leave no Trace' techniques

·       Outdoor Skills and Fitness (where appropriate)

·       Learn and safely perform fundamental travel and work skills appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and appropriately dressed to stay generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries. 

Program Expectations:  

Commitment – AZCC participants must commit to all aspects of the program, including conservation projects, education, training, and other crew activities.

Safety – All participants are required to participate in a culture of safety on their crew during all program activities by being aware of and adhering to program policies, as well as fostering an atmosphere of wellness in the program.

Professionalism – Participants must be willing to follow all AZCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent AZCC. 

Teamwork – Members must be willing to engage in collaboration, respect others, and assist in making group decisions.

Technology – Projects are often in remote locations. The use of technology will be limited.

Substance Free – Participants MUST be willing and able to refrain from tobacco products, alcohol, and/or drugs while participating in the AZCC program.

Training:

The term begins with an intensive leadership training focused on practicing outdoor leadership skills, goal setting, technical and field skills, and understanding AZCC procedures/policies. We approach this training with a train-the-trainer technique. Following leadership training, Corpsmembers will join leaders for orientation. This week-long orientation will include trainings in Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, outdoor living, crew culture and diversity, and goal setting. Depending on project needs, crews have possible specialized opportunities for instruction in herbicide handling, crosscut or chainsaw use, and safety. Informal training will continue throughout the term with on-the-ground skills training in tool maintenance, plant identification, and overview of public land management agencies.

Housing:

AZCC is an independent, non-residential program – we do not provide housing. AZCC will provide the tools, personal protective gear, crew meal budget, and project transportation. Additionally, AZCC has Pro Deals opportunities to receive discounts on some outdoor gear brands.

Schedule:

Applicants should expect the project schedule and type of work to vary. Generally, crews work a Monday through Friday,8-hours/day schedule based out of the AZCC Phoenix Office. The schedule typically includes drive time to and from project sites from the Phoenix base office. Workdays will start with a Job Hazard Analysis safety meeting and a 15-minute warm-up exercise. Days will include two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch.

What We Provide:       

·       Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

·       Transportation from office to projects

·       Budget for meals is provided while in the field

·       Field uniform shirts, work boots & First aid kits

·       Monthly bus pass for transportation from home to the office at member’s request.

You Provide:

·       Work pants

·       Day pack

·       Rain gear

Required Experience

Besides the minimum qualifications listed below, no experience is required for this position.  AZCC will provide training and certifications for all essential tasks. 

Minimum Qualifications:
·       High School Diploma, HS Equivalency Degree (HSED), or commitment to acquiring HSED.
·       Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission for the full duration of term.
·       Willingness to learn and be a part of a dynamic community of peer leaders.
·       Must bring and maintain a positive perspective throughout term.
·       Must respect the dignity and diverse lifestyles of Indigenous people.
·       Must be able to work long days in potentially unfavorable conditions.

Essential Functions:

·       Frequently required to walk long distances.

·       Required to use hands to operate objects, tools, or controls, and to reach with hands and arms.

·       Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements: 

Essential eligibility requirements for the program must be written the same for all positions and, therefore, may not apply directly to your situation. Suppose you are unable to meet specification requirements. In that case, we are unable to provide some accommodating exceptions that alters the program's fundamental nature compromises the health and safety of participants or staff or places an undue financial or administrative burden on the organization. 

In accordance with a drug-free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.

This program is available to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population is eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages.