Reports to: Crew Leader, Program Coordinator  

Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Housing not provided while off hitch) 

Season Dates: 05/26/2025-09/12/2025 

*Leader training week: 5/26/2025-5/30/2025 Southeast Conservation Corps Office, Chattanooga, TN 

Status: Full-time, exempt, seasonal, 16-week- 450-hour AmeriCorps National Service position  

Stipend: $450/week AmeriCorps living allowance, plus $200/week additional benefit ($650/week total, pre-tax, disbursed bi-weekly) 

AmeriCorps Award: $1,956.35 AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful program completion 

Other Benefits: Public Land Corps Hiring Authority Certificate (upon successful completion of hours), food & transportation provided while in the field, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment, and other professional development opportunities when available.   

Crew Structure: 1 Crew Leader, 1 Assistant Crew Leader, 4 Crew Members 

About Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC):   
Empowering youth and adults to cultivate compassion, responsibility and life skills through community service, hard work and land stewardship.    

SECC, a program of Conservation Legacy, is a non-profit affiliated with AmeriCorps. We engage youth (age 15-17) and young adults (ages 18-30, up to 35 for veterans) in service projects on public lands throughout the Southeast. Our programs provide impactful educational and service opportunities that benefit both communities and landscapes. SECC’s participants reflect the population of the Southeast region, including youth, graduates, veterans, and individuals from various ethnic and economic backgrounds. SECC is also an active member of the AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team (A-DRT), and selected crews may be deployed on disaster response projects lasting up to 30 days.  

SECC collaborates with land management agencies such as the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, State Parks, local municipalities, and non-profits to host day and camping crews. Our projects include trail construction and maintenance, restoration of natural areas, invasive species removal, fire fuels reduction, fencing, herbicide applications, and more. Most projects involve strenuous manual labor and require hiking to and from the project sites daily, carrying tools and day packs.  

    

SECC camping crews serve in frontcountry and backcountry locations, often in challenging weather conditions. While hitch schedules vary by project and location, they typically will follow a 4-day on, 3-day off pattern, with 10-hour shifts and scheduled breaks throughout the day. While we aim to maintain consistency, flexibility is expected as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change based on project needs.      

    

SECC is an independent, non-residential program, and crew members are responsible for securing their own housing when not in the field. On-hitch, crews manage camp chores and prepare all their own meals, with evenings often including group discussions. Members must provide their own personal outdoor gear (e.g., tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots), while SECC provides group camp equipment, tools, protective gear and transportation between project locations and crew cache location within the park.     

    

  

Position Summary 

The AmeriCorps Assistant Crew Leader (ACL) is responsible for facilitating a positive Crew Member experience. The ACL is a full partner in the crew’s leadership, helping to communicate directions, projects specifications and constructive criticism throughout the term.  This position requires open dialog with the Staff Crew Leader; helping them to manage projects, project partners communications, overall logistics, and crew assignments. Our program model fosters a supportive learning environment where participants can maximize their opportunities to grow and develop while gaining certifications to propel them into a career in environmental stewardship. It also creates an intentional space for groups that are under-represented to step into conservation and natural resource management. 

• It means more than just showing up, it means setting an example of how to persevere with great enthusiasm through all kinds of conditions while practicing good judgement and safety. It means facilitating a learning experience for Crew Members, both formally and informally.  This position may require additional participation time outside of standard project and crew hours.   

• This position will be coached and mentored by an SECC Staff Crew Leader. ACLs are responsible for maintaining SECC’s high standards for technical projects and hands-on member growth, managing projects and implementing feedback among crew members. The ACL Position is a key development opportunity designed to identify and overcome challenges in leadership through a hands-on leadership role in conjunction with close mentorship from the Staff Crew Leader. Qualified candidates will identify growth plans and assist the Staff Crew Leader in administrative functions.  

Service Project:   

SECC and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have partnered to host a trail crew alongside the National Park Service Trail Crew. The primary focus of the project will be the restoration of Bullhead Trail, with additional projects in various park locations. This project is highly physically demanding, requiring participants to hike up to Mt. LeConte—an arduous level 5-mile trek each way with an elevation gain of approximately 3,000 feet—along with other tough hikes, all while carrying heavy loads of tools, equipment, and a day pack. Crew members will camp in close quarters in an open shelter atop Mt. LeConte, where they should expect limited service, resources, and amenities. 

