Field Crew Leader

UCC offers lifetime and career-defining opportunities to live and work in Utah, doing hands-on work at the critical intersection of public lands and public use. We offer 3-month to 10-month opportunities through AmeriCorps positions. You’ll live and work in some of the most beautiful places on the planet. The living stipend is modest, and the work is tough. The education award is helpful, and the skills you learn will be substantial. Some days will be long, but in the end, your time in Utah will seem too short. What you take with you will last forever. https://www.usu.edu/ucc/apply/crew-leader

Job Overview

Change the World! Blaze a Career Path! Be Outdoors!

2022 UCC CREW LEADER

(General Field Crews)

The Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) is an AmeriCorps program dedicated to developing the conservation leaders of tomorrow.

Field Office Locations: Logan, Utah | Cedar City, Utah | Moab, Utah

Term of Service Dates: February 16 – November 22, 2022

Schedule: Full-time commitment, hours & schedule vary week to week. Nearly 100% of time is spent on projects in the field.

Application: Submit your application at https://www.usu.edu/ucc/apply/crew-leader

Application review begins immediately and will continue through January 2022. Positions open until filled.

POSITION OVERVIEW & TRAINING

The UCC Crew Leader position focuses on providing opportunities for individuals aspiring to assume a leadership role for a variety of conservation projects. The UCC Crew Leader program term of service is approximately 9 months, spanning 3 field seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall).

The UCC Crew Leader begins their term of service in the Spring as a Crew Leader Candidate (CLC). CLC’s participate in hard skills training and peer-led conservation projects during the Spring season (February – May). Field Staff will provide extra attention to debriefing projects, helping CLC’s refine tool and project techniques, attending to areas of individual growth, and teaching the full responsibilities of the UCC Crew Leader position. Informal training will continue throughout the term of service with on-the-ground skills and project-specific training, as needed.

CLC’s will be evaluated by Field Staff throughout the Spring season. Upon demonstration of essential competencies, CLC’s will be promoted into a UCC Crew Leader role for the Summer and Fall seasons. UCC Crew Leaders may be required to co-lead in collaboration with another Crew Leader during the Summer and Fall seasons depending on project needs.

During the Summer and Fall seasons, UCC Crew Leaders are responsible for facilitating a positive crew member experience by setting an example of enthusiasm throughout work and camp life while leading a 5 to 10-person crew on various conservation-related projects. UCC Crew Leaders provide direct leadership, mentorship, support, and training for their UCC field crew. Crew Leaders are also responsible for upholding UCC values, ensuring that UCC policies and procedures are followed, communicating with project partners, and recording and reporting weekly project outcome data and other documentation.

PROJECTS & SCHEDULE

UCC field crews are assigned to a variety of conservation-related projects across Utah and the intermountain west. Projects may be backcountry (hiking into project site, camping away from vehicle) or front country (driving to project site daily, camping at vehicle, or possibility of non-camping accommodations provided). Projects may be urban (located in a city or town) or rural (located in national parks, forests, etc. with limited access to facilities and resources).

Project work may vary due to seasonality and environmental safety concerns. Projects may include (but are not limited to):

• Trail construction and maintenance
• Invasive species management, including herbicide application
• Habitat restoration
• Fence installation/repair
• Land Management Inventory and Mapping
• Fire fuels reduction
• National Disaster Response efforts
• Community service
• Recreation and facilities maintenance and construction
• Recreation signage repair

Every crew will have unique project and travel schedules. Generally, crews work a 9-day or 4-day,10-hours/day (some days may be up to 12 hours/day) ‘hitch’ schedule, while camping in front and backcountry settings. Typically, crews will have 5 days off or 3 days off in the town of the home base office. There may be instances when the hitch schedule does not allow for the previously listed number of days off between hitches, or crews may be required to have off days near their project location. Crews are respectfully asked to remain flexible regarding hitch and time off scheduling. Crews should expect project schedules and project work to vary. Days will include two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch.

This position could also be deployed for national disaster relief, outside of the region, for multiple weeks at a time.

The Crew Leader position is an AmeriCorps term requiring a full-time, nine-month commitment.

GENERAL INFORMATION

UCC is a non-residential program. Participants must supply their own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, work boots, etc. A recommended gear-list will be provided prior to starting the term of service. UCC will provide project tools, personal protective gear, crew kitchen kit (stove, fuel, cooking and serving supplies) and transportation to and from projects. UCC participants are eligible for pro-deals.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 21 years of age
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Eligible to enroll in an AmeriCorps term of service
• Agree to undergo a National Criminal History Check
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Demonstrated outdoor skills (required)
• Camping experience, including backpacking (required)
• Previous conservation corps, public lands management, or similar experience (preferred)
• Chainsaw experience (preferred)
• Trail maintenance and construction experience (preferred)

• Leadership experience and demonstrated leadership skills
• Experience teaching, training, or mentoring others
• Conflict management & resolution skills in small groups, including a willingness to accept differences
• High degree of maturity & professionalism
• Commitment to personal and professional growth
• Employ proactive, active, and effective communication with crew members and field staff
• Exceptional work ethic and time management skills in completing assigned projects and tasks
• Flexibility – ability and desire to work in a dynamic environment and embrace change
• Ability and willingness to think creatively, adapt, adjust, and problem solve to manage a crew and project assignments (this position could be deployed for national disaster response outside of the region, for multiple weeks at a time)
• Ability and willingness to work a varying and irregular schedule
• Ability, willingness, and desire to live and work out of a tent in all weather conditions
• Willingness and physical ability to work on a variety of conservation projects, which may include 12-hour days using chainsaws, hand tools, applying herbicide, etc.
• Alignment to UCC mission and values of safety, service, community, inclusivity, positivity, and commitment
• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, training, and National Service. Members must commit to participating in all crew activities, including service days in local communities where applicable.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conservation Project Management

