Overview
Service Project:
SECC and the Cherokee National Forest have partnered to host a Stream Restoration Felling & Rigging Crew. The crew will be based out of SECC’s office in Chattanooga, TN and travel to complete conservation service projects along the Citico Creek Watershed and other streams in the Cherokee National Forest. The crew will be managed by the Cherokee National Forest and will support their fisheries biologists and hydrologists.
Crew members will collaborate as a team to assist in activities that support native fish and other important aquatic resources on the Cherokee National Forest, TN. The primary focus of the season will be habitat improvement through strategic wood placement on select streams utilizing grip hoist rigging techniques and chainsaws to selectively place trees into stream channels.
During their time in the field, crew members camp overnight and serve outdoors in all weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor to complete conservation and restoration projects. Most projects require hiking through difficult terrain while carrying gear (up to 50lbs) to remote work sites for the day. We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew.
Project Duties:
With appropriate training and under the guidance of a crew leader, use tools (chainsaws, grip hoist, hand tools, pulleys, levers) to place trees into streams to create woody habitat structures for aquatic species. Although orientations will be implemented, applicants with a strong background in chainsaw felling and rigging are encouraged to apply.
Transport gear (up to 50lbs/crew member) daily across difficult terrain
Collaborate as a team with a high degree of coordination and communication
Keep a positive attitude and follow directions while conducting physically demanding projects, often in inclement weather.
Maintain equipment and report maintenance/equipment needs to supervisor.
Collaborate on field design and implementation of structures to enhance stream morphology.
Operate in areas with no cellular service.
Perform all duties with safety as top priority.
Maintain a high level of integrity while in the field.
Required Skills:
United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
Must be between ages 18 and 30, or up to 35 if a military veteran.
Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check
Preferred Skills:
General comfort with and prior experience in outdoor environments.
Current A Bucker USFS recognized chainsaw certification and experience using chainsaws in moderately complex situations
Experience using grip hoists, hand tools, pulleys, levers, or other comparable tools
Ability to quickly acquire skills and learn new techniques
Ability to cooperate in a team with varied skills, abilities, and perspectives
Willing to spend long days in challenging environments
About Southeast Conservation Corps
Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC), operates conservation service programs throughout the Southeast that focus on meeting the needs of the natural landscapes while empowering youth and adults to cultivate compassion, responsibility, and life skills through community service, hard work, and land stewardship.
Building upon the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, we are focused on connecting people to the natural world through conservation-based service learning, personal development, and recreation.
