Love being outside? Interested in leading a crew while working outdoors, traveling, and camping in a small tight-knit group? If this sounds appealing to you, then CWCC is the place to gain hands-on experience in the trail conservation and outdoor recreation fields. Serve as an AmeriCorps member to build and maintain Connecticut’s 825-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System

Compensation: $405-$480/week living stipend, $250/week additional benefit, Total: $655-$730/Week  (Depenanding on Postion)

Age Requirement: 21-28+ years old as of late May 2025

 AmeriCorps Terms of Service:

Start Dates Ranging from Late April, 2025 -Early June, 2025 

End Dates Ranging from  Mid August, 2025 - Late October, 2025 

(300hr-900hr AmeriCorps on Service term: Depenanding on positon)

Schedule

• Typical schedule is 8 (9- hour) days and 1 (8-hour) day for derig with 5 days off in between.
• Occasionally schedules may differ due to program requirements. 
• Camping overnight during spikes: tents and group camping equipment provided.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Overnight camping while working in remote regions of Connecticut.
• Cooperatively living with other members and performing joint living tasks:
• Create / rehabilitate new trails, and complete other trail conservation projects. 
• Contribute to tool maintenance and group gear cleaning at the end of spikes. 
• Openness to potentially work with a variety of volunteers inside and outside of CFPA. 
• Work in beautiful natural areas in Connecticut and develop an appreciation for their importance.
• Actively participate in work and at the educational opportunities presented to the group. 
• Positively represent CFPA in all interactions. 
• Perform additional duties as needed.
• Follow all CDC and State-mandated guidelines and protocols.

Additional Leader Duties and Responsibilities 

• Mentor, motivate and lead 3-4 crew members and the assistant leader to complete a variety of trail projects in a safe manner including repairs, new construction and tool maintenance.
• Positively establish a safe, fun and inclusive environment for the crew at project site and at camp.
• Oversee camp preparations and ensure all required material / supplies are loaded.
  • Support and encourage an environment in which members thrive.
• Coordinate projects and logistics with staff. 
  • Create clear objectives for project work and clarify to the crew or volunteers.
  • Complete full assessment of the project and determine if it was successful.
• Report all incidents affecting the safety, health, and well‐being of volunteers or crew members.
• Ensure all technical work is up to CFPA standards and positively represent CFPA in all interactions.
• Crew Leader will not include disciplinary action, evaluating crew members, or creating the crew budget.

Benefits

• AmeriCorps  Living Allowance: Ranging from $405-$480 (Depenant on Postion) paid biweekly
• Additional Benefit: $250 paid biweekly
• Food: $10 per day per person while working added to crew food budget 
• Possible student loan forbearance during service and interest payments as an AmeriCorps alum
• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award: Amount Depentant on Lenght of Term  (if eligible and upon successful completion of program) 

What CWCC Can Offer You

• Strong experience for a career in outdoor recreation, conservation, or land management.
• Educational workshops in land conservation and environmental education. 
• Assistance with independent study or internship credit possible.
• Work in beautiful natural areas in Connecticut and develop an appreciation for their importance.
• Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary safety equipment is provided.
• Tents and group camping equipment provided.
• Workers compensation (if injured during work hours).
• Transportation from CFPA Headquarters worksites.
• Trainings / skills you may receive:

• • Wilderness First Aid / Chainsaw use
  • Defensive driving with trailer
  • Leave No Trace
  • Sustainable trail design
  • Hand & power tool safety / use
  • Bridge building
  • Rough carpentry
  • Leadership skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to work in a small, cohesive team.
• Overnight camping experience helpful but not required. 
• Ability to work independently and in a small cohesive team. Demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse race, age, gender, ability, and economic background. 
• Appreciation for the natural world, conservation and outdoor recreation. 
• Ability to hike up to five miles daily and perform work in sometimes steep and uneven terrain while carrying heavy tools and / or personal gear. 
• Willing to work outside in hot or cold weather, while being exposed to sun, rain, insects, etc. 
• Familiarity and/or desire to learn how to operate hand and power tools. 
• Dependable transportation to and from CFPA headquarters.
• A strong commitment to CFPA’s mission.

Additional Leader Skills and Qualifications

• Experience working in an outdoor setting and camping experience.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with people of diverse race, age, gender, ability, and economic background.
• Experience managing project logistics.
• Strong interpersonal skills to ensure a fun, safe and quality crew experience.
• Demonstrated skills in trail maintenance and construction.
• Ability to remain calm and manage emergency situations.
• Valid driver’s license

AmeriCorps Required Qualifications

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
• At least 17 years of age (Please see CFPA/CWCC age requirements).
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps  participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.