Overview
Appalachian Conservation Corps 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 an AmeriCorps program, we partner with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. This project provides practical, field-based experience in implementing silvicultural prescriptions in the complex forest types of the Southern Appalachians. Members assist with timber sale contract preparation in the field and prepare or inspect non-commercial silvicultural activity contracts. Under supervision of a professional forester, and using pre-established marking rules, crew members are expected to:
– Select and mark trees to be harvested or left uncut.
– Lay out boundaries of cutting areas as outlined in the environmental planning documents and silvicultural prescriptions, considering variables such as accessibility, steep slopes, stream protection, nesting tree protection, wildlife impacts, fuels management and regeneration requirements.
– Mark or otherwise identify trees using marking rules in locations with additional consideration of species composition, tree timber defect, site quality, age, form class, etc.
– Mark unit boundaries and occasionally utilize GPS to record boundary locations.
– Assist in other aspects of natural resource management, such as performing non-commercial silvicultural activities to promote the growth and vitality of desired tree species.
Crews will meet at the Appalachian Conservation Corps office in Harrisonburg or Augusta County on Monday mornings, travel in a crew vehicle to their project site, and remain in the field for 9 days at a time, followed by 5 days off. Over the course of five months, projects take place across the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia.
During their time in the field, crews perform manual labor on environmental conservation and timber projects in all types of weather conditions for 10 hours each day. This crew will also be trained in and expected to safely use chainsaws, and other trail tools to complete a variety of conservation projects. Most projects require hiking out to remote sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack. When tree-marking paint is utilized, crew members will also be expected to begin hiking with up to 2 gallons of paint added to their packs.
Crews consist of four crew members and two crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. While prior experience with the outdoors or outdoor work can be helpful, it is not a necessity for this position. We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew.
Qualifications:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 30 (exception for veterans up to age 35).
- Have US citizenship or legal permanent residency status.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
- Must have first aid and CPR certification or be willing to earn before the start date.
- Comfortable working independently in remote locations and adverse weather conditions.
Preferred Skills:
Preference for applicants with experience with timber cruising and marking, forest ecology and silviculture, and/or timber stand inventory.
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.
