BIPOC Affinity Fall Forestry Corpsmember

Mile High Youth Corps provides an experience for young adults to learn from the journey and get paid today while blazing the trail of your future career. Join us for our fall 2023 BIPOC Land Conservation Crew!   BIPOC is an acronym that stands for Black, Indigenous and People of Color. The BIPOC Affinity Crew is for BIPOC-identifying participants (called Corpsmembers) who want to serve alongside others with similar lived experiences while gaining professional skill building in natural resource management. This crew will be led and supported by BIPOC Crew Leaders and staff and be provided with educational opportunities aimed at further understanding and exploring historically marginalized identities. BIPOC Affinity Crew Corpsmembers can share stories, discuss common challenges, innovate solutions to common problems, and explore the field of natural resource management in a safe and supportive environment. Our goal is to promote a more inclusive public lands workforce informed by diverse perspectives and voices The Land Conservation crews are team-based, 13 week-long programs for individuals between the ages 18-24. Land Conservation participants (called Corpsmembers) serve on environmental stewardship projects on public lands throughout the Denver Metro area. Corpsmembers will be enrolled in AmeriCorps—a national community service program. This means, get paid $1,120 biweekly while doing what you love and earn a scholarship of $1718.25. Never had a job outside? Not sure if you like this kind of work? That’s okay! Our goal is to support you with the knowledge and team that you need to be successful. We will provide you with hands-on training related to all projects. All we ask is that you bring your dedication to hard work, a positive attitude, and a commitment to a year you’ll never forget.

Job Overview

BIPOC is an acronym that stands for Black, Indigenous and People of Color. The BIPOC Affinity Crew is for BIPOC-identifying participants (called Corpsmembers) who want to serve alongside others with similar lived experiences while gaining professional skill building in natural resource management. This crew will be led and supported by BIPOC Crew Leaders and staff and be provided with educational opportunities aimed at further understanding and exploring historically marginalized identities. BIPOC Affinity Crew Corpsmembers can share stories, discuss common challenges, innovate solutions to common problems, and explore the field of natural resource management in a safe and supportive environment. Our goal is to promote a more inclusive public lands workforce informed by diverse perspectives and voices

The BIPOC Affinity Crew is part of a team-based, 13 week-long Fall Forestry Program. The crew will complete sawyer projects on public lands through the Denver metro area. Corpsmembers on a sawyer crew operate chainsaws on invasive tree removal and wildland fire mitigation projects. They receive First-Aid/CPR and S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws certifications. Some sawyers will have the opportunity to receive pesticide application training. The use of pesticide is common on invasive tree removal projects.

Special Benefits

• Biweekly Stipend - Earn a living stipend of $1,120 before taxes paid every 2 weeks.
  • Leadership Opportunities available: Corpsmember Drivers are eligible for a living stipend of $1,140. Returning Corpsmembers earn $1,160. More information available on request.
• AmeriCorps Education Award - Earn a scholarship of $1,718.25 upon successful completion of the term (450 hours of service). This award can be used to pay future tuition, pay back qualifying student loans or go on an expedition through a wilderness school! Corpsmembers have 7 years to use the award.
• Student Loan Forbearance - Corpsmembers can apply to put their qualified federal student loans on hold during their term through the National Service Trust.
• Health Insurance - Corpsmembers are eligible for health insurance the 1^st of the month after serving at MHYC for 60 days. Corpsmember contribution required.
• Counseling - Corpsmembers receive up to 4 free mental health counseling sessions per year.
• Networking - Corpsmembers have daily opportunities to network with federal, state and local natural resources professionals and access to a vast alumni network!
• Training – Depending on crew assignments, Corpsmembers will receive training in one or more stewardship skillsets, including S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws (required for sawyers), trail building and maintenance, and pesticide application.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications:

• Between the ages of 18-24.
• High school or GED/HSE graduate or still enrolled.
• Must be eligible for enrollment in AmeriCorps as a US Citizen, National or Lawful Permanent Resident. Documentation will be required on the first day. Must bring identification documents necessary to complete the I-9 and other forms on your first day.
• Must be physically fit, able to lift 50 lbs., spend 8-10 hours a day in all weather conditions (e.g., sun, heat, wind, rain, etc.) and hike 7 miles with a day-pack.
• Able to be on time and maintain consistent attendance throughout term of service. Must commit to complete the program.

Requirements:

• Pre-service National Service Criminal History Check required; this position does not have recurring access to vulnerable populations.
• Corpsmembers must not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement.
• This position reports to Program Coordinator: Land Conservation.
• Service location: 1801 Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80204.