Title: Camping Youth Crew Member

Starting Salary: $15 per hour, paid bi-weekly

Location: Uwharrie National Forest, North Carolina

Dates: Session 1: June 12th -June 30th

Session 2: July 10th- July 28th

Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal

Benefit Eligible: None per Personnel Policies

Questions? Contact: Youth Program Coordinator Jackie Meyer jmeyer@conservationlegacy.org

Conservation Corps North Carolina:

The mission of the Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) is to empower young adults through meaningful outdoor work that benefits North Carolina’s land and water and creates healthy communities.

CCNC is a program of Conservation Legacy that partners with public land managers in North Carolina to engage motivated young adults (ages 15-30) to complete challenging and impactful conservation service projects throughout the state.

Position Summary:

The Youth Crew Member position is an entry-level role, prior experience with the outdoors and outdoor work can be helpful but is not a requirement for this position. The crew will consist of 6 youth (age 15-18) crew members and 2 crew leaders. The crew will work with the Forest Service in the Uwharrie National Forest on projects that may include trail construction & maintenance, habitat improvement, improvements to recreation access, re-vegetation, and much more. Additional educational and professional development opportunities are also included.

This program focuses on engaging diverse youth in meaningful learning and service opportunities. We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew. The crew will have the opportunity to understand the value of hard work, the contributions their work will make to public lands, and the need to focus on safety and excellence in all aspects of the project.

This is a residential program comprised of two, 3-week sessions. The dates of the sessions are either June 12th-June 30th or July 10th- July 28th. Participants will camp in the field for the entire three-week session under the guidance, facilitation, and supervision of the Crew Leaders and CCNC Staff. The crew will work 8-hour days, completing hands-on conservation service projects Monday-Friday. The participants will be expected to assist in camp chores and daily crew meals after the workday. Members are encouraged to have their own personal gear and equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.) though it is not required. Loaner equipment may be available for the season. A gear list will be emailed to members upon acceptance to the program, allowing time to properly prepare for the experience. All food and cooking gear is provided for the entire program.

Prior to the start date, selected members must complete an online enrollment process. This includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, getting parental/guardian signatures on paper forms (for members under 18). For those with limited access to online platforms, accommodations may be available and can be discussed in the interview process. Participants who are 18 years of age will be asked to complete a background check.

Crew Life:

On the first day of service each crew member and guardians will meet at the Uwharrie National Forest district office (789 Biscoe Road, Troy, NC 27371) and will be picked up from the same location upon completion of service. The crew will have cell service to stay connected with family and friends, but they will be expected to spend the entire three weeks in the forest without leaving on the weekends. If a crew member should need to leave for any reason, CCNC will coordinate with the parent/guardian on pick up procedure.

CCNC supports a culture of feedback and growth. Crew Members will set goals at the beginning of the season and review their performance throughout their season through formal and informal check-ins, self-evaluations, and review with their Crew Leader.

Benefits:

• $15/hour for service project work, 40 hours per week, paid bi-weekly.
• Member Assistance Program- 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist.
• Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary safety equipment are provided.
• On-the-job training

Essential Responsibilities and Functions:

Safety: Perform work with an unwavering commitment to safety in every aspect of the crew’s work. Effectively perceive, understand, and follow directions to manage hazards.

Fitness: Willing to perform manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects; work long days outdoors in all types of weather. May be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl on an infrequent basis.

Commitment: Members must make a strong commitment to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education training, and group debriefs.

Teamwork: Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level and a willingness to accept differences. Support the creation of a positive team environment that nurtures personal growth.

Technology: The use of technology, including cell phones, is not allowed during work hours.

Professionalism: Members must be willing to appropriately represent the CCNC program. Actively participate in environmental education activities.

Substance Free: In accordance with a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in program activities and while on organization property.

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements

Essential eligibility requirements for the program must be met. If you are unable to meet certain requirements, we may be able to assist you with some modification unless it alters the fundamental nature of the program, compromises the health and safety of participants or staff, or places an undue financial or administrative burden on the organization. These requirements are written the same for all positions and therefore may not apply directly to your position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment.
• Current high school student (or equivalent), recent graduate, or GED
• Must be between the ages of 15 and 18, and a US citizen. You must be 15 years old or older before the start of the program and cannot turn 19 years old before its end.

If you have any questions about the program, concerns about gear, transportation, or otherwise please contact YCC Program Coordinator Jackie Meyer (jmeyer@conservationlegacy.org).