POSITION: AmeriCorps Crew Member

LOCATION: Based out of Lake Wenatchee, WA. Crews camp together onsite for their entire session so local housing is not required. The Women's Crew will spend a large majority of the season at Mount Rainier National Park, but other project locations may include national forests, national parks, and wilderness areas throughout Washington.

DATES: July 11, 2023 - September 15, 2023

QUESTIONS/CONTACT: Emily Siegel, Member Services Coordinator: emilys@nwyouthcorps.org.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Since 1984, Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) and Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC), a non-profit organization, have given tens of thousands of youth and young adults opportunities to learn, grow, and experience success. Through partnerships with conservation agencies, youth and young adults gain the personal and professional skills needed to carry out a variety of stewardship projects, from which they can earn a stipend, high school credit, and/or an AmeriCorps educational award. More importantly, these young people gain skills needed to become economically and socially self-sufficient, benefit their communities as citizen stewards, and recognize that they can make a positive difference.

Position Description:

NYC's young adult crews are innovative AmeriCorps service programs designed to provide hands-on training and experience to those interested in pursuing employment with conservation corps, land and water resource management agencies, and other outdoor careers. The Women's Crew provides a team-based atmosphere for women to use team-based work projects, education, and on-site vocational training to build personal development and conservation work skills, and become future leaders across the conservation movement.

This position is both challenging and rewarding:

• Participants work on physically demanding conservation projects in all kinds of weather and terrain.
• Our program is a highly structured immersive experience, in an environment that does not allow for much independent time away from the crew, time in "civilization," or access to electrical power.

• We focus intentionally on the concept of community within our crews, which means we focus on being present with one another and do not use cell phones until after 8PM each evening (we intentionally "unplug").
  
• Participants engage in many group activities each day to help the crew function, including meal prep, water treatment, and tool maintenance, followed by a family-style dinner and formal educational sessions.
  
• Participants are actively mentored and empowered by their leader and expected to take on increasing leadership roles within the crew, including acting as a "leader of the day/week" by the end of the program.

Through these challenging and rewarding experiences, our programs consistently help members become resilient, disciplined, empathetic and strong. A high value is placed upon interpersonal dynamics and the development of robust workplace skillsets.

Training/Professional Development:

Participants are provided a comprehensive training during their term of service. Training will not exceed 20% of total member service hours. Depending on your crew's projects, training MAY cover the following topics:

• USDA Chainsaw/Crosscut operation and maintenance
• NYC Leadership Philosophy
• Basic Trail maintenance and Construction
• Crew Management and Motivation
  Conservation Education
  Risk Management and Safety Procedures
  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  Driver Training
  Tool Use and Maintenance
  First Aid
  Anaphylaxis training

Duties and Responsibilities:

Work Project Participation - Crew Members will be part of a four or five-person crew led by one Crew Leader, all of which are female-identifying. Crew Members are responsible for the safe completion of assigned projects promptly to predetermined specifications under the direction of their Crew Leader. They work closely with program staff and other participants, paying specific attention to safe workplace practices, proper tool use, work quality, and efficiency. Participants will work on high priority conservation projects for land management partners like the Forest Service, BLM, and Bureau of Reclamation. Some crews may be focused on the construction of bridges and kiosks, while others focus on the restoration of at-risk landscapes and watersheds. Other projects may include fuels reduction or GIS mapping and surveys.

Development & Education: - Crew Members participate in informal and formal educational discussions. A Participant Success Plan will be created by each member to foster self-improvement and reflection throughout the program. Participants will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials.

Required Qualifications:

• Desire to learn and grow
• 19+ years old
  Female-identifying
  High School Diploma or GED
  Ability to lift 50 lbs., hike several miles, and be on foot for 8-10 hours per day
• Positive mental attitude, flexibility and commitment to success
• Excellent judgment
• Ability to listen, give and take feedback
  Desire to go the extra mile to make a positive impact on oneself, others and the environment
  Ability to pass a criminal history background check
  

BENEFITS:

Members receive a living allowance of $5,512 along with a $1,718.25 AmeriCorps Education Award upon the successful completion of the program. Learn more about additional benefits here https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/your-benefits

HOURS:

Though schedules can vary, most crews will conduct project work Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, crews will stay together to conduct resupply, shower, do laundry and participate in recreational activities (e.g., hike). Members must complete a minimum of 450 hours of service including: work, training, education, and travel time, a 30 minute lunch and at least two breaks each day. This 30 minute lunch break, along with activities such as setting up camp, meal prep, cleaning and crew down time, does not count toward AmeriCorps member service hours. No vacation time is provided during the 10-week immersive program.

Northwest Youth Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Our core purpose is to provide opportunities for youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. We believe diversity is a key source of strength for our communities, and we strive to create a safe and empowering environment for participants from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. We are deeply invested in the success of youth and young adults of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, economic statuses, or other socio-cultural identifiers.

In accordance with 45CFR 2520.65, AmeriCorps members may not perform prohibited service activities directly or indirectly by recruiting, training, or managing others for the primary purpose of engaging in the activities. Prohibited service activities are outlined in the Service Agreement and AmeriCorps member manual.

To Apply More information and link to apply can be found at information can be found at nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com