Join Idaho Conservation Corps this fall to get paid to travel around the Northwest while working as a crew member on various conservation projects. On the job training is provided!

LOCATION(s): Crews travel throughout the state – program starts and ends in Boise, Idaho

BENEFITS: Members receive a living allowance of $2,600 prorated through their term of service, $1,638 AmeriCorps Education Award upon the successful completion of the program.

PROGRAM DATES: 8/18/2021-10/15/2021

QUESTIONS/CONTACT: Cassie Connolly, AmeriCorps and Community Engagement Coordinator, at CassieC@IdahoCC.org.

Organization Background:

Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC) is a program of Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and young adults to become successful, resilient members of their communities. To achieve this, NYC provides a variety of outdoor, conservation-specific programs to youth and young adults throughout the Northwest emphasizing education, leadership, and personal growth.

Since 1984, NYC and its resource management partners have provided opportunities to over 19,000 youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. NYC’s programs serve over 800 youth and young adults annually, with programs operating in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California.

Position Description:

ICC’s young adult programs 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. Our program integrates team-based work projects, education, and on-site vocational training into an experience that prioritizes personal development and conservation work skills. The position is challenging.

• Participants work on physically demanding conservation projects in all-weather types.

• 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

• ICC Leadership Philosophy

• Basic Trail maintenance and Construction

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Crew Management and Motivation

• Risk Management and Safety Procedures

• Conservation Education

• Tool Use and Maintenance

Duties and Responsibilities:

Work Project Participation – Crew Members will be part of a four-person crew led by one staff member. 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. Each crew will have a project specialty and will receive training and certification appropriate to that theme.

Development & Education: - Crew Members participate in informal and formal educational discussions. An Individual Development 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

• Ability to lift 50 lbs., hike several miles, and be on foot for 8-10 hours per day

• 19+ years old

• High School Diploma, GED

• Excellent judgment

• Positive mental attitude, flexibility and commitment to success

• Ability to, give and take feedback

• Ability to pass a criminal history background check

Hours:

Though schedules can vary, most crews will conduct project work Monday through Friday throughout their experience. On Saturday and Sunday, crews will stay together to conduct resupply, shower, do laundry and participate in recreational activities (e.g., a hike). Members must complete a minimum of 450 hours of service, averaging over 50 hours a week - including work, training, education, and travel time — a 30 minute lunch and at least two breaks each day. This 30 minute lunch break does not count toward AmeriCorps member service hours. No vacation time is provided during the 9-week immersive program.

To Apply: Please complete applicant registration materials at http://www.idahocc.org then select APPLY HERE/LOGIN.