Overview
Position Summary:
Leader Development Program (LDP) is a two-phase program Initiative designed to prepare crew members for roles as crew leaders or assistant crew leaders with SECC during the summer, fall 2025 seasons, and beyond.
Phase one: Participants will focus on orientation, training, and skill development. This includes honing leadership abilities, receiving, technical trail building, camp life training, and learning project management essentials. As a crew member during this time, you will also get the opportunity to be the assistant crew lead (ACL). This role will rotate among the crew members each hitch.
Phase two: Implementation and continued leadership development as a crew leader or assistant crew leader during the 2025 summer/fall seasons at SECC. In late May, CLDPs will transition to co-leading our summer programs. Crews will complete various conservation and community projects within the greater southeast region.
Service Project:
Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC) and The Natchez Trace Parkway have partnered to host a Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail rehabilitation crew. The crew will be based out of SECCs Chattanooga, TN office and travel to The Natchez Trace Parkway to primarily focus on rehabilitation projects along the Ridgeland section of the parkway in and around Jackson, MS. The crew will be managed by the Trail Program Coordinator and collaboratively aid in these pre-identified restoration projects. During their time in the field, crew members camp overnight and serve outdoors in all weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects. Most projects require hiking out to project sites for the day with tools, equipment, and a day pack. Projects can include the following, but are not limited to:
Repair or replace trail bridges and boardwalks
Trail construction and maintenance
Corridor clearing
Invasive species removal
Replace equestrian hitching posts
Repair or install water structures along trails
Signage installation and repaint blazes
Habitat restoration
Fence installation and repair
Community Service
Required Skills:
Must be between ages 18 and 30, and up to 35 if a military veteran.
Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident
Must be cleared through a check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry, as well as state and federal Criminal History Checks
Must have a high school diploma, GED, or agree to work toward attaining either during term of service
Must be over the age of 21 or have possessed a driver’s license for 3 or more years without any restrictions (to pass minimum insurability requirements)
Preferred Skills:
General comfort with and prior experience in outdoor environments.
About Southeast Conservation Corps
Empowering young adults to cultivate compassion, responsibility, and grit through community service, hard work, and environmental stewardship.
Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC), a program of Conservation Legacy, is a non-profit, AmeriCorps-affiliated organization. SECC selects young adults, ages 18-30, to complete conservation work projects on public lands throughout the Southeast. SECC programs encourage environmental stewardship, foster community partnerships, & emphasize experiential learning. SECC serves a diverse population that is representative of the Southeast, including youth, graduates, veterans, and a cross-section of ethnicities and income levels.
