Youth Conservation Corps Crew Leader - John Muir National Historic Site

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with John Muir National Historic Site, is seeking 1 Member to contribute to support the Youth Conservation Corp (YCC) Program by leading YCC crew members in a wide variety of field projects alongside NPS Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: 05/20/2024
Estimated End Date: 08/09/2024
*a 12-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: John Muir National Historic Site is the home and fruit ranch once owned and managed by naturalist John Muir and is characterized by three separate park units: a 9 acres fruit orchard and ornamental garden site (House Unit); 350 acres of oak woodland and grassland (Mount Wanda Unit); 1 acre gravesite and orchard (Gravesite Unit).

For more information about John Muir National Historic Site, please visit https://www.nps.gov/jomu/index.htm.

Position Overview: Alongside the YCC Program Manager, the Crew Leader will lead, educate and inspire a team of 4-5 high school students in on-the-ground conservation projects related to trail maintenance and construction, invasive species removal, habitat restoration, historic preservation, and grounds maintenance. The crew leader is responsible for transporting the youth to work sites each day using a government provided vehicle.

The crew leader's scope of responsibilities will include:

• Supervise crew members, facilitate worksite projects, and manage crew workers schedule
• Train and supervise crew members in the safe and proper use of tools and in all aspects of the daily service project (may include invasive weed management, site restoration, historic preservation work, etc.).
• Assist with tool and equipment logistics and maintenance.
• Plan for and carry out environmental education lessons and facilitates team building activities.
• Manage administrative aspects of the crew including, but not limited to, required pre- and post- program paperwork, daily medical and work logs, bi-weekly attendance reporting, and equipment inventories.
• Provide an emotionally and physically safe environment for crew
• Communicate with park staff as required and as needed

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Duties will be carried out Monday-Friday from 7am - 3:30pm. No work on holidays.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $880/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license for 3 years and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Experience working with youth or young adults teaching or environmental education required.
• First/Aid CPR certification required.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website
• https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as conservation work skills or related skills.
• Knowledge of trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening.
• Ability and willingness to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements.
• Ability to work independently and in a team to carry out tasks to completion.
• Effective communication skills with diverse audiences.
• LOCAL candidates are encouraged to apply!

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 40 lbs., or more.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise with hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat, rocky terrain and other environmental conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact Member Manager, Michael Knapp at mknapp@usaconserveration.org.

EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.