Overview
Position Title: AmeriCorps Crew Leader – Conservation Crew
Location: Based out of Harrisonburg, VA
Compensation: $675 per week ($500 living stipend + $175 additional benefit)
Terms of Service
Start Date: February 16th 2026
End Date: May 12th OR August 18th 2026
AmeriCorps Education Award: Upon successful completion of service term: 450 hour term – $1,956.35; 900 hour term – $3,697.50
Multiple positions available.
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
Description of Duties
The AmeriCorps Crew Leader (ACL) is a full partner in the crew’s leadership, helping to communicate directions, projects specifications and constructive criticism throughout the term. This position requires open dialog with the staff crew leader, helping them to manage projects, project partners communications, overall logistics, and crew assignments.
It means more than just showing up and doing the work; it means setting an example of how to work hard with great enthusiasm through all kinds of conditions while practicing good judgement and safety. It means facilitating learning experience for crew members, both formally and informally. This position may require additional participation time outside of standard project and crew hours.
Projects take place across the Appalachian Region, including partnerships with the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and other land managers. During their time in the field, leaders camp overnight and work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, performing heavy manual labor related to environmental conservation and restoration projects.
Crews may work in a variety of areas including habitat restoration, invasive species treatment, visitor access and developed recreation improvements, trail construction and maintenance, re-vegetation, tree planting, and more. The crew provides a supportive learning environment where members work with, learn from, and grow with one another while gaining skills to propel them into a career in environmental stewardship.
Qualifications:
Be between the ages of 18 and 30 (exception for veterans up to age 35).
Be a United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident.
Have received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
Must hold current Basic First Aid with CPR/AED certification or higher, or be willing to receive certification prior to start date.
Over the age of 21 or have possessed a driver’s license for 3 or years more without any restrictions
Required Skills:
Willingness to participate in community-building activities and solution-oriented problem solving with peer leaders.
Experience with backpacking, wilderness living and travel, LNT principles.
Preferred Skills:
Understanding of and experience with the mission and field management considerations of conservation corps and public land agencies.
Technical trails, carpentry, or chainsaw experience.
Background with experiential and/or environmental education.
Facilitation and team-building experience with groups of people.
Strong conflict resolution skills.
Current Wilderness First Aid Certification with CPR/AED.
About Appalachian Conservation Corps
Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As a corps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations. Our programs focus on service, place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.
