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.
Crews will meet at the Appalachian Conservation Corps office in Swoope 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. Projects take place across the Appalachian region, including partnerships with the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and other land managers.
This crew will be trained in and expected to safely use chainsaws and herbicide to complete a variety of sustainable forestry and invasive species removal projects. The crew provides a supportive learning environment where members work with, learn from, and grow with one another while gaining skills and certifications to propel them into a career in environmental stewardship.
During their time in the field, crews perform heavy manual labor on environmental conservation projects in all types of weather conditions for 10 hours each day. Most projects require hiking out to remote sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack.
Crews consist of three 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 that is valid for the entirety of your term or be willing to earn one before the start date.
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.