The GRSM Trail Program Coordinator will lead the crew and oversee restoration efforts. Members will camp overnight in the field and complete service projects outdoors in all weather conditions, performing manual labor related to conservation and restoration. Potential tasks include, but are not limited to: 

• Trail construction and maintenance 

• Corridor clearing 

• Replacement of equestrian hitching posts 

• Repair or installation of water structures along trails 

• Signage installation and repainting blazes 

• Habitat restoration 

• Fence installation and repair 

• Community Service 

Crew Life:    

SECC crews consist of 4-6 crew members and 2 crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support to ensure the success of all participants. Food is provided while in the field, and crew members collaborate to plan meals and share chores, such as cooking and washing dishes. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if communicated in advance.  

Crew members must be prepared to camp, travel, complete service projects, and share meals as a team. No drug or alcohol consumption is allowed during service-related activities or travel at any time.   

Crew members will set goals at the start of the season and undergo performance evaluations at the midpoint and end of the term. Evaluations will assess professionalism, responsibility, leadership, communication, engagement, productivity, safety, and equipment use. Crew members will also provide feedback on their experience at the end of their term.  

    

Hitch Schedule:     

This position follows a variable “hitch” schedule, generally consisting of 4 days on and 3 days off. Project days are 10-hour shifts with breaks. While SECC staff strive for consistency, flexibility is essential, as schedules, hours, and project locations may change based on project needs. Applicants should be prepared to camp during hitches throughout the season, with lodging provided on a case-by-case basis if necessary.    

Orientation and Training Schedule: 

• Member Training Week: 06/02/2025 - 06/06/2025 (Monday-Friday schedule, includes AmeriCorps training) Members will be expected to arrive at GRSM cache location Monday morning and group camp for the week. 

• First Hitch: Monday 06/09/2025 - Thursday 06/12/2025 (crews will continue to operate on a Monday-Thursday schedule for the entirety of their term, and housing will not be provided from Thursday-Sunday nights) 

Expectations for AmeriCorps Members 

Evaluation and Reporting: 

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated based on completed hours, assignment satisfaction, and meeting performance criteria set at the beginning of the term. Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking. 

  

Compensation:       
AmeriCorps members will receive an AmeriCorps living stipend of $450/week, plus an additional benefit of $200/week ($650/week total, pre-tax), dispersed biweekly. Upon successful completion of the term of service AmeriCorps members will earn an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award, which can be used for student loans, qualifying programs/classes, or tuition for traditional Title IV accredited colleges.   

     

Time Requirements: 

This position runs from late May to September, with schedules subject to change. A half-hour lunch break is not counted toward AmeriCorps service hours. AmeriCorps members may be required to participate in national, state, or local service events. 

Note: Stated are required by AmeriCorps.  

Participant Behavior Expectations:    

Expectations for SECC Corpsmembers:    

• Teamwork & Responsibilities: serve effectively as part of a team by assisting with meal preparation, camp chores, and group discussions on corps-related topics.   

• Professionalism & Conduct: be punctual, hardworking, flexible, and complete all assigned tasks. Always represent SECC and AmeriCorps in a professional manner when interacting with the public and project partners. 

• Positive Environment: contribute to a positive and safe environment, free from harassment. Demonstrate teamwork and respect for fellow members, partners, the public, and the land. 

• Physical Readiness: be prepared for strenuous physical labor in both frontcountry and remote backcountry locations, in all-weather conditions.  

• Personal Gear & Housing: Provide your own personal outdoor gear (e.g., tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots) while SECC provides group camping equipment, tools, protective gear, and transportation between the SECC office and project sites. You are responsible for securing and paying for housing when not in the field. 

• Corps Values: strive for an experience grounded in the corps values of challenge, stewardship, dedication, community, and integrity. 

  

Required Skills:    

Physical Requirements: 

Conservation Legacy is committed to fully including all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities to perform essential functions. Some positions may require occasional overnight travel, non-traditional hours, the ability to navigate varied terrain, and the use of program-specific tools and technology. These positions may also involve exerting up to 25 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. In some cases, the ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may be required. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please contact the hiring manager. 