• Ensure that UCC policies and procedures are being followed at the project site, camp site, and during travel
• Cultivate a safe and productive working environment
• Ensure that the crew is adequately equipped and prepared for project work and working/living conditions, including working through inclement weather and working and living in backcountry settings
• Provide primary in-field leadership to accomplish daily/weekly project outcomes
• Proactively communicate with UCC field staff and project partners about project goals, progress, techniques, problems, etc.
• Ensure that the crew has essential information, tools, and supplies to complete assigned project work, travel to project site, and camp near project site.

2. Crew Member Mentorship

• Provide in-field guidance, training, and direction to crew members
• Facilitate positive crew dynamics and a communicative atmosphere
• Facilitate conflict management and resolution within the crew
• Document crew member incidents, behaviors related to policy violations, and disciplinary action; report to field staff in an appropriate and timely manner
• Cultivate a supportive learning environment while on hitch

3. Documentation & Reporting

• Timely completion of documentation and reporting as assigned by UCC field staff including, but not limited to:
• o Weekly Progress Reporting

o Vehicle Inspection

o Daily Safety logs

o Incident reports

o Crew Member check-ins and evaluations

o Debrief notes

o Tool and equipment logs

o Rig-up/De-rig scheduling

4. UCC Program Leadership

• Collaborate with co-leaders and field staff to plan, organize, and implement UCC program components, including but not limited to: o Summer and Fall crew member trainings

o Crew rig-up/de-rig

o Crew debriefs

o Acting professionally and with a high level of maturity in the front line of uncertainty and discomfort, employing skills of motivation, problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability

o Conducting risk assessment and management at UCC project and campsites

o Giving and receiving constructive feedback with field staff in a timely manner

BENEFITS

• AmeriCorps Living Allowance of $825.00 paid twice per month for Spring; Increased to $975.00 paid twice per month for Summer and Fall.
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, $6,345.00 (available upon successful completion of term)
• Health Insurance benefit of up to $100.00 a month on new plans through the Marketplace on Healthcare.gov
• Forbearance on qualifying student loans while in service
• Conservation Leadership Training and Experience
• Wilderness First Responder Certification
• Option to qualify through UCC National USFS Chainsaw Program as an A faller, apprentice sawyer
• Utah Non-commercial Pesticide Applicator License
• Member Assistance Program

TO APPLY

Complete the UCC Online Application found at https://www.usu.edu/ucc/apply/crew-leader

You are required to attach a resume, and a list of 3 professional references (phone and email) to the online application. Application will continue through January 2022. Positions open until filled.

Utah Conservation Corps is an equal opportunity program. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran, or disabled status. UCC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for application and service with our programs.

UCC’s Zero Tolerance Policies

The following behaviors will result in immediate termination. At no time may the UCC AmeriCorps member:

• Engage in activities that pose a significant safety risk to others or physically or emotionally damage members of the program, or community such as harassment, hostile work environment, or bullying
• Possess, consume, or be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol during the performance of service activities or while living and working at the UCC project site, camp site, or in UCC vehicles (which includes showing up to work hung over)
• Fail to notify the UCC of a criminal arrest or conviction during their term of service.

Special Benefits

BENEFITS

• AmeriCorps Living Allowance of $825.00 paid twice per month for Spring; Increased to $975.00 paid twice per month for Summer and Fall.

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, $6,345.00 (available upon successful completion of term)

• Health Insurance benefit of up to $100.00 a month on new plans through the Marketplace on Healthcare.gov

• Forbearance on qualifying student loans while in service

• Conservation Leadership Training and Experience

• Wilderness First Responder Certification

• Option to qualify through UCC National USFS Chainsaw Program as an A faller, apprentice sawyer

• Utah Non-commercial Pesticide Applicator License

• Member Assistance Program

Minimum Requirements

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

 • At least 21 years of age

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

• Eligible to enroll in an AmeriCorps term of service

• Agree to undergo a National Criminal History Check

• Have a high school diploma or GED

• Demonstrated outdoor skills (required)

• Camping experience, including backpacking (required)

• Previous conservation corps, public lands management, or similar experience (preferred)

• Chainsaw experience (preferred)

 • Trail maintenance and construction experience (preferred)

• Leadership experience and demonstrated leadership skills

• Experience teaching, training, or mentoring others

• Conflict management & resolution skills in small groups, including a willingness to accept differences

• High degree of maturity & professionalism

• Commitment to personal and professional growth

• Employ proactive, active, and effective communication with crew members and field staff

• Exceptional work ethic and time management skills in completing assigned projects and tasks

• Flexibility - ability and desire to work in a dynamic environment and embrace change

• Ability and willingness to think creatively, adapt, adjust, and problem solve to manage a crew and project assignments (this position could be deployed for national disaster response outside of the region, for multiple weeks at a time)

• Ability and willingness to work a varying and irregular schedule

• Ability, willingness, and desire to live and work out of a tent in all weather conditions

• Willingness and physical ability to work on a variety of conservation projects, which may include 12-hour days using chainsaws, hand tools, applying herbicide, etc.

• Alignment to UCC mission and values of safety, service, community, inclusivity, positivity, and commitment

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