Overview
Crew Leaders (CLs) will lead 4–10 person crews on various conservation-related projects. CLs are responsible for facilitating a positive crew member experience by setting an example of enthusiasm throughout work and camp life. They provide leadership, mentorship, support, and training for their crew. They are expected to uphold and follow UCC’s values, ensure policies and procedures are followed, communicate with project partners, and record and report weekly project outcome data and other documentation.
The CL term of service is approximately 10 months, spanning 3 field seasons (Spring, Summer, and Fall). This position involves frequent travel, camping, irregular hours, and a varying weekly schedule. The AmeriCorps Crew Leaders will be supervised by the UCC Field Staff.
UCC operates three field seasons throughout the year. During spring, CLs begin with intensive training in conservation, leadership, outdoor living, and Wilderness First Responder certification. The remainder of the Spring season is dedicated to development through experience, hands-on training, and peer-led project work. During this time, CLs become familiar with their responsibilities, learn proper tool use and techniques, and participate in conservation projects under the leadership of Field Logistics Technicians (FLTs) and supervision of field staff. Upon demonstration of essential competencies, CLs will assume responsibility for leadership of crews for the Summer and Fall season. CLs may be assigned to co-leadership duties, depending on project needs.
Crews serve on projects in a variety of locations. Field projects may be backcountry (hiking into the project site, camping away from a vehicle) or front country (driving to the project site daily, camping at the vehicle, or non-camp lodging). Projects may be urban (located in a city or town) or rural (located in national parks, forests, etc. with limited access to facilities and services). Project work will vary due to seasonality and environmental safety concerns.
Projects may include (but are not limited to):
• Trail construction and maintenance
• Invasive species management, including herbicide application
• Habitat restoration
• Fence installation/repair/removal
• Land management inventory and mapping
• Recreational facilities maintenance and construction
• Recreation signage repair
• Community service
• National disaster response efforts
Every crew will have unique projects and travel schedules. Crews may be on ‘hitch’ for 4-14 days, working 10- hours/day (some days may be up to 12 hours/day), while camping in front and backcountry settings. Typically, crews will have 3-5 days off between hitches. Crews should expect project schedules and project work to vary.
Crew Leaders may be deployed on AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team mission assignments to support preparedness, response, and recovery activities in communities impacted by disasters.
Qualifications:
• Demonstrated outdoor/camping skills
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Eligible to enroll in an AmeriCorps term of service
• Pass a National Service Criminal History Check
Required Skills:
• Experience with group communication, conflict management, and resolution
• Adaptability in an environment with irregular and changing schedules
• Maturity and self-motivation, with a commitment to personal and professional growth
• Alignment with UCC’s mission and values of safety, service, community, inclusivity, positivity, and engagement
• 3 months leadership or supervisory experience in a team or crew-based setting
Preferred Skills:
• Trail maintenance and construction experience
• Chainsaw training and experience
• Previous experience in conservation corps, public lands management, or work in similar fields
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with administrators, supervisors, and peers
• Experience and demonstrated leadership in diverse settings
About Utah Conservation Corps
The Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) is an AmeriCorps program dedicated to developing the conservation leaders of tomorrow. We engage in projects throughout the state of Utah that address goals relating to environmental conservation, building leadership, strengthening education on local issues, providing hands-on training and skills to members, all while building the next generation of America’s workforce. Our vision is to create thriving communities and conserve the natural heritage of Utah and the Intermountain West. The UCC supports Utah’s pride in our tradition of service and volunteerism to get things done.