General 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   

• Pass background checks: all offers of positions are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and Federal and/or State criminal background check   

• Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (individuals are eligible if they have not already completed 2 full years of AmeriCorps service, or 4 AmeriCorps service terms, whichever comes first – please contact us if you are unsure of your eligibility)  

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission  

• Physically fit and able to perform long days in adverse conditions 

• Leadership experience with youth or young adults  

• Excellent organizational & communication skills  

• Must be able to demonstrate strong project management skills  

• Strong time-management skills and ability to collaborate independently as well as with others 

• Ability to effectively and efficiently manage all aspects of crew life and production within a hitch schedule  

• Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to thrive in a fluid, changing environment 

• Willingness to learn and be a part of a dynamic community of peer leaders  

• Must be adaptive, patient and able to maintain a positive perspective throughout  

• Experience with backpacking, wilderness living and travel, and LNT principles  

• Must be 21+, OR have a clean driving record for 3+years (insurable by SECC) and a current driver’s license  

• Willingness to deploy on a Disaster Response  

   

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Rigging for trail project experience  

• 0-1 years’ experience with SECC, other conservation corps or youth corps  

• Background with experiential and/or environmental education  

• Current and relevant certification in Wilderness Medicine (WFA, WAFA, WFR) with CPR/AED  

• Leadership experience with youth or young adults  

• Eagerness to take part in various conservation-based projects 

• Technical trail construction and maintenance experience  

• Strong conflict resolution skills  

• Experience with Disaster Response  

• Relevant Bachelor’s Degree  

• Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference and promote leadership in others  

  

  

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements:  
Essential eligibility requirements for the program must be met. If you are unable to meet certain requirements, we may be able to assist you with some modification unless it alters the fundamental nature of the program, compromises the health and safety of participants or staff, or places an undue financial or administrative burden on the organization. These requirements are written the same for all positions and therefore may not apply directly to your position.  

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements    

Participation and Expedition Behavior   

• Frequently required to walk, hike, sit and talk or listen  

• Required to use hands to operate objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms  

• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds  

• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to focus  

• Required to drive an SECC vehicle  

• Must be able to speak, understand, read and write English  

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions  

• Ability to pass Conservation Legacy’s criminal history checks   

• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident and provide primary documentation to support this  

   

Required Skills:  

Leadership & Mentorship: 

• Manage, supervise, and lead the day-to-day details of project tasks  

• Implement skills training on project-site and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics  

• Promote individual corps member development and a healthy, supportive community  

• Must be willing to follow and enforce all SECC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent Southeast Conservation Corps. This includes creating a substance free environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program  

   

Project Management & Implementation: 

• Train and motivate a crew of young adults to complete conservation projects efficiently on public lands 

• Delegate project tasks & investment among co-leader and crew  

• Manage on-the-ground quality and quantity of service project 

• Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems  

• Communicate effectively & coordinate logistics with project partners, co-leader, & SECC staff  

    

Safety & Risk Management:  

• Monitor, manage, and promote the crew’s physical and emotional safety on and off the project site  

• Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety  

• Transport crew and equipment safely in SECC’s vans or large vehicles with trailers  

   

Administration: 

• As delegated by Staff Crew Leader, complete professional documentation of time sheets, daily and weekly project reports, corps member and peer evaluations, incident reports, etc., and submit in a timely manner  

  

Safety and Judgment:  

• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. You must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds.  

• Effectively perceive, understand and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute appropriate and perhaps unfamiliar techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during exposure to the hazard  

• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions  

• Perceive and comprehend significant and apparent hazards, including those hazards previously identified by others  

• Respond appropriately to stress or crises  

• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others  

• Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety  

   

Environmental Ethics:  

• Learn, practice, and teach ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques  

   

Outdoor Skills and Fitness (where appropriate):  

• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living/travel and work skills as appropriate to the project. Additionally, remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed so as to remain generally healthy and safe, avoiding environmental injuries  

• Live in a physically demanding, possibly remote environment for an uninterrupted period of up to several weeks. Conditions of this environment may vary significantly and may include severe and/or trying weather. The remoteness is such that it may require at a minimum one hour, but perhaps in excess of 12 hours, to reach the nearest advanced medical care  

   Substance Free:  

• Alcohol and drugs are prohibited during AmeriCorps and program activities, and on organization property, in accordance with a drug free environment.