Overview
Service Project:
Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC) and the City of Chattanooga have partnered to host an In-town (day crew) Urban Forestry Crew with funding for this project provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with the City of Chattanooga. The crew will be managed by the City of Chattanooga’s Natural Resources Department and collaboratively aid in pre-identified restoration projects with a focus on riparian/stream buffer restoration through invasive species removal and native planting. Crew members will participate in a program that combines training and education with impactful conservation and service projects throughout the local area. The In-town crew will work in frontcountry locations in all types of weather conditions. As such, members should be open to adapting to various climates. Crew Members should effectively learn and apply new environmental conservation skills/restoration skills/outdoor-living skills, actively participate in environmental education activities, practice appropriate safety procedures in all tasks assigned, and use, maintain and repair hand and power tools as necessary.
The crew will engage in physically demanding manual labor to support environmental conservation and restoration efforts. Service projects will vary depending on seasonal factors and environmental safety considerations, with a primary focus on invasive species management. While the staff at SECC and partners strive to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change per project needs. However, tasks may also include, but are not limited to:
Riparian buffer restoration
Tree, shrub, and perennial planting
Tree maintenance (watering, pruning, etc)
Herbicide application
Planting procedures
Hand weeding
Gardening/landscaping
Bank stabilization
Chainsaw use
Community service
Qualifications:
Orientation and Training:
Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
Trainings related to Urban Forestry service projects
Proper tree planting and young tree care practices
Wilderness First Aid
Chainsaw
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 and provide primary documentation to support this
Must be cleared through an acceptable 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
Preferred Skills:
Preferred Qualification: 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.
