Telluride Open-Space Strike Team: Crew Member

This experience will be the story you remember forever.

Job Overview

About the Utah Conservation Corps

The Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) is an AmeriCorps program dedicated to developing the conservation leaders of tomorrow. We’re a non-residential AmeriCorps program composed of AmeriCorps members, staff, and partners dedicated to service to our community, environment, and regions requiring disaster response efforts. Additionally, as an organization, we seek to provide a more welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and experience levels to ensure a healthy, vibrant, innovative, and sustainable corps. Our goals are to encourage and support more diverse populations serving in an inclusive environment within the UCC and to recognize where we fall short and address our shortcomings.

Position Overview

• Position: AmeriCorps Crew Member, Telluride Open-Space Strike Team
• Field Office Location: Moab, Utah (Work is based out of Telluride, CO)
• Term of Service Dates:
  • Summer (450 hr. term): June 1 – August 19, 2023
• Schedule: Full-time commitment, hours & schedule vary week to week. Majority of time is spent on projects in the field.
• Application: Complete the following application (see more details below) https://usu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5AUNlCReMFdmloy

Crew Members work and live outdoors as part of a field crew in service to public lands and the communities that surround them. This specialized crew will work for the duration of the summer based in the town of Telluride, Colorado. Members will have the option to use the camping facility on-site for their days off (excluding festival black-out dates).  The crew’s base will be in a front country setting with access to bathrooms and shower facilities.  The crew members will be trained in safe and proper tool use, project techniques, and outdoor living. Training topics will include chainsaw and hand tool use, project techniques, and first aid. This position differs from our summer field crews in that the members will be working with a single project partner based in Telluride, CO during their service.  This position involves frequent travel, camping, irregular hours, and a varying weekly schedule.

Projects & Schedule

The Telluride Open-Space Strike Team members will live and work in the beautiful town of Telluride Colorado, serving with the local open space group as small team of three. The primary activity will be working with Telluride’s Open Space Rangers to remove noxious weeds (primarily Canada and musk thistle, oxeye daisy, and yellow toadflax) on the Valley Floor Open Space. The project includes manual mitigation and pulling, reseeding affected areas, and using applications of a bio-remedy consisting of the ash of the roots of oxeye daisy and Canada thistle.  Other activities will include assisting the Open-Space staff with trail work, historic structure preservation, and trail signage.

Crews should expect schedules and project work to vary. Crews generally work Monday- Friday and can choose to travel back to the Moab office or camp in Telluride on their off days, with the exception of festival dates. Days will include two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch. The 30-minute lunch break does not count toward member service hours.

This position is an AmeriCorps term of service that requires a full-time commitment (about 45 hours per week).

Who Are You?

We are looking for individuals who:

• Are service-oriented and committed to public lands and the environment of the Intermountain West and are also willing to commit to personal and professional growth while in service
• Have the desire to work in a dynamic environment and embrace change, whether it be project assignments, weather conditions, schedules, fellow crew member assignments, etc.
• Wish to develop a constructive, solutions-based attitude while learning to become more flexible, mature, and dedicated to proactive and professional conflict management and communication
• Recognize that you will work with others who see the world differently and are willing to accept those differences in alignment with UCC’s mission and values of safety, service, community, inclusivity, positivity, and commitment.

Qualifications (this is an ENTRY LEVEL POSITION)

• Ability to live outdoors and work on a variety of conservation projects, which may include 12- hour days using chainsaws, hand tools, applying herbicide, moving through uneven terrain, etc. in a variety of environmental conditions. UCC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to serve with our programs.
• Willing and able to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, training, and National Service as they are assigned
• Commitment to personal and professional growth
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs. repeatedly and use hand tools
• At least 18 years of age
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
• Eligible to enroll in an AmeriCorps term of service
• Must undergo and pass a criminal history check
• Have a high school diploma or GED or work towards obtaining one while in the program
• Adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement

Note: 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. Crew Members receive a living allowance for supplying their own food and securing their own housing. 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.

Why Work For Us?

Professional Development

This is an entry-level position. The UCC is a career exploration program. Members will gain skills and certifications that help you become highly employable in public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Through this experience, you’ll find a new level of grit and determination by working long hours, oftentimes in challenging conditions. In the end, you will know you can conquer the hardest obstacles life can throw at you.

This is collaborative work; members will learn to work as a team in areas you might otherwise not have visited, and with people you may have otherwise not met. You will also have the opportunity to network with project partners, thereby developing possible future employment opportunities.

Compensation & Benefits

• AmeriCorps Living Allowance:
  • 450 hr. term (Summer): $815 paid twice per month

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award:
  • 450 hr. term: $1,718.25 (available upon successful completion of term)
    • Learn more about how you can use your Education Award https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps- education-award
  • Wilderness First Aid Certification (~$250 value)
  • USFS National Chainsaw training
  • Forbearance on qualifying student loans while in service
  • Member Assistance Program (a mental wellness program)
  • Other certifications as work requires
  • 450hr member – $75 uniform/boot reimbursement

To Apply

Complete the UCC Online Application found at https://usu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5AUNlCReMFdmloy

Please attach a resume and a list of 3 professional references (phone and email) to the online application. Positions open until filled.

Research shows that candidates from underrepresented populations often don’t apply for positions if they don’t meet most of the position qualifications and skillsets. This is an entry-level position with training provided, if you are interested, we strongly encourage you to apply!

Diversity Statement

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, campsite, or in UCC vehicles (which includes showing up to work hungover)
• Fail to notify the UCC of a criminal arrest or conviction during their term of service